The move amounts to around 30%, or 3,000-plus tonnes of the publisher's total paper purchase for monochrome book production.

The FSC paper stock will be produced and supplied by Swedish book paper producer Arctic Paper and its Munkedal mill (pictured).

HarperCollins group production director David Rye said the partnership with Arctic would provide the book publisher with an opportunity to access a range of environmentally sound papers.

"This can only enhance the production and environmental credentials of our books," said Rye.

Arctic Paper UK managing director Simon Ricketts said the move showed that HarperCollins was leading the way by producing its books on FSC certified paper.

He said: "I feel it's important for consumers to be aware of environmental issues when they buy books, and what better way than a leading publisher to support sustainable forestry."

In order to be eligible to use the FSC logo, HarperCollins is currently working towards the accreditation for FSC chain of custody STD 40-004.

The firm's supply chain, which includes its production and purchasing departments, expects to achieve chain of custody accreditation by the end of this year.

In addition, HarperCollins is also ensuring that the bulk  of the paper used at its offices in London, Glasgow and Cheltenham is environmentally responsible or FSC certified.