How to Put Barcodes on Existing Packaging

If your product already has packaging, how do you add a barcode to it? Over-label!

Flashback to the Birth of Retail Barcodes

"Something was on the horizon in 1973 that would revolutionize the grocery shopping experience."

The Raleigh News & Observer has a look back to the 1970s, when barcodes on retail products were still just a twinkle in IBM's eye.



~ The News & Observer

New York Times Notes UPC Barcode's 35th Birthday

The Times takes an interesting look at the UPC code, grandaddy of all modern barcodes. Thanks again, George Laurer!

Bar Codes & beer. Together at last...

What can I say...

Barcodes That May Just Prevent Vomiting (and Death)

Two University of Rhode Island researchers and a company called SIRA Technologies have teamed up to create temperature-sensitive barcode ink.

The fancy "proprietary thermochromic printing ink, printed in a non-scannable color..emerges to a scannable, deep magenta when activated. It is therefore capable of adding a temperature and shelf-life monitor to any other barcode thus preventing the sale of contaminated food and archiving the incident."

In English, this means that your grocer can't try to kill you/make a buck with expired products because the barcodes will change color and become unscannable. Man, barcodes really might save the world.

Charming Dutch Treehuggers Mangle English, Utilize Barcode

You may not be aware of this, but our daily shoppings contribute to the worldwide disappearance of our ancient forests. If you don't want this, let your government know by sending the text message 'FORESTFREE" to 4411.

From Greenpeace Netherlands

Am I the only one who notices these things?

Little Audrey turned 4, had a party, and found this horrible barcode on one of her presents. The shame, and in front of all her little friends no less. What parent would knowingly foist this off on an unsuspecting pre-schooler? Why??