Data carriers for circular construction supply chains: An exploratory quantitative analysis

This article is an exploratory study on data carriers for circular construction supply chains (CCSC) essential for the reuse of building components and the transition to a circular economy in construction. Different track and trace technologies (Quick Response (QR) codes, Near Field Communication (NFC) chips, and Direct Product Marking (DPM)) were investigated on how they perform as data carriers in CCSC. Using a quantitative and experimental design, the study evaluates these technologies based on speed, user experience, and error rates in a controlled setting. The use of QR codes and NFC chips significantly improves efficiency and user satisfaction compared to DPM, which could help facilitate material reuse in the construction industry. The research offers evidence-based recommendations for selecting efficient and user-friendly data carriers that contribute to supply chain and circular economy practices within the construction sector. • Focus on Circular Construction Supply Chain (CCSC) for building component reuse. • QR codes and NFC improve efficiency and user experience over Direct Product Marking. • Quantitative analysis comparing data carriers' impact on circular economy transition. • Efficient data carriers support material reuse, reducing construction waste and costs. • Further field testing is needed to validate data carriers in real-world construction settings.