ISO 16759:2013

Overview

ISO 16759:2013 - "Graphic technology - Quantification and communication for calculating the carbon footprint of print media products" - provides a standardized framework for measuring, reporting and communicating the carbon footprint (expressed as CO2e) of print media products. Built on a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) approach, the standard defines how to set system boundaries, select a functional unit, and perform full or partial carbon-footprinting studies for print processes and materials that are within a user's knowledge and control.

Key technical topics and requirements

• Goal and scope definition: establish purpose, system boundaries and the functional unit to ensure comparability.
• Life cycle perspective: permit whole-product or partial life-cycle carbon footprint calculations (prepress, press, postpress, paper and related services).
• Data and inventory: requirements for process inventory, data quality, time boundaries and transparency.
• Quantification principles: relevance, completeness, consistency, accuracy, transparency and avoidance of double counting.
• Reporting and documentation: standardized reporting requirements and interpretation guidance so results can be validated and verified.
• Communication rules: guidance on how to present results to business stakeholders and consumers, including product definitions and Product Category Rules (PCRs).
• Framework for carbon calculators: structure for market- or sector-specific carbon-footprinting tools and calculators that produce verifiable results.
• Annexes: informative and normative guidance (e.g., inventory analysis, operations and materials lists, calculation samples, and comparison guidelines).

Practical applications and who uses it

ISO 16759:2013 is used across the printing value chain to support credible carbon measurement and transparently communicate climate impacts:

• Who uses it
  • Printers, prepress/postpress suppliers and print service providers
  • Media companies, publishers and print buyers
  • Carbon calculator developers and software providers
  • Industry associations, sustainability officers and regulatory bodies
  • Auditors and verification bodies
• What it enables
  • Consistent carbon-footprint calculators tailored to print media
  • Supply-chain data exchange of partial footprint values
  • Benchmarking, performance tracking and GHG reduction monitoring
  • Informing procurement and media-buying decisions
  • Inputs for verified carbon-offsetting programs and sustainability claims

Related standards

• ISO 14044 - Life cycle assessment - requirements and guidelines
• ISO/TS 14067 - Carbon footprint of products - requirements and guidelines
• PAS 2050 - (reference methodology that influenced the standard)

ISO 16759:2013 helps the printing industry produce comparable, transparent and verifiable carbon-footprint data for print media products, supporting better environmental decision-making across supply chains.