The move follows a series of investments including the increased use of biofuel, bark powder and biogas to power its Mönsterås and Värö mills in Sweden.

Environmental manager Roine Morin said the carbon footprint initiative focuses on energy efficiency and a reduction in reliance on fossil fuels.

He said: "Our customers are very receptive to this kind of information, as it also affects their business and can help them establish their own footprint."

For carbon footprint calculations to have any meaning, Morin said they must be measured with the same ruler across the industry.

Södra has used the framework for paper and board devised by the Confederation of European Paper Industries (CEPI), which is based on 10 key elements.

It said it hopes this method will become the standard for the pulp and paper industry.