The responses came in reply to WWF's claim that the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification scheme was the only credible one, and that other schemes were aiding forest destruction.

"We support any credible forest certification scheme that encourages responsible forest management. Chain-of-custody and traceability are vital," said Curtis Fine Papers sales and marketing director Janey Hunter.

Curtis Fine Papers recently launched Retreeve FSC, a certified paper aimed at the graphic design market.

Hunter said it was unfortunate one set of standards had not been agreed upon, and this should be a common objective. Instead of setting one set of supporters against each other Hunter said certification schemes should be applauded.

"We must not lose sight of the fact that it is the destruction of precious areas of ancient forest that is at the heart of the issue," she said.