WORCESTERSHIRE-based Jutexpo, the UK’s largest supplier of eco-friendly jute bags, has been selected as one of the top 12 green business pioneers in the national 2008 Barclays Commercial Bank Green Leaders in Business Awards.

The company from Broadway, near Evesham, supplies jute bags to the UK’s leading supermarkets, as well as independent retailers, convenience stores, national charities, local authorities and universities.

Since Barrie Turner founded Jutexpo in 2002, it has produced 12 million jute bags, which he calculates have saved more than 1.2 billion plastic carriers being used each year.

Mr Turner said: “I’m delighted that Jutexpo has been selected as a national finalist and that our efforts to help the environment have been recognised.

“We adhere to a strict ethical code of practice and require all our suppliers to support and uphold these beliefs. In addition, we are regularly independently audited, most recently in February.”

Jutexpo’s products are made in its own factory in West Bengal, India, the centre of the world’s jute production. Jute is a renewable and sustainable resource and is processed by traditional methods into a fabric that is durable, strong and biodegradable.

Chosen from more than 50 UK entries in the medium business category, Jutexpo will now be invited to present to an expert judging panel, chaired by leading environmentalist Tom Burke.

Richard French, Barclays commercial bank marketing director, said: “Jutexpo is not only protecting and preserving our natural world, but demonstrating how its green credentials generate a competitive advantage that is confirmed through increasing profits.

“We believe that Jutexpo offers a fresh perspective in the way they use innovative solutions to do business in a financially successful and sustainable manner.”

The winner of the Green Leaders award will be announced in London on Tuesday, September 9.