The Oldham-based company said it was vital to guarantee its customers chain of custody for the paper and board it uses to print their publications.

Craig Johnston, Rap Spiderweb sales manager, said clients are being asked to go down the environmentally friendly route and that as a result, FSC accreditation is fast becoming a prerequisite.

He said: "Becoming FSC accredited confirms our commitment to environmental issues, which is high on everyone’s agenda these days.

"The paper merchants we used were all FSC accredited, so by gaining the accreditation we complete the chain. We also wanted to demonstrate our commitment to using materials from well-managed forests."

Johnston said the FSC process helped focus the 25-staffed company and ensure that it set up procedures that will be maintained for the future.

Rap Spiderweb has a £2.5m turnover and works in the voluntary and not-for-profit sectors. The B2 printer is now turning its attention to ISO 14001, and has recently invested in new hardware at its studio and upgraded its estimating software.

See also:

Client Audit: The Vegetarian Society

Supply problems force Random House to abandon FSC paper