Interest rates on the loans, which are underwritten by Siemens Financial Services, will vary according to how much is borrowed and the associated credit and asset risk, but repayments will be pegged to the value of the monthly savings in energy costs.

A prevous funding scheme from the Carbon Trust lent 2.9% of its funding to companies in the paper and publishing sectors, but the charity has now broadened the limits of funding available.

"Now that the new scheme has reduced the lower financing limit to just £1,000 and removed the upper finance limit, the potential for printing industry applicants has widened considerably," said a spokesperson.

Companies will now be able to borrow from £1,000 through to seven figure sums for purchases that meet the criteria.

To be eligible for the funding, companies must be able to show that their energy usage would be significantly reduced after installing the new equipment when compared to their current bills.

Myles McCarthy, general manager of Carbon Trust Implementation Services said that the scheme will offer affordable finance to meet a "huge desire" amongst manufacturers for energy-efficient equipment.

He added: "Up to now, a missing ingredient has been access to affordable finance to enable business to make those green investments. This new major finance facility – which matches monthly payments to real monthly energy cost savings – will improve business competitiveness, cut carbon and boost green growth."