Novel materials like bioplastics and carbon fibre could be key to a low-carbon, resource-efficient economy envisioned in the government’s industrial strategy, according to environmental think tank Green Alliance.

Recycling information on packaging is to be trimmed to make it simpler for consumers to understand and easier for retailers to use, the On-Pack Recycling Label scheme has announced.

Environmental charities across England are to receive over £1.5 million after 26 businesses agreed to make donations in response to pollution charges brought by the Environment Agency.

The European Commission’s roadmap for an EU strategy on plastics in the circular economy does not get to the root of the plastics problem, according to a coalition of environmental groups.

European Commission VP Frans Timmermans says “good progress” is being made on developing a circular economy in Europe and announces a new finance support platform for circular projects.

The UK’s most heavily-concentrated area of offices is to be targeted for Hubbub’s Square Mile Challenge, providing specialist bins to boost the recycling of takeaway coffee cups.

Consumer goods company Procter & Gamble is producing a limited run of recyclable shampoo bottles made from recycled beach plastic in what it says is ‘the first major step’ in establishing a supply chain taking in plastic waste collected from beaches by charities.

The Prince of Wales has voiced his support for bottle deposit schemes, after backing Sky’s Ocean Rescue campaign against marine plastic.

Businesses have backed the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, supporting a report outlining the potential for more than £9 trillion in benefits, and called on the UK government to help reach the global targets.

The New Plastics Economy’s latest action plan to reuse and recycle 70 per cent of the world’s plastic packaging through better design and business models has been backed by industry leaders.