With ISO 14001 its not just about having the certificate on the wall, its about having a sound environmental management system, said the groups technical and environmental manager Tim Barker.

The group embarked on the verification process last year, and the audit was conducted by independent consultants SGS, on 9 and 10 March.

Other UK merchants certified to ISO 14001 include Howard Smith Paper and Premier Paper.

Barker said the theme would now be one of continuous improvements, and could lead to ISO 14001 being rolled out to its other sites within the group.

The process will not end here. We will now look at elements such as energy efficiency and waste reduction, he said.

Robert Horne might also take advantage of local free advisory services Barker said, which would explore other areas where it could make energy or waste reductions and improvements and/or savings.

Barker said Robert Horne had opted for a four to six monthly assessment by ISO 14001, which would ensure continuous improvement measures occur.

Robert Horne is also set to stock two new Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified office paper products, which Barker said should come to market later this year.

The two products will include a mid-range coated paper, and have been produced by a first time FSC manufacturer.

As part of its Know-How initiative, Robert Horne will also produce an environmental brochure for publication during mid-April this year.

An environmental website, linked to the Robert Horne Group site, will be set-up at the same time.

Story by Andy Scott