Performance evaluation of closed-loop supply chain in bottled water industry: a case study

Abstract

The closed-loop supply chain has been identified as an efficient and effective strategy for sustainable practices in manufacturing companies. An evaluation is essential to achieve a successful closed-loop supply chain. This study aims to evaluate the closed-loop supply chain performance in the bottled water industry using a fuzzy rule-based system. A case study is conducted to PT X, a bottled water company in West Sumatra. The results show the overall closed-loop supply chain performance of PT X is at a fair level. Nine measures in the forward chain are at a good level. In contrast, one measure (i.e., product characteristics) is classified into a poor level. Based on the results, the company needs to conduct improvements related to product characteristics. In terms of the reverse chain, two measures (i.e., material features and supplier commitment) are at a fair level, while four measures are at a good level. The company has to pay more attention to material features and supplier commitment. Improvements to those measures can increase the reverse chain’s performance, which indirectly increases the overall performance of the closed-loop supply chain.