The firm, which services the catering, retail and charity sectors, was awarded the environmental standard following a year-long audit throughout 2007.

The 32-staff printer organised the division of waste among the company and began printing on FSC-certified stock, including the 9lives 'Born Again' range of paper.

It firm also produces its platesetter work using an Agfa Palladio and Apogee workflow, which runs chemical-free.

The company, which has cut its waste to landfill from three skips to two over the course of last year, is also aiming to reduce the level further in 2008.

Ruddocks managing director Paul Banton told printweek.com that the award was "a response to our clients and our recognition of the businesses' responsibility".

He added that the process was "more in-depth than we first imagined, having to organise the paperwork for the company and our contractors; it was incredibly complex".

"The accreditation comes at an initial cost to the business, but it's a cost we expect to recover over the coming years," said Banton

The printer, which has already cut its night time energy usage saving £5,000 per year, now plans to go for FSC–certification in the coming year.