
32: When Every Product has a Digital Identity with Camilla Young
Episode 32: Camilla Young When Every Product has a Digital Identity October 2026 | 32 minute listen Camilla Young leads the UK transition to the next generation of barcodes at GS1 UK , bringing retailers, brands and technology providers together for one of the biggest changes to retail infrastructure in 50 years. Her earlier career in senior commercial roles at Johnson & Johnson, Hasbro, BIC and Pernod Ricard gives her a practical view of both the technology and the commercial realities of getting products onto shelves and into people’s hands. In this conversation, we explore what becomes possible when every physical product has a digital identity. Camilla explains how QR codes powered by GS1 could connect packaging to richer information, trusted evidence and useful services; make products more accessible; and help brands engage people beyond the point of purchase. We also discuss why structured product data will matter when AI increasingly influences what people buy. A few themes you'll hear: · Why the next generation of barcodes is really about giving every product a digital identity. · How connected packaging can make the physical pack simpler while making richer information available when people need it. · Why QR codes can become a doorway to evidence, helping brands support sustainability and sourcing claims. · How digital product information can make packaging more accessible and enable greater independence. · Why brands need structured, trustworthy product data as AI begins to influence shopping decisions. · Where brands should begin ahead of wider point-of-sale adoption during 2027.











