Examining the Impact of Subpar Materials on Structural Integrity and Safety

This week, national headlines highlighted rising building collapses in Kenya, pointing to the use of substandard construction materials. From cement to gypsum boards, opaque supply chains make it hard to hold manufacturers accountable when failures occur.

GS1 standards offer a practical solution. Assigning GTINs to packaged construction materials and GLNs to factories, warehouses and distributors creates a traceable chain from manufacturer to site. When inspectors or engineers scan a code, they instantly see the material’s origin, batch number and production site.

   

This traceability makes targeted investigations possible, reduces delays in accountability and protects both builders and consumers. By embedding GS1 identifiers into construction materials, manufacturers demonstrate quality, regulators can act efficiently and unsafe materials are easier to isolate, preventing tragedies before they happen.