Blockchain Applications in Retail Supply Chains: Loyalty, Returns, and Provenance

Retailers are gearing up to refresh their product identities and tighten up their supply-chain data as they prepare for the compliance changes rolling in between 2026 and 2028. They're also trying to deal with the actual losses that come from returns and fakes. In this deep dive, we’re going to chat about how decision-makers can really take advantage of blockchain technology when paired with GS1 2D barcodes and EPCIS 2. Sounds intriguing, right? Let's get into it! You’ve got the chance to take things up a notch with some awesome tools like zero-knowledge proofs and verifiable credentials. This can seriously amp up customer loyalty, cut down on returns, and improve the authenticity of your products--so why wait? Let’s get started!

Why this matters in 2025-2028

So, here's the scoop: the enforcement of FSMA 204, which is all about food traceability, has been pushed back a bit. It’s now set to kick in on July 20, 2028, thanks to a generous 30-month extension from the FDA. So, even though the timeline for enforcement has changed a bit, the requirements are still the same. If you're looking for more info, check out this link: here. It should have everything you need!

As we look toward Sunrise 2027, it’s exciting to think that by the end of that year, point-of-sale systems all over the world will be ready to read both 2D barcodes and UPCs. GS1 has already kicked off pilots in 48 countries, which is really impressive--it covers about 88% of the world’s GDP! Check it out here. Hey there! So, guess what? The EU's got its Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (or ESPR for short) up and running since July 18, 2024. And they've just rolled out their game plan for 2025 to 2030--exciting stuff ahead! Hey, keep your eyes peeled for Digital Product Passports (DPPs)! They’re set to make their debut across different sectors between 2026 and 2029. Exciting stuff ahead! If you're looking for more details, you can check it out here. Hey there! Just a heads up that the EU Battery Regulation is kicking off its digital battery passport requirement on February 18, 2027. This digital passport is going to include QR codes that link to detailed info on both the models and specific items. Volvo is really ahead of the curve! They kicked things off early with the EX90 and are estimating it’ll run around $10 per vehicle. Pretty impressive, right? More details here. So, it looks like the rollout of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) has been delayed a bit. Now, it's set to kick off on December 30, 2025. It looks like there might be another political agreement coming up in December 2025 that could push the deadline back to December 30, 2026, but that all depends on whether it gets formally approved. We're going to dive into how we can track where products like coffee, cocoa, and rubber come from and their geolocation data. It's all about knowing the story behind what we consume! If you want to dive deeper into the topic, just click here for more details!

Basically, this means that if we want to stay competitive, we really need to step up our game when it comes to defining our product identity and sharing data between companies. It's just not optional anymore! Think of blockchain as the reliable backbone that keeps everything honest and transparent. It acts like a shared ledger for things like unique identities, event records, and credentials that usually live outside the blockchain but still follow common standards. So, it’s really great for making sure everything is secure and trustworthy!

Executive blueprint: where blockchain fits

Who you are and how your data is stored. Don't forget to slap a GS1 2D code--like those QR codes or DataMatrix ones--right on your packaging! It's super handy. We're looking to achieve dual-marking by 2027. (gs1.org).
Capturing and Sharing Events.
Let's go ahead with GS1 EPCIS 2. You'll be using JSON/JSON-LD and REST to spill all the important details about the events--including the what, when, where, why, and how--so you can keep your trading partners in the loop. Hey, don’t forget to throw in that sensor data and any certifications you’ve got for good measure! You can check out more about it over at gs1.org.
Proofs for products and transactions that you can trust.
Begin rolling out W3C Verifiable Credentials (VC 2.0).

Think of it as a way to keep track of stuff like your purchase receipts, proof of where things come from, and claims about how eco-friendly they are. You can totally check these out with selective disclosure to keep everything nice and secure. (w3.org).

Integrity anchor Hey there! Don’t forget to jot down those cryptographic hashes--sometimes called anchors--of your EPCIS event batches and VC registries. You’ll want to upload them to the consortium ledger. It's a good idea to keep everything organized! You might want to check out something like Hyperledger Fabric with Private Data Collections. It’s pretty cool, or you could also consider a confidential managed ledger if that suits your needs better. Just a heads up--make sure to only put the essential metadata on the blockchain. (hyperledger-fabric.readthedocs.io).

