Summary: In this in-depth case study, we're diving into how a farm-to-shelf supply chain can meet the growing traceability and sustainability goals set for 2025-2028. Let's jump right into exploring EPCIS 2! You’re all set with data up until October 2023. So, let’s dive into those 2D barcodes, also known as GS1 Digital Links. They’re pretty cool! Along with that, you’ve got verifiable credentials and a blockchain setup that really prioritizes privacy. Just imagine how all these elements come together to create a secure and efficient system! Don’t worry, we’ve got all the info you need on data models, integration points, and the steps to get everything up and running smoothly. By the end of this, you'll have a really solid game plan in hand. We'll cover the key metrics you'll want to keep an eye on, some common traps to avoid, and a few effective new practices that have proven to be successful for larger companies. Trust me, you'll feel well-prepared!

Blockchain in Supply Chain: Case Study from Farm to Retail Shelf

Decision-makers aren't looking for more theory--they want a simple, actionable plan that not only ticks the boxes for today’s regulations but also helps them thrive in the long run. At 7Block Labs, we've got a pretty straightforward plan for getting fresh produce from the field to grocery store shelves. This way, we can guarantee where it comes from, make quick recalls if needed, and keep track of how well we're doing financially. Here’s the step-by-step breakdown of how we do it!

Why This Matters Right Now

So, the FDA's FSMA 204 traceability rule is still in the works. They’re thinking about pushing back the compliance deadline by an extra 30 months, which means it could now land on July 20, 2028, instead of the original date of January 20, 2026. Just a little more time to get everything in order! They're expanding their collection of FAQs, along with some new tools and examples for CTE and KDE. It's really great to see them putting in this effort! It's super important for teams to keep pushing forward and making progress on the rule instead of just hitting the brakes. Take a look at this link: (fda.gov). It’s got some really useful info!

So, the EU's rolling out this new thing called the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), and it's really going to shake things up with Digital Product Passports (DPPs). So, there's this plan in the works for a central DPP registry that should be all set by July 2026. They’ll start implementing it gradually in important sectors and keep things rolling out until 2030. This will impact exporters even beyond the EU. If you’re looking for more info, check this out: commission.europa.eu. It’s got everything you need!

Retail is shifting towards 2D barcodes, specifically the GS1 Digital Link, and they’ve got a deadline to meet by Sunrise 2027. With this update, POS systems will be able to tap into more detailed, lot-level information straight from the packaging. If you’re curious and want to explore more, check this out: (gs1us.org). It’s got some great info!

Shipping is really embracing the digital age! Around the world, carriers are committing to going fully paperless, with a goal of using 100% electronic bills of lading (eBL) by 2030. It's a big step forward! This change is going to help speed things up and cut down on costs at borders and ports. If you want to dive deeper, take a look at this link: dcsa.org. You’ll find some interesting details there!

Let’s dive into how you can get everything aligned with all four, while also making sure your sensitive supplier data stays secure.

The Scenario: Leafy Greens, From California Farm to National Grocer

Alright, let’s embark on a little adventure exploring the journey of a physical product and the data it generates! We'll break down the process into five key stages: it all starts at the farm, then moves on to the packhouse, goes through cross-dock and linehaul, makes a pit stop at the distribution center (DC), and finally ends up in your local store. Let’s dig in! At the core of everything we’re talking about is GS1 EPCIS 2. To make sure our events run smoothly, we’re using 2D barcodes and GS1 Digital Links that you can scan right from the package. Plus, we’ve got a permissioned blockchain in place to keep everything secure and free from tampering. On top of that, we're making good use of W3C Verifiable Credentials (VC) version 2. 0) to check and confirm certificates without spilling any secrets or sharing more than absolutely necessary.

