This follows a survey of leading FSC paper manufacturers in Europe, including companies such as SCA, Dalum Papir, Drewsen and Klippan.

WWFs communications officer for its European forest programme, Helma Brandlmaier, said the boom in development, coupled with a worldwide increase in the number of FSC certifications in the paper and print sector, marked a promising shift.

The amount of FSC certified paper now being produced in Europe has increased from 4,900 tonnes at the beginning of this year, to just over 22,000 tonnes by September.

Globally, the amount of FSC certified forests has increased by 29% from June 2002 to November 2003, to 40m hectares.

The most significant increase has been reported in Europe, where the amount of forest area certified to FSC standards increased to 25.17m hectares, a rise of 26%.

The most important areas were reported in Croatia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Russia.

The number of FSC certified companies in the paper and print sector worldwide has doubled since the beginning of the year to 129.

WWF said the most significant increase was noted in Japan, where the number of FSC certified companies in the paper industry increased from one in 2000, to 58 in 2003.

Story by Andy Scott