It follows an increase in demand for certified paper and board that the company said has continued to grow as more brand owners develop specific environmental polices.

Bob Houghton, Chesapeake corporate marketing and communications manager, said: "Initially, we had a number of customer enquiries that we would not have been able to produce without FSC or PEFC certified status.

"The certification also closely complements other certifications at our sites such as ISO 14001, and helps to demonstrate our commitment to best environmental practice."

He added being certified means there is greater choice for customers and allows the company to serve some clients that now insist these standards are in place.

Chesapeake has won new work on the back of the certifications, particularly in the branded goods sector and there is also interest building in other markets such as healthcare.  

The company's multi-site approach enables it to reduce the cost of individual site certifications, without which Houghton said several sites would have lost business. 

Chesapeake's main markets are drinks, food and confectionery.