GS1 and NBS link up to drive digital product passports

The move follows an agreement between GS1 UK and NBS. Early adopters on NBS Source, include Knauf Insulation, Aico, Devi, Ibstock, Armitage Shanks, Fischer, Wallbarn, Permavent, Fire & Acoustic Seals, URSA, and C-TEC.

GTINs - the number you see under a barcode - are well-established in many industry sectors, including logistics, retail, healthcare, and food sectors to enhance supply chain efficiency and data accuracy. Their use in construction will help deliver the golden thread and digital product passports.

Ryan Ferguson, head of product & innovation at Knauf Insulation, explained: "We’re now able to assign a single, globally recognised product identifier, that travels with our data from internal systems into specification platforms like NBS, through procurement and distributor platforms, and right through to end-of-life stages like disassembly. Even years later, if disassembly is needed, that same unique code still links to vital product information - helping teams carry out the process safely and sustainably."

Dr Stephen Hamil, innovation director at NBS, added: "Our aim at NBS is to make structured, high-quality product data available where and when it's needed. That starts with consistent identification. By incorporating GTINs into NBS Source, we're helping to remove ambiguity from specifications and make it easier for manufacturers to manage their digital product information at scale. The adoption of open standards like these is essential if we want to build a more transparent and connected industry."

Shervin Yousefzadeh, head of construction at GS1 UK, said: "This is a significant moment for the construction industry. We've seen how identifiers like GTINs unlock better supply chain visibility in other industries, and now construction has the chance to benefit in the same way. Wider adoption of these will provide the clarity and consistency the sector has needed for years. The beauty of GTINs is that they’re open, globally recognised and ready to use. They will help construction product manufacturers prepare for upcoming regulation and allow the wider industry to access trusted product data at every stage of a project."

GS1 UK and NBS plan to provide guidance to both product manufacturers and specifiers on the use of GTINs.