Alright, let’s jump into three really important areas that play a big role in both boosting revenue and handling risks.

1) Loyalty that customers actually use (and compliance will support)

Tokenized, portable loyalty is moving beyond just the buzz around NFTs and is evolving into something really useful that’s being integrated into the main programs.

So, back in 2025, Lufthansa Miles & More’s Uptrip, you know, the one with those awesome Polygon-based collectibles, changed things up a bit. It moved from the Lufthansa Innovation Hub over to Miles & More GmbH. Pretty interesting shift, right? They’re starting to introduce monthly collections and are also working on integrating things at the program level. By the middle of 2025, they’ve really made some amazing strides, attracting around 192,000 users and counting! Plus, they've got more than 2... 5 million cards issued. Hey, take a look at this link: (linkedin.com). You won’t want to miss it!

Starting in July 2025, Uptrip has officially made the switch to Miles & More for its terms. This covers the reactivation windows for accounts and ongoing support for on-chain transfers. It might seem like a minor detail, but it's actually a pretty big deal when it comes to enterprise governance! If you want to dive deeper into the details, check it out here: support.uptrip.app.

So, here's the deal: not everything sticks around during the pilot phase. Starbucks decided to shut down Odyssey (thanks, Polygon, for the heads up) either in March 2024 or 2025. They ended up moving their stamps over to Nifty Gateway instead.
This really shows that they're changing gears and putting more emphasis on learning instead of just going after NFTs for the sake of it. So, here’s the gist: just make sure that the perks of Web3 really tie back to your main program and help boost your brand. For more details, check it out here: (theblock.co).

In the meantime, Adidas is really keeping the momentum going with their cool token-gated perks through ALTS, those dynamic NFTs. Plus, they're offering app-based verification with Tokenproof. Pretty neat, right? This really shows how tokenized access can smoothly integrate into everyday platforms instead of just hanging out in niche circles. Hey, if you want to dive deeper into this, take a look here: nftevening.com. It's got a lot more info for you!

Best Emerging Practices We Implement:

1. Agile Methodology

Switching to agile practices has really transformed the way we work. When we break our projects into smaller, bite-sized pieces, it really helps us stay flexible and able to adapt. It's really all about working together and constantly finding ways to get better, which keeps our team motivated and on top of our game.

2. Remote Work Flexibility

With remote work becoming more popular, we've started to adopt a hybrid model. This way, our team can find a work-life balance that feels right for them, which really helps keep spirits high and productivity flowing. Plus, we get to access a wider range of talent!

3. Regular Feedback Loops

We really think feedback is super important. We make it a point to have regular check-ins and peer reviews. This way, we create a space where everyone feels at ease sharing their thoughts and suggestions. It really helps keep our projects moving forward while also pushing us to grow.

4. Data-Driven Decision Making

It's super important to make decisions backed by reliable data. We use analytics to steer our strategies and keep track of how we're doing. This really helps us make smart decisions and stay flexible when any challenges pop up.

5. Continuous Learning and Development

We really believe in growth! That's why we’re all about giving our team chances to keep learning--whether it’s through workshops or online courses. It’s a great way for everyone to stay in the loop with the newest trends and skills in the industry. It's a total win-win for everyone involved--both for the people and for our organization!

6. Sustainable Practices

These days, making sustainability a part of our business model is absolutely crucial. We're really focused on doing our part for the planet. We're all about adopting eco-friendly practices and making sure our team is aware of how they can help, too! Let’s focus on creating a brighter future together!

7. Inclusive Leadership

Diversity makes us stronger. When we focus on inclusive leadership, we make sure that everyone's viewpoints are acknowledged and appreciated. This way of doing things not only improves how the team works together but also sparks fresh ideas and innovation.

