The Middlesex-based commercial printer said it went for the environmental certification in response to requests from customers and in a bid to stay ahead of the game.

General manager Andrea Bailey said: "We wanted to be able to promote and influence our clients who are unfamiliar with FSC and PEFC.

"We also work with recognised business schools and universities in the UK that have the environment high on their agenda, so we need to be very proactive."

The company already has ISO 9001 and is reportedly working towards for ISO 14001 accreditation.
 
Bailey said: "We have found many benefits from our work towards 14001, as our supplies are working with us and coming up with all sorts of ideas and ways to lessen our environmental impact."

She added that being FSC and PEFC certified has its benefits, as it is still a point of difference between the company and its competitors.

She said: "Once we understood how to manage the Chain of Custody within our own processes we found it quite straightforward, even though we worked towards the new standard and many of our suppliers were working towards the old standard.

"However, we have found that one of the downsides is that many companies are still trying to beat the system rather than get certified and display their own Chain of Custody number."

In the last year, the £5m turnover company installed a Heidelberg 74 five-colour press with coater.

Bailey said it is more efficient and the work turnaround time has vastly improved. "Our strategy is to grow business across the group," she added.