The cores will be provided by Ultra-core, who specialise in recyclable cores for paper. Ultra-core’s products can be returned and rewound with paper for use a second time.

They are also chipped so a company using them will know a particular batch of paper is at any one time.

David Crow, divisional managing director of Johnston Press who heads up its print operation, said: “As a printing operation, we are in a competitive market and always looking to make our operation more efficient and cost effective.

“Introducing a bespoke composite core into an environment steeped in 150 years of tradition is very difficult. However, I am now comfortable that a number of our suppliers are providing newsprint on composite core, so as far as risk management is concerned, we are covered.”