A group of weeklies have scored an industry first after ensuring that their use of newsprint does not contribute to global deforestation.

The Ayrshire Post, Kilmarnock Standard and the Irvine Herald are now printed under a scheme which sources and tracks the wood and wood fibre used to make newsprint for the titles.

The three Reach plc-owned titles all now carry a PEFC (Programme of Endorsement of Forest Certification) – a stamp of approval guarantees that at every stage in the supply chain there is a full commitment to sustainable forestry.

Reach Scotland Regionals, which publishes 17 local titles every week including the Paisley Daily Express and Hamilton Advertiser, is now working with suppliers to ensure every one of its titles can follow the example set by the Ayrshire series.

The scheme – called ‘From Tree to Print’ – was highlighted on the front page of this week’s editions together with a two-page explainer piece inside.

Reach Scotland Regionals’ publishing editor George Johnston said: “There is no getting away from climate emergency and we should not underestimate the part we can all play.

“As a newspaper publisher, our print credentials underpin everything we do. In the same way we apply values and standards to our editorial content, we hold ourselves to strict controls in our production processes too.

“Our editorial and production staff are fiercely proud of their titles and their place in the communities in which they serve. We are a trusted news brand and the trust of our audience is something we take very seriously.

“Picking up a paper in the newsagents is easy, but knowing how that paper is sourced and produced from tree to print is how we earn your trust.

“We know the environment is very much front of mind these days — from schools to businesses — everyone accepts how important an issue it is.

“So to be able to offer our readers this industry-leading environmental stamp is just another fantastic acknowledgement that shows our titles do care about the issues that are important.

“Our project aims to raise awareness and encourage readers and advertisers to support the important role that the local newspaper industry plays in protecting the environment. We are proud of our environmental credentials.”