Advances in partial disassembly line balancing: A state-of-the-art review

Abstract

As sustainable manufacturing practices increasingly prioritize the efficient and environmentally conscious disassembly of products, understanding the nuances of partial disassembly line balancing (PDLB) becomes essential. In our study, we conducted an in-depth analysis of 53 PDLB studies, published from 2008 to 2024, to understand the current trends and gaps in this domain. Our research methodology involved a systematic collection of material, descriptive analysis, careful category selection, and rigorous material evaluation. This approach enabled us to construct a comprehensive taxonomy tailored to PDLB, distinguishing it from classical disassembly line balancing (DLB) literature. Our findings reveal a noticeable surge in PDLB research in the last three years, reflecting its growing relevance in sustainable manufacturing. The study highlights that deterministic disassembly conditions, economic performance indicators, and iterative heuristic approaches are the focal points in recent PDLB research. This insight is critical for guiding future investigations in the field. Our taxonomy not only categorizes existing research in PDLB but also sheds light on under-explored areas, offering a clear direction for upcoming studies. This paper contributes to the literature by providing a detailed review of PDLB-specific elements such as problem characteristics, disassembly levels, objectives, constraints, and solution methods, thus paving the way for further advancements in sustainable manufacturing practices.