Key design choices:

Event model: We're sticking with GS1 EPCIS 2. You're working with JSON-LD, which is pretty neat! Plus, you've got those sensor extensions and REST in your toolkit to help you capture and query data effectively. Check it out here.
On-pack ID: You’ll find the GS1 Digital Link URI tucked away in a Data Matrix or QR code. Don’t worry, it’ll also have the UPC label as we make our way to 2027. If you want to dive deeper into this topic, just click here for more details!
Trust layer: We’re rolling with Hyperledger Fabric 2 for this. 5 LTS has special private data collections that help manage commercial terms. If you're looking for more privacy in how companies connect, you might want to check out public Ethereum using EY Nightfall’s ZK rollup. It’s a solid choice for keeping things under wraps! You can find more info right here. Check it out!
Credentials: When it comes to organic and GAP certifications, lab results, and making sure our carriers are compliant, we’re going with W3C VC 2. 0 lets you share only what you want when you want. Dive deeper here.

Step‑by‑Step: What We Capture, Where It Lives, and Who Sees It

1) Farm (Harvest Day)

Hey there! Just a quick reminder to assign a GTIN and a Traceability Lot Code (TLC) for every bed, row, or shift. It's super important to keep everything organized! Hey there! Just a quick reminder for the harvest--don't forget to log those ObjectEvents in EPCIS. Make sure you take note of the sensor readings, like the pulp temperature and the ambient conditions, plus the geo-coordinates too. It'll really help keep everything on track! EPCIS 2. Zero's got your back with cool support for sensor elements, and they've introduced a new AssociationEvent to connect kits with cases. Take a look at this: gs1.org. It's worth checking out! Hey, just a quick reminder to make sure you issue those Verifiable Credentials (VC) when you get a chance! 0) for certifications such as Organic and GAP. This means that auditors or buyers can easily check them out later using cryptographic methods, so they won’t have to deal with the hassle of sending around PDFs over email. If you want to dig a little deeper, check out more details at w3.org.

2) Packhouse (Same Day)

Aggregation Events: Imagine it like clamshells that turn into cases, and then those cases pile up to make pallets. It's all about stacking things up! Don’t forget to link up each of these levels to the TLC!
Print Dual Marks: Make sure to print out both the UPC and a 2D barcode. The 2D barcode should include the GS1 Digital Link URI along with some dynamic stuff like lot numbers and expiration dates. It's super important for tracking and compliance! This setup is really awesome for the upcoming Sunrise 2027! It makes it super easy for both POS systems and smartphones to access traceability info on the go. If you want to dive deeper into this topic, just click this link: (gs1us.org). Happy exploring!
EPCIS Capture: Just tap into a REST API to pull data straight from the production line. Make sure to keep your personal stuff, like contract prices and promotional deals, stored safely off the main chain and in private collections. If you ever need to access something, zero-knowledge proofs can help out by showing just what you need without spilling all the details. Want to dive deeper into this approach? Check it out right here: (lf-decentralized-trust.github.io). You'll find some pretty interesting insights!

3) Cross-dock and Linehaul

We're really into those shipping and receiving events (CTEs) that come along with Key Data Elements (KDEs) to seamlessly match up with the FSMA 204 schemas. Basically, if the FDA ever comes calling, we can whip up a sortable file in a day or less. For more info, you can head over to fda.gov to check it out!

Hey, let’s not overlook the importance of maintaining the cold chain! By connecting continuous cold-chain sensor feeds (those EPCIS sensor extensions), we can easily keep track of any temperature-sensitive items and quickly spot when those temp limits are crossed. This way, we can catch any issues before they become a problem! You can check out everything you need over at gs1.org. They've got all the info right there for you!

4) Import Leg (if applicable)

Wave goodbye to those pesky paper Bills of Lading! You can now trade them in for standardized electronic Bills of Lading (eBLs). How cool is that? Carriers such as Hapag-Lloyd and ONE are really getting into eBLs through GSBN, and guess what? It totally matches up with DCSA APIs! Not only does this save you a ton of waiting time, but it also helps reduce the chances of fraud happening. Take a look at this: (gsbn.trade). It’s pretty interesting!

