# SmartLinks Blog

Long-form writing on Digital Product Passports, GS1 Digital Link, ESPR readiness, retail operations and the connected product economy.

Canonical URL: https://www.smartlinks.app/blog

- [19 July 2026: The EU Bans the Destruction of Unsold Clothes and Shoes](https://www.smartlinks.app/blog/eu-ban-destruction-unsold-clothes-shoes-19-july-2026) — From 19 July 2026, large fashion brands can no longer destroy unsold apparel, accessories or footwear in the EU. Here's what the new ESPR delegated act means, who's in scope, and how Digital Product Passports become the paper trail regulators expect. _(Compliance, 2026-07-07)_
- [Battery Passport for SMEs: What the 18 August 2026 QR Actually Means for You](https://www.smartlinks.app/blog/battery-passport-sme-august-2026-qr) — Every battery sold in the EU needs a compliant QR code from 18 August 2026 under Article 13 of the EU Batteries Regulation. Here is what SMEs actually need to do — and what they can safely ignore. _(Compliance, 2026-07-04)_
- [Does Your Cordless Drill Need Two DPPs? Battery vs Electronics Passports, Explained](https://www.smartlinks.app/blog/cordless-drill-battery-vs-electronics-dpp) — A practical guide to when your cordless tool, appliance or e-bike needs a Battery Passport, an Electronics DPP, or both — and what happens when the battery is built in. _(Industry Insights, 2026-06-26)_
- [The 20p Pivot: Why the UK's DRS Mandate Is a Secret Weapon for Beverage Brands](https://www.smartlinks.app/blog/uk-drs-20p-deposit-beverage-brands-smart-packaging) — Exchange for Change has confirmed a flat 20p deposit for the UK's October 2027 Deposit Return Scheme — but Wales is going its own way. Here's why a single intelligent QR code is now the smartest move for beverage brands. _(News, 2026-04-28)_
- [UK Supermarkets Lead the Charge: The Traditional Barcode Is Being Replaced by 2D QR Codes](https://www.smartlinks.app/blog/uk-supermarkets-barcode-replaced-2d-qr-codes) — Major UK supermarkets including Tesco are phasing out traditional 1D barcodes in favour of dynamic 2D QR codes — marking the biggest shift in retail packaging in decades. _(News, 2026-03-27)_
- [EU Digital Product Passports: 2026 Is When the Real Work Begins](https://www.smartlinks.app/blog/eu-digital-product-passports-2026-real-work-begins) — The EU's Digital Product Passport regulation is no longer a future concept — it's becoming enforceable reality, with mandatory deadlines starting in 2027 and a central registry expected by mid-2026. _(News, 2025-12-22)_
- [Sunrise 2027: The Barcode Wake-Up Call Every Retailer Needs to Hear](https://www.smartlinks.app/blog/sunrise-2027-barcode-wake-up-call-retailers) — GS1 US has issued a wake-up call to the retail industry: the transition from traditional barcodes to 2D QR codes is happening, and retailers must be ready by the end of 2027. _(News, 2025-09-15)_
- [SmartLinks Launches Free Self-Serve Platform for Connected Packaging](https://www.smartlinks.app/blog/smartlinks-self-serve-launch) — SmartLinks unveils a free self-serve platform empowering brands of all sizes to create GS1-powered QR code experiences and meet Digital Product Passport regulations. _(News, 2025-06-15)_
- [Earth Positive x SmartLinks: Revolutionising Sustainable Fan Merchandise](https://www.smartlinks.app/blog/earth-positive-partnership) — Earth Positive and SmartLinks team up to create eco-conscious fan merch with NFC-powered digital experiences, launching with Band of Skulls. _(News, 2025-04-08)_
- [GS1 Digital Links Are Going Global — The QR Code Revolution Gains Momentum](https://www.smartlinks.app/blog/gs1-digital-links-going-global) — GS1's campaign to replace traditional barcodes with Digital Link QR codes has reached 449 million people worldwide, signalling a seismic shift in retail. _(Industry Insights, 2025-01-15)_
- [Transformulas Partners with SmartLinks to Revolutionise Skincare Packaging](https://www.smartlinks.app/blog/smartlinks-transformulas-integration) — Leading skincare brand Transformulas integrates SmartLinks QR technology across its entire product range, setting a new benchmark for connected beauty packaging. _(Case Studies, 2024-08-10)_
- [Tesco Trials QR Codes in What's Being Called the 'Second Barcode Revolution'](https://www.smartlinks.app/blog/tesco-trials-qr-codes-barcode-revolution) — Tesco is piloting GS1 Digital Link QR codes on its products, giving shoppers access to dynamic product information and marking a major milestone in UK retail. _(News, 2024-07-11)_