Its admittance means the Lincoln-headquartered company can now process FSC-certified projects produced internally as well as in partnership with its suppliers who are also certified. The business said this demonstrates the company’s commitment to responsible forestry.

While Visual Print and Design has been using sustainably sourced paper stock in production for several years, to achieve the FSC standard a stringent and thorough audit of its supply chain was required to ensure the criteria were met.

Visual Print and Design managing director Graham Hunstone said: “Environmental sustainability is one of our top corporate priorities at Visual Print and Design and being able to offer sustainable alternatives for our customers is an important part of our commitment to the planet.

“We would like to thank the team at Print and Media Certification for all their support through the auditing process as well as funding provided by the City of Lincoln Council that made this possible.”

Established in 1993, FSC has certified approximately 213 million hectares of forests worldwide. Around 40% of the UK’s forests are now certified by the FSC.

The FSC Chain of Custody certification traces the path of products from forests through the supply chain, verifying that FSC-certified materials are identified or kept separated from non-certified materials throughout the chain.

In November Visual Print and Design appointed a new project delivery manager to help further expand its customer base and service offering. It had already shortly before added three other new members to its team and promoted a fourth internally.

The business also has an office in Scotland and offers services including marketing material, corporate stationery, publications, direct mail, large-format print, and promotional merchandise.