How AIS Ltd Supports Industry Transition. The regulatory landscape governing packaging, labelling, and product traceability is undergoing a major transformation.
Initiatives such as GS1 Sunrise 2027, the EU Packaging & Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), the Digital Product Passport (DPP), and the revised Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) regulation are redefining compliance requirements across manufacturing and supply chains.
For industrial and manufacturing organisations, these changes demand not only process adaptation but also system-level integration to ensure traceability, data integrity, and regulatory conformity.
At AIS Ltd, we provide the technology and expertise required to help manufacturers meet evolving standards with confidence - combining automated labelling, smart coding & marking, and advanced vision inspection to deliver end-to-end compliance and operational reliability.
Understanding the Regulatory Drivers
The current wave of regulation is aimed at improving sustainability, transparency, and digital traceability. Each initiative brings specific technical and operational challenges:
GS1 Sunrise 2027:
The move from linear barcodes to 2D Data Matrix and QR codes marks a fundamental change in product identification. GS1-compliant 2D codes enable real-time data exchange, dynamic product information, and enhanced supply chain traceability. Manufacturers must begin planning now for equipment upgrades, print quality verification, and data management infrastructure to support this transition.
EU PPWR (Packaging & Packaging Waste Regulation):
This regulation introduces mandatory recyclability standards, harmonised labelling, and digital product identifiers to improve material traceability and reduce environmental impact. It also establishes strict limits on substances such as PFAS and heavy metals. Early compliance planning is critical as enforcement begins from the end of 2025, with further requirements coming into effect through 2040.
Digital Product Passport (DPP):
The DPP initiative requires manufacturers to assign a digital identity to every product, storing information such as material composition, environmental impact, and repairability. These digital records will be accessible through a 2D code, linking physical packaging to verified digital data repositories.
CLP (Classification, Labelling and Packaging):
Updated CLP rules impose new classification criteria and labelling obligations for hazardous substances and mixtures. Accurate labelling and vision-based inspection are essential to ensure ongoing conformity and worker safety.
Technical Solutions to Ensure Compliance
AIS Ltd offers a comprehensive portfolio of automation technologies designed to support compliance with current and emerging regulations. Our solutions enable manufacturers to integrate regulatory requirements directly into production and packaging lines without compromising throughput or quality.
Our core capabilities include:
✅ Automated Labelling Systems: High-speed, precision labelling equipment capable of applying GS1-compliant codes and regulatory markings with full line integration.
✅ Vision Inspection and Verification: Machine vision technology for label presence, position, and content validation, including optical character verification (OCV) and print quality inspection for 1D/2D codes.
✅ QR and Data Matrix Integration: Support for GS1 Digital Link, enabling the encoding of rich product data within compact, scannable symbols. Our systems ensure compliance with print quality standards such as ISO/IEC 15415 and 15416.
✅ Data Traceability and Connectivity: Solutions for linking product identifiers to MES/ERP systems, enabling end-to-end traceability and compliance reporting.
Preparing for PPWR 2025/40
The PPWR will have a direct impact on packaging specifications, labelling practices, and product data management. AIS Ltd works with customers to evaluate existing processes, identify compliance gaps, and implement scalable automation systems that align with EU timelines.
Partnering with AIS Ltd
With extensive experience in industrial coding and marking, labelling and machine vision, AIS Ltd is uniquely positioned to help manufacturers adapt to regulatory change. Our engineers design, supply, and support fully integrated solutions that align with your compliance strategy, from marking and labelling hardware to software-driven traceability and data verification systems.
To discuss how AIS can support your compliance roadmap, contact us today to arrange a visit from one of our Account Managers.