The Northampton-based paper merchant said the The Power of Sustainable Print Communication Environmental Guide is not based on its own products, like many of its rivals. Instead, it is similar to the Print Sells Campaign, which promotes the print and paper industry.

Howard Smith Paper Group marketing director Dave Cooling said: "Publishing this guide is our commitment to provide accurate information to the industry in this complex area.

"This guide adds real value to printers, print management companies, publishers and designers, as it will help them promote the power and sustainability of paper and print."

The 26pp document is part of the company's ongoing initiatives being developed by the group's strategic business development team.

In October, the firm appointed Jonathan Tame, formerly of the Waste Resources Action Programme (WRAP), to head up the division.