In studies where a more realistic assumption was made, that 50 per cent of the plastic could be recovered, the conclusion was firmly that incineration was better for the environment.

Using realistic assumptions of take-up and limiting this to those aged 50 and above could make in the region of a further 60 billion available to 'feed' the struggling economy.

He cautioned that after performing the calculations, it would be necessary for the analyst to think back from the simplification to more realistic assumptions.

Based on biologically realistic assumptions, theoretical ecologists are able to uncover novel, non-intuitive insights about natural processes.