This standard specifies the requirements for quantifying the carbon footprint of those processes, materials and
technologies required to produce print media products using any form of printing technology and that are
within the user’s knowledge and control. It is based on a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) approach, using
defined system boundaries and a specified functional unit as the basis for complete or partial carbon
footprinting studies. This data can be referenced throughout supply chains for individual print media products.
Where the results of a carbon footprint study for print media products are intended to be communicated to
business and consumers, the communication should follow standards of completeness as defined here and in
other ISO standards, such as ISO 14020.
This International Standard provides a framework for carbon calculators that organisations can follow, and that
can be used as the structure for market or sector-specific carbon footprinting tools. Studies and tools
constructed within this framework methodology provide carbon footprint quantifications of print media products
that can be validated, verified and compared.
