The first four titles in the Made with Care series were launched this week and focused on green issues, such as recycling and gardening.

The books are produced at Germany-based printer Mohn Media using its two sheetfed KBA Rapida 162 presses.

The text for each title is printed with vegetable inks on Condat FSC matt art 130gsm stock, with the cover printed on Imitation stock.

The publisher has also specified the books without jackets in a bid to eliminate unnecessary paper usage.

DK, which plans to roll out the Made with Care series in the near future, requires each printer it uses to be accredited with the ISO 14001 environmental standard or equivalent CSR policy.

The publisher said it would also only use printers that are certified with FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) Chain of Custody.

Books in the range so far include Earth Matters, Grow Organic, Make It! and Green Babycare.

Dorling Kindersley chief executive Gary June said the Made with Care series provides a "best practice example of how green and clean books can be produced in the future".

He added: "Plus it also gives both adults and children an opportunity to be environmentally inspired while making an ethical purchase."

WWF-UK Forest & Trade Network manager Julia Young called the initiative "a fantastic undertaking".