CPI director of business affairs, Graham Barnard said that while the CPI fully acknowledged the need to reduce emissions, the paper sector had participated in the UK Climate Change Agreement since 1990, which had led to a 32% improvement rate in its energy usage since 1990.

The Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), who issued the document called it purely a draft statement, and does have scope for negotiation.

In the meantime, the CPI would work with experts and officials to find a mutually acceptable way forward.