Also, you can mix and match document titles with warehouse receipts! GSBN has rolled out some really cool "triple-document" digital flows that simplify trade financing like you wouldn’t believe. If you're interested, you can check out more details about it right here: (porttechnology.org).

5) Distribution Center → Store

So, whenever we get items in and make any changes to them, we make sure to keep a record of those events. On top of that, the system at the store can check expiration dates and lot numbers right from the 2D barcode. It's pretty cool how it all works together! This smart method really helps reduce shrinkage and makes it super easy to implement dynamic discounting right at the checkout. (gs1us.org).

When a recall happens, you can go from taking days to find out where something came from to just a matter of seconds. Pretty impressive, right? One really cool example of this is Walmart’s mango pilot. They managed to cut down the lookup time from a whopping 6 days and 18 hours to just 2 days. How amazing is that? 2 seconds. (public.walmart.com).

Consumer Touchpoint

Picture this: you whip out your smartphone and scan a code. Just like that, you’re diving into a DPP-style experience right in the EU. How cool is that? Starting in 2026, new rules are set to change the game for shoppers. They’ll only see the info that really matters to them, while regulators will have access to all the nitty-gritty compliance details. It’s a win-win, making shopping simpler for everyone while keeping everything above board! It's a breezy way to get around the digital world! If you're curious to learn more, just click here.

The Data Stack You Actually Need (and Nothing You Don’t)

Capture and Interoperability:
Take a look at EPCIS 2! So, there's this cool repository that employs REST and JSON-LD to assist in validating events using GS1 schemas and ontologies. It's pretty neat how it all works together! If you need to switch things up a bit, check out GS1’s EPCIS Sandbox. It’s perfect for those conversions between URN and WebURI, or even XML and JSON-LD. It's super user-friendly! (ref.gs1.org).
Packaging + Codes:
Hey there! Just a heads up, we're on track for dual-marking all the way through 2027. So, don't forget to set up a resolver for the GS1 Digital Link. It’s super important to ensure it can provide different views based on who’s checking it out--whether that’s a consumer, a regulator, or a retailer. Make sure you’ve got that covered! (gs1us.org).
Trust and Privacy:
When it comes to permissioned networks and making sure private data stays secure, Fabric 2 is the way to go. If you're looking for a solid option, 5 LTS is definitely the way to go! If you're looking to interact with public Ethereum but want to keep certain business details under wraps, you might want to check out EY Nightfall's ZK rollup patterns. They're a solid way to maintain privacy while still tapping into the blockchain. (lf-decentralized-trust.github.io).
Credentials:
Hey, could you take a look at VC 2? Thanks! You’re all set with a score of 0 for certifying organic and halal products, lab results, and making sure carrier safety is on point. VC 2. Great news! Version 0 is now an official W3C standard. So, why not team it up with the Traceability Interop and Vocab specs? It’s a fantastic way to enhance your supply chain schemas and add some real value! (w3.org).
Carbon and ESG Add-On: Hey there! If you're prepping for DPP and want to get a handle on those customer ESG claims, don’t forget to swap out product-level carbon data using the WBCSD PACT’s PCF protocol (v3). It’s a smart move!

0. 0). (wbcsd.github.io).

