The present work aimed to analyze plastic packaging management in the context of transition to the circular economy model. Bibliographic and documentary research was carried out, with a period of 2006-2021, where the current contribution of plastic packaging to the linear model, in addition to the difficulties and needs of this sector for the application of reverse logistics and return to life cycle was evaluated. It was verified that there is a large amount of plastic waste being produced and inadequately disposed of; the low added value, the inefficiency in the standardization of packaging, and its post-consumption conditions are factors that make it difficult to close its life cycle; the existence of commitments from companies and countries to apply the circular economy, as well as the application of its concepts in Brazil and the role of each sector of society, was understood for an efficient application of the circular economy for plastic packaging.