Kensuke's Kingdom (pictured)  written by Michael Morpugo, and due out in September will be the first UK book to be printed entirely both cover and text on FSC-certified paper. The FSC logo ensures that the virgin fibre used in production comes from environmentally responsible sources.

A Greenpeace spokeperson said: "Egmont's new procurement policy and the printing of Michael Morpugo's book on FSC-certified paper are very positive steps forward for the UK publishing industry."

Newgate Concise in Rotherhithe, London printed the covers while CPI's Cox & Wyman in Reading produced the text.

A growing number of UK book publishers are looking to "ancient forest" friendly paper sourcing in response to pressure from Greenpeace's Book Campaign, which launched in October 2003, and is supported by authors such as JK Rowling and Phillip Pullman.

Two of the largest UK publishers, Pearson and Random House, have since adopted procurement policies that have committed them to environmentally friendly paper sourcing.

Story by James Donkin