The Liverpool-based, 38-staff company achieved 100% recycling rates of paper, cardboard and polythene. It has also reduced its chemical waste recycling processes by 75% after purchasing a Fuji plate processor that minimises chemistry and water use.

LT Print Group, which has a current turnover of £2.8m, uses Heidelberg printing machines that operate on a 30% energy reduction on the the company's previous kit.

However, managing director Bob McWilliams conceded that the ISO achievement had not been easy work.

"It was very hard. It was tough getting all the forms filled in and tidying up on the recycling issues. We are taking our green ideas further by looking at our carbon footprint," he said.

"We have had heating controls installed on exit doors and energy-saving lighting put in. We have a high ceiling so we have invested in a re-circulating blower that pushes hot air down so saves on heating," he added.

LT Print now hopes to gain FSC accreditation.