The Gloucester commercial printer believes it is only the UK's fifth printer to hold the FSC chain of custody certificate for promoting sustainable forestry.

"More customers want greener solutions," said sales director David Pealing. "Close partnership with them is key to expanding environmental print options.

"To be certified shows more awareness of our duty in proving the paper we print on can be traced to sustainably managed forests."

Environmental manager Susan Morton said she had to ensure eco paper wasn't mixed with uncertified paper. Closer tabs went on the purchasing, press, discharge and delivery stages handled by the firm's 68 staff.

"We know 99% of the time the paper coming in is the paper that goes out but had to clearly identify it."

Beacon Press, Garda Group, Butler and Tanner and St Ives Westerham Press also have certificates, usually awarded to paper merchants. 

Severnprint has won six eco awards in four years such as the 2004 BPIF environment award. Last week it achieved ISO9001 for quality management.

Story by Jez Abbott