Aqualine first to use GS1 New...

It’s always nice being first - first to cross the finish line, or first to answer that tricky quiz question. For Steven Irvine, Product Manager at Aqualine, he was first to download a GS1 QR Code from the new barcode generator in the MyGS1 member portal.

The GS1 QR code generator launched in December 2025. MyGS1 users now have the option of downloading a linear barcode or a combined GS1 QR code and linear barcode, recommended for use until all retailers are able to scan GS1 QR codes.

Steven, a self-confessed ‘tech head’ had been following GS1 QR code developments for a while and could see the benefits for Aqualine products. “I was excited to have a look at what was going to be the future. It was extremely easy, click a few buttons, and I got an output I can use instantly,” says Steven.

Aqualine is a supplier to the plumbing and building industry, servicing over 600 plumbing and building merchants across New Zealand. They supply products across four major categories: ‘Piping Systems’, ‘Plumbing & Gas’, ‘Storm & Waste’, and ‘Consumbles. Everyday’.

From PVC Pipe Glue and traps, to Cylinder Restraint Kits & Stud and Joist Brackets, some of these products can be really small, with packaging equally as small. “I’m looking forward to saving space on our packaging. We’ve already been using regular QR codes on packaging to link to installation instructions and product pages. I’m excited to implement GS1 QR codes on more products,” says Steven.

GS1 QR codes differ from the QR codes Steven has been using. Aqualine’s first GS1 QR code is encoded with the product’s GS1 barcode number (Global Trade Item Number), allowing it to go ‘beep’ at GS1 QR code enabled points-of-sale, and a weblink allowing consumers to scan with their smartphone to see the product page. In the future, Aqualine will be able to have one GS1 QR code on their packaging that can do both functions.

Working with retailers and product manufacturers, GS1 NZ is aiming for all retail point-of-sale systems in New Zealand to scan GS1 QR codes by the end of 2027, something Steven is eagerly awaiting. “I’m definitely looking forward to industry moving in this direction. GS1 QR codes hold a lot of value.”

Want to try out the GS1 QR code generator for yourself?

Downloading your own GS1 QR code is easy! Login to the MyGS1 member portal or sign up to license barcodes, assign a barcode number to your product in MyGS1, choose the GS1 QR code option to generate your barcode graphic, and you’re ready to go!