Overview
ISO 22067-2:2026 specifies internationally recognized requirements for the environmental communication of print finishing processes in the graphic technology sector. This standard governs post-press operations such as surface decoration, binding, and packaging of printed products, focusing on transparency and accurate data reporting about their environmental impacts. It applies to print finishing processes used in a broad range of applications, except for those exclusive to textiles or ceramics due to their unique requirements. By aligning environmental information exchange across the print production supply chain, ISO 22067-2:2026 supports sustainability, regulatory compliance, and stakeholder confidence.
Key Topics
- Environmental data collection: Defines what environmental performance data must be collected, including materials, chemicals, emissions, energy consumption, waste generation, and opportunities for recycling or reuse.
- Material and chemical management: Outlines the identification and communication of hazardous substances and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) used in print finishing. Includes threshold references and methods for calculating concentrations.
- Emissions reporting: Details requirements for documenting emissions to air, water, and noise levels in accordance with regional regulations and applicable ISO standards.
- Energy use and carbon footprint: Provides guidelines for reporting energy consumption, use of renewable energy sources, and calculating the carbon footprint of print finishing processes, referencing widely accepted methodologies.
- Waste, recycling, and reusability: Establishes criteria for waste management, evaluation of recyclability, reusability, and potential for energy recovery based on ISO packaging and recycling standards.
- Environmental statements: Details the structure, required information, and verification of environmental statements to be communicated within the supply chain or to external parties.
Applications
ISO 22067-2:2026 is essential for:
- Print service providers and manufacturers: To document and communicate the environmental impacts of finishing processes for products such as books, magazines, labels, packaging, brochures, and business cards.
- Material suppliers: For providing comprehensive environmental data regarding chemicals, adhesives, coatings, films, and other finishing consumables.
- Supply chain partners: Enables sharing verified data related to emissions, energy consumption, hazardous materials, and recovery opportunities, supporting greener procurement and product development.
- Certification and compliance: Supports organizations in meeting customer and regulatory requirements by aligning communication with ISO environmental labeling and carbon footprint protocols.
- Sustainability initiatives: Supports life cycle assessment (LCA), continuous improvement in environmental management, and the substantiation of claims such as “climate neutrality” or “net-zero” for finished print products.
By implementing ISO 22067-2:2026, organizations can enhance their transparency, respond effectively to regulatory and customer demands, optimize resource use, and improve environmentally responsible practices across print finishing operations.
Related Standards
ISO 22067-2:2026 references and aligns with several key international standards, including:
- ISO 22067-1 – Communication of environmental aspects of printed products: Print production stage
- ISO 14024 / ISO 14025 – Environmental labels and declarations
- ISO 14063:2020 – Environmental communication guidelines
- ISO 16759 – Carbon footprint calculation for print media products
- ISO 18603/18604/18605/18606 – Packaging and the environment (reuse, recycling, energy recovery, composting)
- ISO 11890-1/2 – Determination of VOC content in paints and varnishes
- ISO 11204 – Noise emission measurements
- ISO 14067 – Carbon footprint of products
- ISO/IEC 13273-2 – Vocabulary for renewable energy
For best results in environmental communication, organizations in the print sector should use ISO 22067-2:2026 in conjunction with these related standards to ensure complete, accurate, and credible reporting.
Keywords: ISO 22067-2:2026, print finishing, graphic technology, environmental communication, sustainability, emissions, carbon footprint, waste management, VOCs, hazardous substances, recycling, packaging standards, eco-friendly printing.