Brand implications and timelines
2025 The accessibility spike
Accessibility becomes non-negotiable.
- The European Accessibility Act, AODA (Canada), strengthened UK obligations, and new US ADA rules all converge.
- Every QR or digital experience linked from pack must meet WCAG 2.1/2.2 AA and offer alternative formats.
For brands, this is the moment to embed Accessible QR (AQR) and inclusive design at scale — not as compliance, but as an experience advantage.
2026-2028 The connected product spike
The compliance engine shifts to data and products.
- The EU PPWR, Digital Product Passport (ESPR), and GS1 Sunrise 2027 converge to make 2D codes the global standard.
- Retailers will actually scan them; regulators will expect structured data; consumers will demand transparency.
Brands must unify under one intelligent code — GS1 Digital Link-ready and connected to trusted product data — or risk fragmented, costly rework.
2027 The pivotal year
Sunrise 2027 is the global milestone.
- It’s the perfect anchor to synchronise roll-outs that deliver EAA, DPP, and PPWR-compliant packaging into retail systems and consumer touchpoints.
A clear opportunity to plan globally, execute locally, and align marketing, data, and sustainability around one digital identity.
2028-2030 The long tail
Compliance deepens.
- EAA transitional clauses, extended PPWR measures and later ESPR/DPP waves stretch into 2030.
The brands that invested early will now harvest ROI — updating data once and scaling it everywhere, turning compliance infrastructure into long-term value.
Not sure where to start?
CEC can help you:
- Assess: Rapid gap analysis against EAA, GS1 Sunrise 2027, ESPR/DPP, and PPWR.
- Prioritise: Build a sequenced roadmap by risk, cost, and value.
- Execute: End-to-end delivery—codes, content, compliance, and dashboards.
Sign up to our newsletter
Turn compliance into growth with our Product and Accessibility Legislature.