What “Good” Looks Like: KPIs and Benchmarks

Traceback speed: We’re aiming to keep it under 5 seconds for each TLC, and you know what? It’s absolutely achievable! Just take a look at Walmart’s IBM Food Trust pilot - they managed to hit an awesome time of 2 seconds. How cool is that? 2 seconds. (public.walmart.com).
Recall scope: Rather than taking a wide-ranging approach across the entire category, we're focusing on pinpoint accuracy by using EPCIS aggregation and TLC discipline for tracing specific lots. The FDA wants us to provide sortable data within just 24 hours for CTE/KDEs. It’s a pretty tight deadline, but we’re on it! (fda.gov).
Border and port cycle time: With eBLs and standardized APIs in the mix, we can really speed things up by reducing courier delays and tackling fraud head-on. Everyone in the DCSA is totally on board with hitting the goal of 100% electronic Bill of Lading (eBL) by 2030. If we can pull this off at a large scale, it could save the industry billions of dollars every year. How exciting is that? (dcsa.org).
Consumer engagement: 2D codes are seriously changing the game for accessing information. On top of that, they’re also great at reducing waste by using smart markdowns for perishable items.
The retail industry is definitely getting on board with this! They've committed to rolling out 2D codes at the point of sale by 2027. It's exciting to see how technology is changing the shopping experience! (gs1us.org).
Compliance coverage: This is really about making sure we have reliable proofs for those verifiable credentials (VC 2).

for certificates and lab tests. So, what this means is you can give each regulator exactly what they need without having to show them your whole supplier list. (w3.org).

Building for FSMA 204 (U.S.) and DPP (EU) at the Same Time

FSMA 204: Don't forget to keep collecting those Key Data Elements (KDEs) during important moments like harvest, shipping, receiving, and transformation. It's crucial to stay on top of this stuff! Get ready to create a sortable spreadsheet in just 24 hours whenever it’s necessary! The FDA just released some fresh FAQs, complete with examples and clarifications about the supply chain--yes, even covering stuff like “nut butters”! So, it looks like they might move the compliance date to July 20, 2028. But don’t worry, they’re still launching new tools and guidance in the meantime! Just keep the energy going and don’t slow down when it comes to rolling out these changes! (fda.gov).

EU DPP: It's time to kick off plans to develop a resolver that delivers a product passport tailored for each sector. As the delegated acts get rolling, we're looking at a registry launch around July 2026. After that, we'll see groups like batteries and other priority products being phased in between 2026 and 2030. Let's get ahead of the game! Don’t forget to use your GS1 Digital Link as the go-to spot on the packaging to check out the Digital Product Passport (DPP). This will be powered by EPCIS and your specific credentials. It’s a handy way to get all the info you need! (commission.europa.eu).

Here's a cool bonus: shipping documents are going digital as well! You can now link EPCIS shipment events directly to electronic Bills of Lading (eBLs). This means that your physical flow and title flow are in perfect harmony right from the get-go. How awesome is that? Hey, take a look at this! You can find the details right here: dcsa.org. It’s pretty interesting!

Privacy and Competitive Sensitivity: What to Put On‑Chain (and What Not To)

On-chain: This covers stuff like hashes of EPCIS event batches, fingerprints of credentials, and important changes related to audits.
Off-chain: This is where we keep all the raw EPCIS payloads, pricing info, supplier identities, and IoT streams. All of this information is kept safe in your EPCIS repository, and you can share it directly with others as soon as you get the go-ahead.
Techniques:
We're utilizing Fabric's private data collections to manage those bilateral terms and design channels, ensuring that we keep everyone's roles distinct. Take a look at this link: (lf-decentralized-trust.github.io). You'll find some really interesting updates there! So, here’s the deal: ZK rollups, such as Nightfall, do a great job of keeping your values under wraps while still allowing you to prove that you’re meeting compliance or showing the current state. If you want to dive deeper into this, check it out here: EY's Newsroom. It's got all the details you need!
VC 2. With 0, you can pick and choose what you share, which means you can just say “yes” or “no” to show compliance--kind of like saying “organic-certified=true.” This way, you don’t have to dig up and show all the detailed certificates. Pretty neat, right? If you want to dive deeper into this, check it out here: (w3.org). It’s got all the details you need!

The 90‑Day Pilot Plan (What We Do in Practice)

Weeks 0-2: Discovery and Mapping

First things first, let's connect those FSMA 204 Key Data Elements (KDEs) to EPCIS 2.
You’ve got zero events lined up, along with your Warehouse Management System (WMS), Transportation Management System (TMS), and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) fields. Alright, let's jump into defining the GS1 Digital Link data model for those on-pack codes. We also need to nail down what the resolver user experience will look like. For more info, just swing by gs1.org. They’ve got all the details you’ll need!

