5 years since the Modern Slavery Act (MSA) 2015, The UK Government’s Modern Slavery Statement was published on 26th March.

The MSA requires large businesses to report annually on their systems to prevent modern slavery in their operations and global supply chains. The UK Government's Statement assesses the risk of modern slavery, and details how they are working to eradicate modern slavery from their supply chains. This now paves the way for statements to be published from the rest of the public sector.

Read the full statement here.

Last week's new budget confirmed a plastic packaging tax of £200 per tonne, for manufacturers and importers of packaging made from less than 30% recycled plastic. The consequence should result in the use of recycled plastics in packaging increasing, reducing waste and carbon emissions. The rate and threshold level will be continually under review to ensure ongoing improvements.