"The certificate makes it possible to verify and report the share of FSC certified wood," said forestry and wood-sourcing vice-president, Sixten Sunabacka.

The operations were already certified under the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) scheme and UPM's wood procurement operation in the UK received the FSC chain of custody in 2003.

Meanwhile, the manufacturer has completed negotiations at its Kymi mill in Finland, which will result in its paper machines being closed down by the end of the year.

Some 59 employees are expected to be affected and these will either be relocated or offered early retirement. Production will be transferred to the firm's Tervasaari mill, also in Finland.