The initial assessment fee for a single-site operation to be accredited is around £1,200, not including external consultation fees, and the annual subscription fee for one scheme is £650, or £850 for two schemes.

In addition, an annual fee is paid to a third- party consultant to oversee the renewal.

Peter Wise, managing director of Bristol-based print franchise Minuteman Press, said his firm recycled waste and was environmentally aware, but the cost of becoming and maintaining accreditation was "exorbitant" for SMEs.

Dave Richards, sales director at Yorkshire Trade Binders, agreed. He said that a few thousand pounds for accreditation could ruin a small printer.

He added: "What certification boils down to is sensible production. Another certificate will always be achieved by the bigger companies because they are driven by the need to be the latest."

However, Adrian Ford, joint managing director at FSC and PEFC-accredited Print4UK, said he thought the cost was fair.

He said the initial cost was around £2,200, including consultation costs incurred and the hidden costs of travelling and overnight accommodation for the assessor.

He took the view that the annual cost was "a small price to pay".

Rosie Teasdale, deputy director for FSC UK, said she recognised the need to make certification affordable for small businesses.

She added: "Several printers in the UK are certified under group schemes.  There is a scheme set up specifically for the print sector by Print and Media Certification."