Plastic is a product that we can't live without anymore, or can we? Modern consumerism is closely linked to plastic, and technological advancements have allowed businesses and consumers to benefit from plastic-based products. Plastic may have made our lives easier, however, an explosion in plastic uses combined with the rise of global consumerism have resulted in a range of environmental issues. Plastic waste and environmental issues are being discussed widely by different stakeholder groups and the media, and often linked to the question whose responsibility it is to solve the issues around plastic.

The main task of the assignment is to analyse the situation around plastic pollution from a business ethics perspective and to critically discuss using the 'tragedy of the commons' and ethical theories. You can discuss this from a global perspective or focus on an Australian perspective. Please see below tasks and questions that you need to address in your assignment. The case study assignment is organised into three parts, an analysis, a critical discussion, and recommendation and reflection.

A 'plastic tragedy'?

As part of your analysis, address the following points:

What are the key stakeholder groups and their interests?

In your analysis, consider the different ethical theories.