The company said the move was in response to increasing pressure on retailers and print management companies to use environmentally conscious printers.

Managing director Richard Gray said the company's substantial environmental investments had had a "massive impact" on its success in securing relationships with key customers.

"Prinovis Liverpool is custom built, which means it is highly streamlined. The fact that we do not transport materials around the facility makes us unique in the UK," he said.

"We are also operating at the cutting edge, using the world's most advanced printing software, presses and finishing systems, which are all designed for maximum efficiency and minimum waste."

The 450-staff plant produces high-quality, high-volume colour publications, including magazines, newspaper supplements, printed mailings and home shopping catalogues.

Clients include OK!, The Sunday Times Magazine, Style and Culture supplements, The Sun TV Guide and Littlewoods catalogues, and the 63,000sqm site has a patented system that ensures it is almost emission free.

In addition, Prinovis Liverpool has also secured the OHSAS 18001 health and safety certification.