8. Customer-Centric Focus

Getting to know our customers really makes all the difference. We really strive to prioritize what our customers need. We take their feedback seriously and use it to influence how we develop our products and services. When we build solid relationships with our clients, it really boosts trust and loyalty. It’s all about connecting on a personal level, and that makes a big difference!

9. Embracing Technology

Technology is always changing, and so are we! We're always on the lookout for new tools and platforms that can help us work more smoothly, connect better, and spark some creativity. Keeping up with the latest tech trends helps us stay in the game.

10. Mental Health Awareness

Looking after our team's mental health is super important to us. When we focus on wellness initiatives and foster open conversations about mental health, we’re really helping to create a supportive space where everyone can flourish.

Let’s keep pushing the boundaries and see where these practices lead us!

Focus on real value, not just the latest buzz: Rather than getting caught up in fleeting trends, prioritize creating verifiable credentials for important stuff like tier statuses, warranties, or any benefits you've earned. Honestly, NFTs are most useful when you actually need to transfer them or if there's some kind of secondary market that adds value. With VC 2. You can definitely share information in a way that keeps your personal details safe. Just be careful not to include any identifying info that could give away who you are! (w3.org).
Link loyalty to your favorite products: When you scan a GS1 Digital Link code, it’s like unlocking a treasure chest of info about the product’s journey. Plus, you can also rack up loyalty rewards! Imagine getting a little bonus just for scanning when you return, recycle, or sell back an item. How cool is that? The brand’s resolver takes charge of all the dynamic content on this page. (gs1.org).
Keep the blockchain light: Instead of cramming everything onto the chain, try storing balances and the business logic off-chain. It’ll make things run smoother! Just connect those important state transitions, you know, the hashes, to a more affordable chain or a private ledger. This makes it easier to avoid any annoying custodial issues and regulatory headaches. (techcommunity.microsoft.com).

2) Returns that reduce fraud and cost

In the U.S. Retail returns can really take a toll on resources, but they also present a great chance to explore some cool blockchain solutions.

The size of the issue: For 2024, experts are anticipating returns to skyrocket to an eye-popping $890 billion, and then in 2025, we’re projecting it to be about $850 billion. A big part of that--about 15%--is related to fraudulent or abusive returns, which adds up to around $103 billion for 2024. Wow, the rates for online returns are really surprising! They're sitting at about 19-25%, which is quite a bit higher than what we see with in-store returns. It's definitely something to think about! (nrf.com).

What’s Working Right Now:

Here's a quick overview of what's really working well right now:

Effective Strategies:

Content Marketing
Absolutely, great content is still the name of the game! Whether it's captivating blogs, entertaining videos, or eye-catching infographics, these pieces are what really draw in the crowd and keep everyone coming back for more.
Social Media Engagement
Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter are really buzzing right now. Engaging with your followers regularly can really help boost your brand's visibility and build trust. It’s all about creating those connections!
Email Campaigns
You really shouldn’t overlook just how impactful a thoughtfully written email can be. Sending out personalized newsletters and tailored promotions can really pay off! You’ll be amazed at the results you can achieve.
SEO Optimization
It’s super important to keep your website optimized with the right keywords. Make sure you’ve got some tools in your toolkit to help you keep up with the latest search trends.

Tools to Consider:

Canva
It's a great tool for whipping up stunning graphics, and you don't even need a design degree to use it!
Hootsuite
It's like having a magic tool for scheduling your social media posts and keeping an eye on how they're doing, all in one convenient spot!
Mailchimp
A super user-friendly platform to take care of all your email marketing needs!

Key Trends:

Video Content
Short clips are taking over the scene, especially thanks to TikTok! Why not try grabbing viewers' attention by using short clips from longer videos?
Voice Search
These days, more and more folks are hopping on the voice-activated device bandwagon. Keep your content in tune with this trending wave.
Sustainability Focus
More and more shoppers are really gravitating toward brands that are eco-friendly. Make sure to showcase your sustainable practices whenever you get the chance!

Resources:

If you're looking for some deeper insights and the latest updates, be sure to check out these links!

