Evaluation of available ISO 13655 Backing Materials and Measurement Differences for the Packaging Industry

Annex A of ISO (International Standard Organization) 13655 defines specimen backing requirements used for the measurement of color in the graphic arts industry. Due to the varying aspects of print processes, different vendors
and print manufacturers are using various backing substrates for color calibration or measurements.

This study is aimed to discover and evaluate backing products available on the market based on the ISO requirements, including those officially recognized backing materials as well as materials designed for other purposes but could be used as ISO compliant backing. The results identify some cost-efficient surface materials that are feasible for packaging suppliers as well as the graphic arts industry.