Domino Printing Sciences highlights 2D codes as pharma packaging’s next data driver

Domino Printing Sciences will showcase 2D codes on pharmaceutical packaging at Pharmapack Europe 2026 in Paris, France (January 21–22), positioning them as a strategic tool beyond regulatory compliance.

The 2D codes are said to support clear supply chain visibility, accurate data capture, and efficient pharmaceutical packaging operations.

Bart Vansteenkiste, global key account manager for life sciences at Domino, tells Packaging Insights: “At Domino, we believe 2D codes are an opportunity for manufacturers to move well beyond baseline compliance.”

“While regulations such as the Falsified Medicines Directive from the EU and the Drug Supply Chain Security Act from the US have laid the groundwork by mandating serialization, the real value comes when manufacturers use 2D codes as strategic, data-driven tools.”

“A single 2D scan can now verify authenticity, flag duplicates, support automated expiry checks, connect patients with real-time information, and provide valuable operational data that helps manufacturers optimize their processes and supply chains. This turns packaging from a passive requirement into an active enabler of digital transformation and patient safety.”

Unlocking additional value

Domino has pointed out that the industry is transitioning from 1D to 2D barcodes across multiple sectors. The technology company highlights that now is the “ideal moment for pharmaceutical businesses to reassess their coding strategies and unlock value from existing infrastructure.”

Bart Vansteenkiste, global key account manager for life sciences at Domino.“There are several practical steps companies can take right now. Firstly, embracing digital printing technologies allows manufacturers to streamline packaging operations,” shares Vansteenkiste.

“Many businesses still rely heavily on pre-printed packaging components, which often leads to excessive stockholding, obsolescence, and unnecessary waste. By moving to inline variable data digital printing, manufacturers reduce inventory complexity and react faster to changes such as updated artwork, new languages, or market-specific requirements.”

Vansteenkiste notes that 2D codes present a powerful sustainability lever.

“By linking codes directly to electronic patient information leaflets, manufacturers can cut paper usage and ensure patients always access the most up-to-date guidance, and in a language/format they can easily digest — multilingual, or visually enhanced. It’s a more environmentally responsible and patient-centric approach.”

“Furthermore, investing in robust data capture — through inline vision systems, cloud connectivity, and integrated automation — allows companies to extract meaningful intelligence from every code they print. This might include monitoring uptime, predicting maintenance needs, improving line efficiency, or identifying trends that help reduce waste and operational costs,” he adds.

“Finally, now is the right moment for companies to review material and substrate choices. Even the best printing technology cannot perform consistently without compatible surfaces and coatings. Understanding substrate behavior early prevents costly inconsistencies or compliance risks later down the line.”

Reshaping the pharmaceutical industry

Vansteenkiste says the shift to 2D codes is expected to transform pharmaceutical packaging over the next decade.

“We anticipate greater automation across the supply chain, with 2D codes enabling real-time verification from the moment a product is packed to the moment it reaches a patient. In clinical environments, 2D codes will underpin safer medication administration — supporting dose level identification, reducing the likelihood of errors, and enabling closed loop systems.”Vansteenkiste says pharma companies can start benefiting from 2D codes without waiting. 

“The transition will also accelerate sustainable, right-sized packaging, as relying less on printed inserts opens the door to more flexible and environmentally efficient pack formats.”

He elaborates that on-pack codes allow packaging to increasingly serve as a digital gateway, linking patients to personalized resources, up-to-date safety information, adherence tools, and multilingual support.

“Operational AI will further enhance these capabilities. From advanced print quality verification to anticounterfeit checks and predictive maintenance, AI-assisted coding is already emerging and will only grow stronger. Ultimately, packaging will become a critical part of the wider healthcare data landscape,” Vansteenkiste concludes.