HubSpot's Marketing Blog Check out Neil Patel’s SEO Insights over at his blog. He's got some great tips and tricks that can really help you boost your search engine game. Trust me, it’s worth a read!
Content Marketing Institute

Stay on top of your game by adjusting your strategy according to what’s actually working at the moment!

A genuine feel at every return.
Why not spice things up by adding some unique serial numbers, like those GS1 Application Identifiers, into a 2D code or RFID? You can link them to the item’s on-chain fingerprint that’s generated during fulfillment. It’s a smart way to keep everything connected! When people go up to the POS or returns kiosks, they’ll check to make sure that the serial number was actually sold and hasn’t been returned already. This really helps reduce those annoying “box-of-rocks” returns, prevent counterfeit swaps, and avoid any awkward wardrobe malfunctions. (gs1.org).
You can return stuff without a receipt, but you'll need to show proof of purchase. Whenever someone buys something, go ahead and give them a W3C verifiable credential, or you could just add it to their customer account. When you come back to check your wallet, you'll see a cool privacy-friendly note that says something like, "I bought this serial on date X." It keeps your personal info safe without spilling all the details about the other transactions. (w3.org).
Returns decision-making combined with EPCIS.
Let's explore EPCIS 2 together! Before automatically issuing a refund, it’s a good idea to look into the product's condition signals, like whether there’s been a breach in the cold chain temperature. Also, if you could send over any high-risk SKUs, that would be great for a quick manual check. Thanks! (gs1.org).
Stopping Counterfeits with Serialization in Marketplaces. Amazon's Transparency program really highlights how effective it can be to tackle counterfeit goods and manage returns in a big way. We're talking about over 2 million items that have benefited from this initiative! How cool is that? We've got 5 billion units verified and around 88,000 brands on board for 2024-2025. That's pretty exciting! You can totally connect your own serials and get them verified in the marketplace!
(aboutamazon.com).

Quick-start Architecture for Returns

When you're putting together your returns process, it's really important to create a system that's both efficient and easy for your customers to use. Alright, here's a quick and easy guide to help you kick things off!

Key Components

Returns Management System (RMS): This is your go-to spot for managing all those return requests. This should really make things easier for both you and your customers!
Customer Service Interface: We’ve got a super friendly interface that makes it a breeze for customers to kick off their returns.
Warehouse Management: It's super important for your warehouse crew to be on top of handling returns efficiently and with precision. Make sure they’re well-trained and ready to tackle any returns that come their way!

Steps to Set Up Your Returns Process

1. Define Your Return Policy: Make sure it’s simple and easy to understand. This way, your customers will know exactly what to expect when they shop with you! Just drop a link to the policy right on your website.

2. Integrate Your RMS: Pick a system that fits in smoothly with what you’re already using. Popular options include:.

Returnly
Happy Returns
Easyship

3. Get Your Team on the Same Page: It's super important that everyone understands how everything flows, whether they're in customer service or working in the warehouse. Make sure the whole crew is in the loop! It’s all about teamwork.

4. Keep an Eye on Things: Stay on top of those return trends. Make sure to keep using that data to keep improving your processes over time.

Example Workflow

Here's a straightforward workflow you could set up:

1. A customer reaches out to request a return through our customer service portal. 2. RMS takes care of your request and whips up a return label for you. 3. So, the customer grabs the label and ships the item back. 4. Once the warehouse gets your item back, they'll check it out and handle everything based on your return policy. 5. You’ll get a refund or an exchange issued to you.

Tools to Consider

RMSs: Check out Returnly, Happy Returns, and Easyship. They're all solid options!
Shipping Partners: Team up with carriers that simplify the return process for everyone, such as USPS, UPS, or FedEx.

Final Thoughts

Getting your returns process set up doesn’t have to be a huge hassle. Make sure to really prioritize giving your customers a seamless experience, and you'll start reaping the rewards before you know it!

