The plasterboard manufacturing sector is facing growing pressure to streamline operations, reduce waste, and stay ahead of tightening regulations. Digital tools such as Building Information Modelling (BIM) are driving efficiency, but end-to-end supply chain transparency is now paramount. Rob Ellinor, global building and construction sector manager, Domino Printing Sciences, explains why the digital traceability provided by unique, data-rich 2D codes, powered by GS1, is essential for cost control, operational insight, and brand protection.
Achieving sustainable growth
The plasterboard industry is experiencing strong growth. Global investment in construction projects and a rising emphasis on sustainable and eco-friendly building materials is projected to contribute to growth from USD 34.15 billion in 2025 to USD 59.96 billion by 2033. The challenge now is managing that growth alongside increasing demands for digital traceability throughout the supply chain.
The efficient, 24/7, high-output plasterboard production environment generates millions of square metres per line each year, but limited legacy coding approaches often deliver inconsistent identification. Basic text printing, batch-level barcoding, or even a complete lack of on-board data creates gaps in traceability, identity, and compliance.
Misidentification, rework, and untraceable products add cost and complexity to the process. And with growing demands for carbon reporting, sustainability metrics, and chain-of-custody tracking, manufacturers are facing increasing pressure to demonstrate provenance and performance, quickly and reliably.
2D codes: the foundation for smarter manufacturing
Unique 2D codes powered by GS1 are becoming a pivotal enabler of end-to-end digital traceability. Unlike static barcodes or batch stamps, these smart codes carry far more than just product identifiers. Printed directly onto the substrate at full line speed, these dynamic, scannable codes function as a digital passport, capturing everything from unique board IDs to production data and even downstream traceability links.
Each code can contain a unique identifier, product name, URL access, and internal manufacturing data. From a quick scan, manufacturers gain instant visibility of production data, enabling deeper insights into quality, root cause analysis, and process optimisation – feeding directly into their Production Management Systems (PMS).
Furthermore, real-time code verification eliminates the need for costly and labour-intensive manual inspection, allowing issues to be detected before the line is disrupted. The result? Fewer scanning failures, stricter quality control, improved inventory management, enhanced brand protection, and improved traceability throughout the supply chain. By embedding data on emissions, recyclability, and material composition, manufacturers can also generate on-demand sustainability reports to support regulatory compliance and demonstrate their green credentials.
Expanding brand engagement
The value of 2D codes extends far beyond manufacturing. Digital traceability can support faster recall management by isolating issues down to an individual board or production window, rather than wiping out entire batches. Also, products arriving on-site can be rapidly scanned to verify authenticity and application, reinforcing installation confidence.
Crucially, smart 2D codes also provide an opportunity to improve engagement and brand value. Users on site can link directly to installation guides, safety information, or sustainability credentials. At the same time clearer logos and human-readable data printing make it easier 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, which helps prevent brand dilution in shared or multi-supplier projects, where mix-ups can result in performance failures and warranty disputes. It also minimises the risk of substitution or misuse of unmarked or generically stamped boards, thus addressing the escalating problem of counterfeiting and grey-market sales.
Industrial coding built for plasterboard
High-speed production requires a coding solution that balances speed, durability, and sustainability. Industrial inkjet systems, designed for environments such as plasterboard, 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.
Conclusion
With supply chain transparency now a boardroom topic and digital traceability fast becoming an industry expectation, unique 2D codes powered by GS1 offer plasterboard manufacturers a clearer route to smarter, leaner, and more sustainable operations.
By embracing smart, scannable 2D codes delivered with robust, reliable industrial print systems, manufacturers can move beyond compliance, reduce risk, and add measurable value from board to building site.
