A successful 2024 and ambitious goals for 2025!
It was a productive year! With a strong focus on reliable data and successful data exchange, we made significant strides in 2024. Our journey toward a circular economy also gained significant momentum. But this is just the beginning... Our plans for 2025 are more ambitious than ever! Together, we will continue to build on better data quality, increased sustainability, and greater efficiency in the supply chain.
The first steps of the next generation barcode
Have you already seen them? In 2024, the first next generation barcodes were introduced to the Belgian market. Brands such as Filliers and CéDé have fully embraced these dynamic barcodes. And the good news? More and more brands are following suit!
The next generation barcodes are more than just a technical innovation; they open the door to a world of transparency. From producer to consumer, every player in the value chain can access relevant product information with a simple scan.
Want to try it out? You can easily create digital links via My Product Manager.
Together, we strive for 100% data quality
Consumers have increasingly high expectations and seek to make informed choices. Therefore, reliable and accessible product information is essential.
In 2024, we saw a big growth in the use of My Product Manager Share, with more and more retailers and producers joining (more than 650). My Data Capture also proved its worth; with the support of AI, we helped over 100 companies accurately register product data via My Product Manager. Our ambition? To achieve 100% data quality!
In 2025, we will continue to focus on data quality! We aim for 100% qualitative data in My Product Manager with the launch of a new data quality program.
Additionally, My Coupon Manager will take centre stage. We are launching a new project to increase data quality in My Coupon Manager to at least 75%. With this progress, we may enable the first mobile coupons in 2025.
Sustainability, regulations, and circularity
In the context of the Green Deal, the European Union has introduced various new regulations. The goal? To be climate-neutral by 2050. To support you in the transition to a circular economy, we are closely monitoring these regulations. Therefore, in 2024, working groups were established regarding EUDR, PPWR, and DPP at the European and global levels.
A significant milestone in 2024 is the collaboration agreement between GS1 Belgilux and Fost Plus. This collaboration will make it easier for companies to share data about their products and packaging. And that's necessary! Because this data plays a crucial role in the further transition to a circular economy.
We are still on the path to this circular economy. And we will continue to support you in this journey! As such, we are organising our GS1 Belgilux Forum on March 20, 2025, with the central theme: Redefining Business for a Sustainable Tomorrow. Be sure to register!
We are stronger together
2024 brought the sector closer together. With the establishment of a steering group for FMCG & Foodservice, we actively involve companies in new developments.
In 2025, we also want to connect companies through our new GS1 Partner Portal. This platform connects your company with solution partners who help you comply with regulations while increasing the efficiency of your processes.
Last but not least, we will also continue to guide you through the upcoming obligation to use B2B e-invoicing in Belgium, through periodic info sessions. So be sure to keep an eye on our training sessions!
GS1 continues to support you. Because only by working together can we achieve our goals.
