The potentials of combining Blockchain technology and Internet of Things for digital reverse supply chain: A case study

Abstract

Asbestos has been considered as a hazardous waste in France since 1997 and it is neither recyclable nor recoverable. Hence, its storage and processing have a major impact on both human health and environment. In addition, its treatment is subject to very strict environmental regulations. Hence, to minimize the environmental regulations impact, the treatment of asbestos requires tools and new information technology (IT) enabling real-time information sharing with all reverse supply chain (RSC) actors. A successful integration of new IT such as Blockchain technology and Internet of Things (IoT) can lead to several advantages in order to help asbestos waste management. This study aims at integrating and combining Blockchain and IoT to digitize RSC for asbestos waste treatment. First, we investigate the roles and impacts of Blockchain and IoT on forward and reverse supply chain performances. Second, we propose two new conceptual models for both open and close loop digital RSC. Finally, to demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of integration and combination of these digital technologies, we propose a case study for asbestos waste management. The results show that the combination of Blockchain and IoT can be implemented to provide robust digital RSC.