Reverse supply chain for end- of- life vehicles treatment: An in- depth content review

Abstract

Reverse supply chain (RSC) implementation is integral to waste management. Owing to economic, environmental and social benefits, RSC has been adopted to many industries and automotive is no exception. Multiple components and materials found in End-of-life vehicles (ELVs) have potential recycling value but also cause environmental damages if improperly treated. The number of ELVs is accelerating worldwide, especially in developing countries. Research on RSCs for ELVs treatment has been increasing. However, the literature still lacks a comprehensive understanding of this topic. The authors thus conducted an in-depth content review of publications on RSC of ELVs. The methodology applied PRISMA 2020 guideline combined with the model of Mayring (2001). Extensive search strings were utilized to retrieve articles from SCOPUS and Web of Science. After a rigid selection process and an intensive content assessment on 10,140 publications as raw materials, a total of 151 peer-reviewed papers was selected and carefully analyzed. The content categories were developed deductively and inductively. Major categories included research methodology overarching others: research themes, RSC/ELV types, stages in RSC, country specific and stakeholders. Modeling is the most commonly used among the papers, especially in RSC network design and planning. Mixed-integer linear programming prevails over other modeling approaches while AHP is predominant decision-making tool. Studies on legislations, network performance evaluation, and forecasting remain negligible. Categorization and significant achievements of articles are introduced. Future research is suggested upon identified research gaps. The review benefits academicians and practitioners in better comprehension of the field and promising research directions.