Chapter 3 - Biomass-Based Supply Chains and Logistics Networks

Abstract

A detailed knowledge on the elements of supply chains and logistics networks is essential to develop efficient modeling and solution frameworks and solve the real-world problems by selecting the most appropriate methodologies considering the structure of the supply chain elements. The aim of this chapter is to provide a comprehensive understanding and perspective of the basics of biomass-based supply chains and logistics networks, by covering each supply chain element separately. To this aim, this chapter presents a comprehensive overview on the supply chain levels/elements of the chain along with the activities performed at each level from the initial stage (i.e., biomass production) to the last stage (i.e., product distribution and consumption) of the production chain. Brief information on the historical development of biomass-based supply chains is also given. A discussion and a comparative analysis of the topics covered in the chapter is provided as well, to reveal the impacts of different supply chain elements, levels, and activities on methodology selection and application for decision-making in biomass-based production problems.