Porritt completed a tour around the Markinch mill in Scotland, where a 45MW biomass combined heat and power (CHP) facility is due to begin construction this summer.

It is scheduled to be in operation by 2012 and will replace Tullis Russell's existing coal-fired plant. The CHP facility will cut carbon emissions by 250,000 tonnes and will represent 6% of Scotland's total renewable energy generation target.

Porritt, a founder director of Forum for the Future, said: "Tullis Russell is setting an example across the industry despite the turbulent economic climate.

"This development will reinforce the company's position as one of the world's leading environmentally focused papermakers."

Porritt was appointed chairman of the UK Sustainable Development Commission in July 2000. He is a former director of Friends of the Earth, co-chair of the Green Party, chairman of UNED-UK and a Trustee of WWF-UK.

Chris Parr, Tullis Russell group chief executive, said it was an honour to get feedback and input into the company's plans to develop as an environmentally responsible paper manufacturer.

Tullis Russell produces 150,000 tonnes of coated and uncoated boards each year for markets around the world.