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The importance of the circular economy, where resources are kept in use for as long as possible, is now recognised more widely than ever. Most people in Wales are recycling, and manufacturers are responding to public mood by increasing the use of recycled materials in their products.

As I was walking along part of Wales’ beautiful coastal path at the weekend, I couldn’t help but be distracted by the rubbish brought in on the tide.  It got me thinking about the type of economy that Wales should have: a circular one where plastic is re-used.  Where discarded plastic containers – for example – don’t become eye sores or landfill waste but become useful products again.

I recently prepared a speech about WRAP Cymru’s Market Development Programme, which is in place to increase the supply of, and demand for, products containing recycled content in Wales. I started by writing a list of everything that our dedicated team has been busy doing to facilitate this in collaboration with others. Seeing it all on paper reminded me just how much excellent work is being done and how vital it is to the achievement of a circular economy.