Plastic Waste Management During and Post Covid19 Pandemic: Challenges and Strategies Towards Circular Economy

Global petroleum consumption fell as lockdowns were put in place to contain the 2019 Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19). As a result, oil costs dropped, making virgin plastics more cost-effective than recycled plastics. The usage of plastic has increased as a result of lifestyle modifications, cost-based incentives, and other factors, further obscuring the issue. Personal protection equipment (PPE) used during the pandemic has resulted in a notable rise in the quantity of plastics detritus. The plastic packaging industry is anticipated to reach revenue of US$ 909.2 billion in 2021 at a compound annual growth rate of 5.5%. The growing use of plastics puts more pressure on waste management systems, which are ineffective and inadequate to handle the problem. This might exacerbate the problem and cause environmental pollution. Globally, 40% of plastic garbage is ultimately disposed of in landfills, 25% is burned, 16% is recycled, and the other 19% seeps into the environment. By investing in circular technologies like feedstock recycling and enhancing infrastructural and environmental conditions, it may be viable to manage plastic waste flows during such a crisis. Investment in valorisation strategies that convert plastic waste into value-added goods like fuels and building materials obtains an overwhelming macroeconomic signal when both plastic waste and plastic demand are on the rise. A robust circular economy can be accomplished by finalising the life cycle of plastic waste. The Plastic Waste Footprint (PWF) idea intends to measure how plastic products affect the environment over the period of their intended use. In view of the developing waste management difficulties during and after the pandemic, the current study has examined new environmental regulations and research.