Companies must take care to use resources sustainably, according to business planning advice from a company that helps individuals and firms to reduce waste and recycle more.

Richard Swannell, director of design and resource minimisation at WRAP, said a more resource-efficient economy would have environmental, economic and social benefits in the UK.

"Using our resources sustainably is one of the biggest challenges that we face, both globally and as a nation," he added.

Mr Swannell was responding to the launch of the Aldersgate Group's Beyond Carbon report, which called on businesses to recognise the benefits they could gain from building resource efficiency and sustainability into their long-term planning.

The report was launched by minister for the environment, food and rural affairs Hilary Benn, who commented that resource efficiency makes good business sense.

"Those businesses that also adopt a longer term approach to improving their resource efficiency will ensure their sustainability and future success in a world where our natural resources are becoming scarcer and more expensive," he added.