Leibinger Will Showcase 2DJET Technology in Chicago
The system promises higher-resolution printing for manufacturers preparing for upcoming 2D barcode traceability standards.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Consumer Goods
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At the upcoming PACK EXPO International 2026, occurring October 18-21 in Chicago, Leibinger will demonstrate its new 2DJET printing technology. This system is designed to help consumer goods manufacturers manage production speeds while meeting emerging traceability requirements.
Why it matters
Manufacturers face increasing pressure to adopt more complex data-rich barcodes, and industry research from PMMI shows that 70% of operators cite productivity as their primary operating challenge. Providing reliable high-speed coding solutions is essential for firms balancing output goals with the mandate for 2D barcode adoption by 2027.
The 2DJET system supports production speeds of up to 120 m/min at 300 dpi resolution, while Leibinger's IQJET model offers a maintenance interval of up to 5 years or 20,000 operating hours. These efficiency figures arrive as 70% of manufacturers identify productivity as their top operating priority.
The players
Leibinger
A German manufacturer specializing in industrial inkjet coding and marking systems for global production lines.
GS1
The global standards organization responsible for setting the barcode and traceability frameworks used in retail.
PMMI
The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies that conducts research on manufacturing operational priorities.
The details
The 2DJET system uses a contactless printing method to apply 2D codes across various packaging materials with a printhead throw distance of up to 8 mm. This development aims to bridge the gap between high-speed production line demands and the need for data-dense coding as retail systems move toward the GS1 Ambition 2027 goal of full 2D barcode readability. Operators will need to integrate these coding technologies into existing workflows to ensure compliance without sacrificing throughput.
Timeline
October 18-21, 2026: PACK EXPO International 2026 takes place at McCormick Place.
October 19, 2026: Leibinger hosts Innovation Stage sessions on coding and CIJ costs.
End of 2027: Target deadline for retail systems to read 2D barcodes.
2027: Commercial launch of the 2DJET technology.
Market Landscape
The transition to data-dense coding reflects the industry-wide move toward the GS1 Ambition 2027 initiative. This development follows a broader trend where equipment manufacturers align machine capabilities with upcoming retail standards for universal 2D barcode readability.
Operators should review their current packaging line throughput to ensure it can accommodate the shift toward 2D barcode adoption by 2027. Factor the maintenance intervals and solvent efficiency metrics of new equipment into your capital expenditure forecasts to offset potential increases in traceability costs.
The takeaway
The move toward 2D barcodes is an inevitable shift in traceability that will require both equipment updates and potentially higher-resolution printing capabilities. Use the upcoming industry trade shows to stress-test your existing coding hardware against the 8 mm throw distance and speed requirements of new data-rich standards.
What happens next
Manufacturers should plan to evaluate the 2DJET capabilities during the live demonstrations at Booth S-3491 throughout PACK EXPO International, held October 18-21, 2026, in Chicago.
Further reading
For more on industry shifts in packaging, visit the Consumer Goods section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Packaging World.
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