In an industry under constant pressure to improve operational efficiency, reduce waste, and meet ever-tightening regulatory demands, the plasterboard manufacturing sector is turning its attention to the power of digital traceability and how it can support the whole industry’s shift to adopting digital tools, such as Building Information Modelling (BIM), to streamline its processes. At the heart of this transformation is a deceptively small technology: unique, data-rich, 2D Codes powered by GS1.
Unlike static barcodes or batch stamps, modern 2D codes carry far more than just product identifiers. When printed onto the substrate at high speed, these dynamic, scannable codes become digital passports, capturing everything from unique board IDs to production data and even downstream traceability links.
The pain points: old problems in a fast-moving world
Plasterboard production is a high-volume and continuous process with linear speeds typically ranging from 100 to 120 meters per minute. One line can run 24/7, turning out millions of square metres each year. This pace is set against a backdrop of continuing industry expansion due to an increased global investment in construction projects, a rising emphasis on sustainable and eco-friendly building materials, resulting in projected growth from USD 34.15 billion in 2025 to USD 59.96 billion by 2033, a robust CAGR of 7.29%
But within this high-output environment, legacy coding approaches are often limited and deliver inconsistent quality. Basic text printing, batch-level barcoding, or even no on-board data at all creates gaps in traceability, identity, and compliance.
When a board leaves the line, do you know exactly when it was produced? Which materials were used? Which production line, shift, or operator it came from? Can you trace it from manufacture to end installation? If the answer isn’t an instant yes, you’re not alone.
Misidentification, rework, and untraceable products add cost and complexity. And with growing demands for carbon reporting, sustainability metrics, and chain-of-custody tracking, manufacturers are facing increasing pressure to prove provenance and performance – quickly and reliably.
2D codes: the foundation for smarter manufacturing
This is where unique 2D Codes are becoming a pivotal enabler of end-to-end digital traceability. Powered by GS1 standards and printed directly onto each board at speed, these codes enable item-level traceability in a way that static identifiers never could.
Each board becomes a smart object, scannable at any point in the process. Imagine pulling up a digital profile on a mobile device, which shows when it was created, the line it originated from, the materials it includes, and how it’s intended to be used. For manufacturers, this unlocks real-time production insight, accurate root cause analysis, and the ability to integrate directly into Production Management Systems (PMS).
A leading plasterboard manufacturer recently implemented 2D codes as part of a broader digital transformation project. Each code includes a unique identifier, product name, URL access, and internal manufacturing data. Crucially, the solution chosen enables high-resolution, durable codes to be printed directly onto the substrate – at full production speed – offering reliable scanning accuracy even in dusty warehouses and exposed construction sites.
The result? Reduced scanning failures, enhanced quality control and brand protection, and improved traceability throughout the supply chain. And, because the solution delivers consistently sharp codes with optimised ink usage, it achieves this with no compromise to production efficiency while benefiting from a lower cost of ownership.
The process is further streamlined with an integrated smart vision system that verifies codes automatically during production – eliminating the need for labour-intensive manual inspections and detecting issues before they disrupt the line.
By combining speed, print quality, and efficiency, the new approach has not only solved operational pain points but created a scalable platform for future-ready manufacturing.
Branding, authenticity, and the fight against counterfeits
In a market dominated by a few global players, brand reputation is critical but can be compromised by the substitution or misuse of unmarked or generically stamped boards, which opens the door to counterfeiting, grey-market sales, and site-level brand confusion.
A smart 2D Code unlocks the opportunity to extend engagement into the supply chain and directly onto the site, linking users directly to installation guides, safety information, or sustainability credentials. Branding can be further enhanced through clearer logos and human-readable data printing, making it easy for distributors and installers to verify the material in seconds. This ensures that the correct product reaches the right site and is used as intended while simultaneously promoting the brand. It also helps prevent brand dilution in shared or multi-supplier projects, where mix-ups can result in performance failures and warranty disputes.
From compliance to competitive advantage
It’s not just about traceability for its own sake; in this competitive global market, digital traceability is a real differentiator. Digital codes can support:
- Faster recall management – Isolate issues down to an individual board or small range, not just an entire batch.
- Smarter inventory control – Boards become scannable, trackable assets across distribution.
- On-site installation confidence – Simply scan to verify authenticity and application guidelines.
- Brand security – Counterfeits and grey market risks are reduced when each product is uniquely identifiable.
- Sustainability reporting – Capture embedded data for emissions, recyclability, and material composition.
Industrial print without compromise
Printing high-quality, scannable 2D codes onto fast-moving plasterboard lines isn’t trivial. It requires a print solution that strikes a balance between speed, resolution, reliability, and environmental impact.
Industrial inkjet systems are proving to be key enablers. Designed specifically for applications such as plasterboard, they deliver sharp, high-contrast codes at speeds of up to 280 meters per minute and support ink-saving features that reduce costs without compromising quality.
Robust hardware and compatibility with vegetable oil-based inks enable these systems to align with manufacturers’ goals for safer, more sustainable operations. The ability to integrate directly with PMS and in-line code inspection systems ensures that the codes are not only printed but also verified and traceable at every step.
As one plasterboard manufacturer found, the transition to smart 2D codes significantly increased machine-scanning accuracy and integrated seamlessly into their existing automation, allowing operators to monitor, analyse, and optimise their production in real time.
Looking ahead: a new standard for traceability in construction materials
The momentum is building. With supply chain resilience now a boardroom topic and digital traceability fast becoming an industry expectation, unique 2D codes powered by GS1 offer an accessible and effective way to future-proof plasterboard operations.
By embracing scannable 2D codes powered by GS1 and delivered with reliable industrial print systems, manufacturers can move beyond compliance, reduce risk, and add measurable value from board to building site.
In today’s construction materials landscape, knowing your product is the difference between reactive firefighting and proactive control. Find out more about how smart, scannable 2D codes help you gain traceability, insight, resilience, and a direct link to your products.