A new report published by Nextek and Resource Futures sets out frameworks for improving the role of the UK secondary plastics market, warning that many recent initiatives could ultimately detract from efforts to move to a circular economy.

From marine litter and the UK Plastics Pact to China’s waste ban and the future of waste and resources strategy, here are some of our key moments from a busy two days of discussion and debate at CIWM’s Resourcing the Future conference.

The Marine Conservation Society is asking people to give up single-use plastics for the month of July in a bid to reduce plastic pollution in the oceans.

BRITA UK’s report finds that while eight out of 10 hospitality businesses view reducing waste as a priority, especially single-use plastics, cost is seen as a significant potential barrier to achieving this.

The global annual event on 8 June is focusing on the zeitgeist issue of plastic pollution in the oceans, and wants to encourage more young people than ever to make a stand.

A new £3-million plastics recycling partnership aims to tackle Scotland’s packaging waste, which was recently revealed to cost local authorities more than £11 million a year.

Independent coffee shop chain Boston Tea Party has banned the sale of single-use coffee cups in its 22 stores from today (1 June), a move which could result in losses of over £1 million.

The Scottish Parliament has announced that it will be banning single-use coffee cups in its main buildings in order to cut down on single-use plastic waste.

On June 5 two campaigns are making high profile stands against plastic pollution in a bid to raise awareness and help change behaviours.

Having given £100,000 to fund store’s plastic-free range, Zero Waste Scotland is looking for more businesses with innovative ideas to combat packaging waste.