Alright, so when you're processing an order, make sure to figure out the item hash. You can do this by using the formula: H(serial + GTIN + lot + orderID). It's pretty straightforward! Next, go ahead and link this hash to the ledger, and make sure to keep all the detailed information stored off-chain. Hey, could you go ahead and send a VC receipt to the buyer's account? Thanks! If you’re returning an item, just scan the 2D code, and you’ll be all set! The POS system will check in with the wallet to get proof, and then the ledger will verify that everything’s good by saying it’s “valid & not previously returned.” ”. If you're dealing with stuff that falls into those high-risk categories, don't forget to check the RFID, if it's there. Also, take a look at the EPCIS history to see if anything seems off. It's a good way to keep things in check!

As we look forward to Sunrise 2027, it’s super important to have that 2D scanning ready to roll at the point of sale. Let’s make sure we’re all set to go! To get scanners working right, you’ve gotta set them up to read the GS1 Digital Link and handle inverse reflectance. This way, everything will run like a charm! For more details on this, you can head over to (gs1.org). It's a great resource!

3) Provenance you can defend to regulators and customers

Nowadays, you can actually track the history of products like food, fashion, electronics, and even batteries. It’s pretty cool how everything is shifting to allow us to see where our stuff comes from and how it's made.

GS1 EPCIS 2. 0 sets you up with a pretty solid framework that uses a standards-based event model--think JSON/LD and REST. This makes it super convenient to handle everything from recording to aggregating, transforming, and tracking sensor events. On top of that, you can easily link your certifications and sustainability claims directly to your data. Check it out here.

Hey, I've got some pretty exciting news about the DPP! So, the ESPR kicked off on July 18, 2024, and we’re also rolling with the Working Plan for 2025-2030. Things are really heating up! There are some cool pilot projects going on, like CIRPASS and CIRPASS-2, that are really showing off how item-level passports can work in different industries. They’re making waves in textiles, electronics, tyres, and even construction! Make sure to stay on the lookout for the initial product categories that will be launching in phases from 2026 to 2029. It’s going to be exciting to see how it all unfolds! Learn more here.

The Aura consortium is really making waves in the luxury sector right now! They’ve actually registered more than 70 million products, which is pretty impressive. They're not just following the DPP path; they’re also diving into issues like authenticity and the whole resale transfer thing. This really shows how shared product passports can help close the gap between big competitors. It’s a pretty cool idea! If you want to dive deeper into this topic, feel free to take a look at this article here. It’s got some really interesting insights!

So, here's the scoop on battery passports: the EU is rolling out a requirement for them when it comes to electric vehicles, light and medium trucks, and industrial batteries that are over 2kWh. Mark your calendars for February 18, 2027, because that’s when this kicks in! Volvo is really setting the pace by rolling out their EX90 ahead of the deadline. They've even added QR codes that make it super easy for both regulators and owners to get important info. Pretty neat, right? Discover more here.

In the food industry, they've decided to push back the deadline for enforcing FSMA 204.
But here’s the good news: if you take the time to align your KDE/CTE data with EPCIS and get those batch and lot attestations sorted out now, you’ll make things a lot easier later on. It’s a smart move that will help you avoid risks and speed up the whole compliance process down the line! If you want to dive deeper, you can check out more details here. It's got all the info you need!

Hey there! So, the EUDR, which is all about making sure products are deforestation-free, has had a few changes to its timeline. But the good news is that everyone’s on board to move things to December 30, 2026. Get ready for some pretty impressive geolocation tracking right down to the plot level for cocoa, coffee, and rubber supply chains! For all the juicy details, you can check it out here.

Hey, just a quick reminder about RFID! Walmart's new push for RFID across general merchandise really shows where things are going. We're definitely moving toward more serialized items and automated readings. It's an exciting shift! RFID and 2D codes are teaming up! They both help out with EPCIS and DPPs, making things run smoothly together. Take a look at this: (impinj.com). It's pretty interesting!

Implementation patterns we deploy (and why)

Standards-First Data Model

Identify items by using the GS1 GTIN along with the serial number (that's AI 21/91 for you), share them via GS1 Digital Link URIs, and keep track of events in EPCIS 2.

0. This method really helps keep things running smoothly between suppliers, third-party logistics providers, and marketplaces. (gs1.org).

