Utilizing AI at the design phase to tackle plastic waste

There have been many environmental ramifications as a result of the international lockdowns across the world. While some of these have had a positive impact, reducing travel or pollution dramatically in some places, there has also been a dramatic decline in plastic recycling across the world. Since the coronavirus struck, recyclers worldwide have seen their businesses shrink by more than 20% in Europe by 50% in parts of Asia and as much as 60% for some firms in the US. This is due to an unprecedented demand for single use plastics, a safer, more hygienic option for many things—including hospital gowns, masks and food containers—throughout a viral pandemic.