Weeks 3-6: Data Plumbing

Get your EPCIS 2 up and running. Go ahead and set up the 0 repository and get your REST capture all configured. Don't forget to run some checks using the GS1 Sandbox and schemas. It'll help ensure everything's working smoothly!
Gather the harvest and get those sensors packed up. Also, let's make sure the temperature readings are standardized to align with the EPCIS sensor extensions. If you’re curious about the details, you can find them right here. Take a look!

Weeks 7-10: Trust & UX

Sure thing! Just go ahead and get Fabric 2 set up whenever you’re ready. If you're using a 5 LTS network or a Nightfall stack, don't forget to anchor those event hashes every night! It's super important to keep everything on track. If you’re looking for more info, you can check it out right here.

Alright, it's time to roll out VC 2! Hey! Just a quick reminder to grab those credentials for a few certifications, like GAP and lab COA. Oh, and make sure you link the verifier to your resolver too! You got this! Take a look at the details here. You'll find some interesting insights!
For some specific SKUs, let's go ahead and print both dual UPC and 2D barcodes. Also, don't forget to activate those role-based landing pages, alright?

Weeks 11-13: Measure and Document

Run some practice recalls to check how well we can track things back, see if we can narrow down the scope, and spot any issues with the cold chain that might pop up.
Put together a sortable file that meets FDA standards and whip up a DPP prototype tailored for the SKUs going to the EU. If you want to dive deeper, you can find more details over on the FDA website. It’s a great resource for all the latest updates and tools related to food traceability.

Exit Criteria

Sub-5-second tracebacks
You can check out the sortable FSMA 204 export.
POS-scannable 2D codes We've successfully linked eBL/eDO on at least one import lane.

Lessons from the Field: What Makes or Breaks These Programs

Neutral governance is really crucial. Take a look at Maersk’s TradeLens. It had some really solid technology backing it up, but it just couldn't take off because they struggled to get enough diverse and neutral participation from everyone involved. When you're putting together your consortium, it’s super important to create an environment where competitors feel at ease about hopping on board. (maersk.com).

Try to stick with open standards rather than creating custom schemas. Using EPCIS 2. 0, VC 2. Starting at zero, DCSA eBL is here to help you stay ahead of the game and open up more options for vendors in the future. (gs1.org).
Stay on top of what's happening in retail trends. Hey there! If you haven’t started playing around with those 2D codes yet, you might want to get on it. Otherwise, your POS upgrades and packaging timelines could be cutting it close for that Sunrise 2027 deadline. Alright, let’s get started! Check out this link for more info: gs1us.org. Kick things off with one of your best-selling products. This is a great opportunity to fine-tune your EPCIS mappings and resolver patterns before you take things to the next level.

Advanced Add‑Ons You Can Phase In

Product-level carbon exchange (Scope 3): If you're looking to share Product Carbon Footprints (PCFs), you can use the WBCSD PACT’s Data Exchange Protocol v3. It's a great way to keep track of and communicate those carbon footprints!

0. It really fits well into the whole Digital Product Passport concept. This approach lets procurement teams assess suppliers based on their real environmental impacts instead of just going with the usual average numbers. Take a look at this link: (wbcsd.github.io). You won't want to miss it!

Maritime document triads and financing: If you're part of the global shipping scene, it’s a good idea to connect your EPCIS shipments with eBL, eDelivery Order, and eWarehouse Receipts through GSBN. This can really streamline your processes! This is going to help us release things faster and make it possible for us to get financing backed by our inventory. Learn more at (porttechnology.org).
Getting consumers involved and cutting down on waste: Use lot and expiry dates along with a 2D barcode to roll out flexible markdowns. This way, we can dodge those cringy moments when an item is expired right at the checkout! This strategy not only builds up consumer trust but also gives your profit margins a nice boost. If you want to dive deeper, just check out the info at gs1us.org. You’ll find all the details you need!