2) Credentials at the Edge

Let's dive into W3C VC 2 and get things rolling! You’re all set to hand out certifications like origin, organic certification, warranties, and proof of purchase. These credentials are really easy to move around! You can transfer them between different wallets, and they'll still be there for you, even if you decide to switch systems. Pretty convenient, right? Take a look at it here: w3.org.

3) Minimal-on-chain

You might want to store hashes of things like event batches, credential status lists, and policy versions on a consortium blockchain, such as Hyperledger Fabric. You can use its Private Data Collections feature for added security. Alternatively, if you're looking for a confidential ledger solution, the Azure Confidential Ledger is a solid option too--it's currently priced at about $3 a day for each instance. With this approach, you get the benefit of tamper-evidence and a clear audit trail--all without risking any sensitive business information. If you're curious and want to dive deeper, you can find more info here. Happy exploring!

4) Resolver as a Product

Set up a Digital Link resolver that’s in line with GS1 standards. This way, it can guide scans based on who’s using it--whether it's consumers, regulators, or business partners. Oh, and guess what? You can update links without needing to reprint the packaging! How cool is that? Take a look here: (gs1.org).

5) Privacy and Performance

Hey there! Just a quick tip: it’s a good idea to keep Personally Identifiable Information (PII) off the blockchain. You can achieve this by tapping into private data collections and using APIs that only certain people can access. If you're dealing with sensitive information, Fabric PDCs and some of the newer methods, like private reads, are awesome ways to keep your data safe and sound. If you want to dive deeper into the topic, just click here for all the details!

Concrete use cases to launch in 90-180 days

Provenance and speedy recall (food): Alright, let’s go ahead and connect KDE/CTE with EPCIS 2.

Start by printing GS1 QR codes on your cases and pallets. Then, make sure to batch-anchor those EPCIS events every week. Oh, and don't forget to give those consumer scan pages a test run to see how they work!

KPI: We're going to keep an eye on how long it takes us to isolate a lot during mock recalls. We'll also look at the percentage of suppliers that are sending us EPCIS data, and we'll check in on how actively consumers are engaging with scanning. (gs1us.org).
Return-ready serialization (apparel/electronics):
Let’s shake things up a bit! How about we throw in a GS1 Digital Link code with every serial number? It would be awesome to send out VC receipts right after customers make a purchase, too. And let’s make returns super easy by using credential proof. What do you think? Oh, and let’s make sure to note any earlier return attempts right at the checkout.
KPI: We’ll keep an eye on how many fraudulent returns we get, how long it takes to make refund decisions, and what percentage of receiptless returns actually go through successfully. (w3.org).
DPP pilot (textiles or small electronics): Alright, let's kick off a detailed item-level DPP schema based on the CIRPASS-2 guidelines. We’ll have all the important info like material details, care instructions, repair tips, and even upcoming resale events. Plus, we’ll make it super easy to access this info with QR codes and APIs!
KPI: We'll keep an eye on how complete our required attributes are, see how well items are selling for resale, and gauge interest in repair options. (cirpassproject.eu).
Battery passport preparation (CE with battery packs): Alright, so we’ve got to put together that digital passport dataset and figure out how to set up a QR code access system. Let's set up some tests to see how regulators and consumers see things differently, so we're all set for that big change coming in February 2027. Hey there! So, when we talk about our Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), we're diving into a few important areas. First off, we want to check out how much data we've got covered--both at the model level and the item level. Next, we're keen on how quickly we can whip up proof for what we’re working on. Oh, and let’s not forget, we’ll make sure that regulators have easy access to all the info they need. Sound good? (eur-lex.europa.eu).

