A New Mathematical Model for Redesigning the Reverse Supply Chain with Social Sustainability

Abstract

The flow of goods in the supply chain is divided into two types of direct and reverse flows. Recently, more attention has been paid to the reverse supply chain because it can create benefit in waste products. In this paper, a nonlinear integer mixed integer multi-objective mathematical programming model for inverse and sustainable supply chain is presented. The objective functions of this model are economic, social and environmental goals. In addition, this model covers four levels including suppliers, collection centers, recycling centers and consumers. The purpose of this article is to assist managers in making decisions at strategic and tactical levels such as choosing a suitable location for the establishment of collection and recycling centers, selecting production technology, determining the amount of production in each recycling center and the use of available vehicles. To solve this mathematical model, a method based on linearization as well as foal planning is developed. Finally, in order to validate and evaluate the performance, the model is examined using a numerical example and sensitivity analysis is performed on its various parameters.