Brief Case References (Why We’re Confident)

Walmart’s mango and pork pilots have really upped their game! They’ve managed to slash the time it takes to trace products from nearly a week down to just a few seconds. Plus, they’re doing a great job of improving traceability for a bunch of different items. Pretty impressive, right? That's the kind of efficiency we're shooting for! (public.walmart.com).

Shipping leaders and carriers are really starting to align by standardizing their documents and APIs, all thanks to the DCSA’s commitment to electronic Bill of Lading (eBL). And it’s not just a bunch of talk--GSBN has actually shown that they can issue real eBLs and handle multiple digital documents seamlessly. It’s exciting to see real progress being made! (dcsa.org).

There’s some great momentum building around the EPCIS 2 standards. So, you're looking at the tech side of things, right? We're talking about cool stuff like JSON-LD, sensors, and REST. And then there's VC 2. Sounds pretty interesting! So, the 0, which is now officially a W3C Recommendation, along with the Sunrise 2027 for 2D POS scanning, are all good to go! It's an exciting time for these updates! (gs1.org).

Common Pitfalls (and How to Avoid Them)

Boiling the ocean: Begin with just one product and a couple of suppliers to keep things manageable. You don't have to model your whole catalog right off the bat before you start getting that event data. Just take it easy!
Mixing consumer and regulator views: Make sure to use your Digital Link resolver to guide audiences toward the right views, and keep those internal EPCIS payloads under wraps. Check out more here.
Don't overshare on the chain: Think carefully before you post. It's a good idea to put proofs and hashes on the blockchain, but steer clear of adding raw business records. When it comes to handling sensitive information, it’s best to stick with private data collections or use Zero-Knowledge proofs. These methods help keep your data safe and secure! If you want to dive deeper into this topic, you can check out more details here. Happy exploring!
Don’t overlook label lead times: Just a heads up, switching to 2D means you'll have to consider packaging, quality checks, and how everything looks at the point of sale. It’s all part of the process! Make sure to give yourself a good 6 to 12 months to handle dual marking and get those scanners certified. It's important to allow enough time for everything to go smoothly! If you're looking for more info, just click here. It's got everything you need to know!

When Blockchain Is (and Isn’t) Worth It

When to Use a Blockchain Layer

So, when you're dealing with data from multiple parties that has to stay secure and be verifiable for the long haul--like when it comes to recalls, audits, and trade documents--you really need to pay attention.

If you need to keep things private between companies, like using zero-knowledge proofs to stay in line with the rules. Take a look at this: ey.com. It’s pretty interesting stuff!

Just skip it if:
So, you're going all in with EDI trading without needing any outside confirmations. If that’s the case, a simple EPCIS repository, paired with some access controls, should do the trick just fine.

What 7Block Labs Delivers

An awesome EPCIS 2. You’ve got a data plane that fits seamlessly with your systems.
We've got a GS1 Digital Link resolver that’s all set up for a smooth user experience, whether you’re a consumer, a regulator, or part of the B2B scene.
We're talking about a lightweight blockchain trust layer that really nails the balance between privacy and performance. Something like Fabric LTS or Nightfall comes to mind. (lf-decentralized-trust.github.io).
VC 2. No credential checks for certifications and lab results. (w3.org). We're launching a 90-day pilot program that focuses on some awesome features. Think super-fast tracebacks under 5 seconds, organized FDA files you can sort through easily, and 2D codes that you can scan right at the point of sale. Plus, we'll explore eBL linkage if it fits into the picture.

If you’re diving into FSMA 204, EU DPP, Sunrise 2027, and exploring eBL adoption, don’t stress about trying to manage four separate programs. What you really need is a smooth, all-in-one system that just clicks together perfectly. The blueprint I just shared gives you a clear path to reach your goals. It’s all laid out for you, and you'll see how you can cut down on risks, plus start seeing returns along the way.