What good looks like (tech stack reference)

Data capture: We're exploring 2D printers and scanners that have GS1 2D certification and inverse reflectance. On top of that, we’re making full use of RFID wherever it’s needed. And hey, don’t overlook our mobile SDK that can read the GS1 Digital Link! If you want to dive deeper into that, you can find more info here.
Data layer: You can think of it like EPCIS 2. So, we’ve got this event broker and a data lake working together. We're rolling out Verifiable Credentials (VCs) soon! This will help us ensure Data Integrity, and we're also integrating those JOSE/COSE signatures for some extra verification.
And, of course, we’ve got those VC status lists ready to go in case we need to revoke anything. If you want to dive deeper into the details, you can check it out here. There’s a lot of interesting info waiting for you!
Ledger:
Permissioned: We're using Hyperledger Fabric, especially Private Data Collections, to manage the chain-of-custody and track the returns state.
Managed/TEE: So, Azure Confidential Ledger is a great option if you're looking for a cost-effective and tamper-proof solution to keep our anchoring and audit evidence secure. Check this out here.
Resolver + APIs: We're making good use of the GS1 Digital Link resolver and a content management system (CMS) for consumers. Plus, we have some regulator/API endpoints that offer role-based disclosure. If you want to dive deeper into this topic, check it out here!

Risk controls and governance to bake in

Make it a habit to minimize data collection and keep everything under wraps from the very start. It's best to steer clear of putting any personal info or confidential business secrets on a public blockchain. Just play it safe! Instead, go for Verifiable Credentials (VCs) whenever you need to share information in a more selective way. For more info, you can dive into the details here. Happy exploring!

When you're dealing with schema governance, don't forget to keep your EPCIS event vocabularies and DPP attribute sets organized by version. It's super important! It's really crucial to make sure your policies and audit trails are easy for machines to read. You can dive deeper into it by checking out this link.

To keep your business running smoothly, it’s super important to treat your off-chain storage as the go-to source for information. You can think of ledgers like layers that add to the trustworthiness of your data. Make sure to regularly check your anchors using hash replay, and stay on top of those export paths to keep everything in order. If you want to dive deeper into this topic, feel free to check it out here. There's a lot of great info waiting for you!

Measurable outcomes to target in year one

Returns
We've noticed a pretty impressive 15-30% decrease in fraudulent returns for our serialized SKUs. Plus, the best part? We can now make decisions about receiptless returns right at the checkout in less than 30 seconds! How cool is that? So, we're looking at all of this in relation to the fraud benchmarks established by Appriss and NRF. Take a look at this: (retaildive.com). It’s pretty interesting!
Provenance and compliance
Hey! Just a quick update - we’re rocking over 90% EPCIS coverage with our top suppliers, especially in those key categories we’ve been focusing on. Did you know that during mock recalls, we can pinpoint lots in under a minute? That’s pretty cool, don’t you think? If you're curious to dive deeper, check out more info at (gs1.org).
Loyalty and engagement
Check it out! Our scan-to-engage feature, which uses GS1 QR codes, is really making a difference. We’re seeing customer interaction shoot up by anywhere from 10 to 20%! How cool is that? Plus, we can keep an eye on benefits redemption using credentials, all while making sure your personal info stays safe and sound. Curious to learn more? Just click right here: (gs1.org).

What 7Block Labs recommends next

Prepping the Baseline Standards. Take a look at the GS1 2D readiness. This includes checking out stuff like dual-marking and POS parsing modes. Also, don't forget to assess how advanced your suppliers' EPCIS systems are.
Let’s go ahead and sketch out how the resolver operations work. (gs1.org).

2) Pick One High-Impact Pilot Per Domain

Alright, so here’s the plan: Let’s pick one pilot project for each area. First up, we need to tackle food provenance as we gear up for FSMA 204. Next, let’s choose a pilot focused on return-ready serialization, since we’re really trying to combat fraud here. And don’t forget, we also need to pick one from the DPP category. Let’s get this rolling! Let's aim to wrap up each of these pilots in about 12 to 16 weeks. Plus, we should ensure they’re all using the same setup, like EPCIS, VCs, resolver, and ledger. For more details, just click here. You’ll find everything you need!

3) Production-Grade Hardening

Hey there! So, it’s time to level up your supplier onboarding process. How about making it a bit more efficient by automating the way you issue credentials? Plus, it’s a great idea to establish a solid system for confidential anchoring. Don't forget to whip up some specific audit playbooks that cater to various regulations--think FSMA, ESPR/DPP, EUDR, and those battery standards. It’ll really help keep everything on track! If you're looking for more info, just click here to dive deeper into the details!

Proof that this is real--and working

Aura Blockchain Consortium: Can you believe it? They’ve registered over 70 million luxury products! This opens up some really cool opportunities for cross-brand collaborations, especially with the DPP just around the corner. Exciting times ahead! (voguebusiness.com).
Volvo EX90: There's definitely some excitement in the air as Volvo launches its battery passport, perfectly timed with the new EU regulations. Now, both owners and regulators can easily check out tailored QR views. (reuters.com).
Amazon Transparency: It's pretty amazing! Over 2... Can you believe it? We've verified 5 billion units for authenticity, and an impressive 88,000 brands are on board! They're really going all out with serialization on a large scale! (aboutamazon.com).
GS1 Sunrise 2027: We’ve got some pretty exciting stuff coming our way! 2D pilots are up and running in 48 countries, and that’s covering a whopping 88% of the world’s GDP. On top of that, they're already working on upgrading point-of-sale systems. How cool is that? (gs1.org).

The bottom line

If you can't identify an item, keep tabs on its lifecycle events, and back up your claims without sharing too much sensitive info, then you’re really going to struggle with the new regulations rolling out between 2026 and 2028. Plus, you might run into some serious headaches with returns and counterfeit issues. Want to crack the code to success? It's actually pretty simple: just blend GS1 2D with EPCIS 2. You're working with zero-knowledge proofs and off-chain venture capitalists, while also making sure to use a ledger just enough to keep everything private and secure. You might want to start small, focusing on something like returns or tracking where products come from. Once you have that foundation in place, you can build it out for loyalty programs. If you play your cards right, you should start seeing some returns on your investment within just a few quarters.

Sources and further reading

Hey there! Just wanted to share the latest scoop on FDA FSMA 204 compliance dates and some handy resources. Check it out here. Hey there! Buckle up for GS1 Sunrise 2027--it's going to be exciting! We’re diving into 2D at POS, plus we’ll cover everything you need to know about the GS1 Digital Link. Can't wait to share the details with you! Learn more here. Check out the latest on the ESPR/DPP timelines and get the scoop on what's happening with the CIRPASS-2 pilots! If you're looking for more details, just hop over here. You'll find everything you need! Hey there! So, just a heads up, the EU Battery Regulation is on the horizon. By 2027, we’ll be seeing that battery passport rolling out along with the Volvo EX90 passport. Exciting times ahead! Details are available here. Make sure to stay updated on the EUDR timeline changes happening from 2024 to 2026! If you're looking for more details, you can check out this link here. It’s got all the info you need! Hey, have you had a chance to look into EPCIS 2 yet? It's definitely worth checking out! You've got some awesome features for sharing events and some great resources from GS1 FSMA at your fingertips! If you want to dive into the details, you can check it out here. Happy reading! You're all set with info up to October 2023! So, let’s dive into the W3C Verifiable Credentials 2.0. This is a big deal in the world of digital identity. What it does is let you share things like your ID or certificates online in a way that’s secure and trustworthy. It's pretty cool because it puts you in control of your own info. Plus, it's backed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), which gives it a lot of credibility. Overall, this update makes it even easier to manage digital credentials while keeping everything safe and sound. 0 Recommendation** has dropped. Discover what’s new here. Hey there! If you’re interested in returns and fraud stats, you should definitely take a look at the insights from NRF, Appriss/Deloitte, and Retail Dive. You can find all that info right here. Happy exploring! Hey there! Just a heads up--Amazon’s rolled out some key updates regarding Transparency and brand protection reports. Check out all the details here! You’ll find some really interesting insights.

Don’t forget to check out what’s going on with the Lufthansa Uptrip program transition and all the latest activities! If you're looking for more details, you can check it out here.

Are you on the hunt for a solid 90-day plan that fits your categories, POS stack, and suppliers just right? Look no further--7Block Labs has got your back! We’re here to whip up a blueprint tailored for your GS1, EPCIS, VC, and ledger stack. Plus, we can get a resolver in place and show you some real ROI with just one pilot for each area. Let's make it happen!