Reverse Logistics System Research Articles

Barriers to Reverse Logistics of Construction and Demolition Waste

Objective: This study aims to identify the main barriers to implementing reverse logistics for construction and demolition waste (RCD), focusing on challenges faced by both small and large waste generators. Theoretical Framework: The research is grounded in reverse logistics theories, addressing sustainability and waste management frameworks. These concepts provide a basis for understanding the diverse challenges different generator profiles encounter. Method: A systematic literature review was conducted over nine months (October 2023 to July 2024) following the PRISMA method. Seven databases were consulted—Web of Science, Scopus, MDPI, Emerald, ScienceDirect, Taylor and Francis, and Wiley—resulting in 119 relevant articles. The study identifies and categorizes barriers for small and large generators. Results and Discussion: The results revealed 20 barriers for large generators and 7 for small generators, with 4 common barriers between both groups. These barriers highlight the complexity of RCD management and suggest specific policy and strategy needs. In the discussion, these barriers are analyzed in the context of the theoretical framework, revealing practical implications for improving reverse logistics systems. Research Implications: The findings provide valuable insights for both academic research and practical applications in waste management, contributing to the development of more effective strategies for RCD handling and disposal. This research has the potential to influence public policy and industry practices in waste logistics. Originality/Value: This study fills a gap in the literature by providing a comprehensive overview of barriers specific to different waste generator profiles. It advances theoretical knowledge and offers practical recommendations for improving RCD reverse logistics.

Extended material requirement planning (MRP) within a hybrid energy-enabled smart production system

A smart production system can be made energy-efficient using renewable energy and is considered to maintain the extended material requirement planning under a logistics system by using radio frequency identification. The tracking technology provides information about products with real-time notification. This study investigates renewable energy usage within a smart production system as renewable energy can contribute to Net Zero Emissions. The logistics framework involves an autonomation technology-based production system, optimum cash flow, logistics, and carbon emissions. Time is an essential influencer for material requirement planning. The model is solved with a Laplace integral transformation, where an associated matrix method is utilized by the input–output analysis. The theoretical concept is elaborated through an illustrative numerical example, where the energy consumption and corresponding net present values are evaluated. Numerical and graphical studies prove the effectiveness of the model for the use of renewable energy within for material planning under a reverse logistics system. The result reveals that efficient renewable energy consumption can save considerable costs and reduce the negative net present value of the system. It is found that skilled workers are worthy of a smart production system, not only in a qualitative aspect but also in an economic aspect.

Research on the Development of Agricultural Products Logistics under the Value Chain Optimization Concept of Logistics Management

The value chain of logistics management is the key to meeting the needs of circulation entities, improving logistics efficiency, optimizing logistics division of labor, and promoting the upgrading of logistics enterprises. It plays a positive role in promoting the development of agricultural product logistics. However, it is understood that there are still many problems in China's agricultural product logistics system, such as opaque information, multiple circulation links, high costs, high losses, and low profits. These will reduce the optimization of logistics management value chain, leading to low efficiency in agricultural product circulation and entering a low consumption cycle mode. Therefore, based on the concept of optimizing the value of logistics management, this article analyzes the development difficulties of the current agricultural product reverse logistics model, explores the design and operation mode of the agricultural product reverse logistics system, proposes corresponding countermeasures to maximize the value chain of agricultural product logistics management, in order to promote the stable and sustainable development of agricultural product logistics and improve the circulation efficiency of agricultural products.

Study on Reverse Logistics System Issues

In this information age, competition is fierce in all sectors, and the logistics industry is no exception. Numerous enterprises enjoy the great benefits brought by the advanced logistics system, and at the same time must respond to the call of the times, the sustainable development strategy and green logistics is imperative. Therefore, the establishment of a reasonable reverse logistics system is able to reduce the economic development of the ecological environment brought about by pollution, and effectively solve the rapid economic development and environmental protection issues between the special contradictions, but also appropriate to reduce the pressure on the supply of resources in the community, while easing the constraints on the contradiction of resources. The construction of low-cost, high-efficiency reverse logistics network can not only greatly enhance the efficiency of the logistics chain but also promote the synchronized and coordinated sustainable development of society, economy and environment.

Identifying and modelling the barriers to returns of end-of-life (EOL) heavy-duty machinery in Nigeria: A consumers’ perspective

EOL product returns has become more prevalently practiced in companies in developed nations as a response to government's strict regulations and customers' expectations. Correspondingly, there is a growing body of theoretical literature on the topic within this context as a crucial strategy to accelerate the development of the circular economy (CE). However, consumers' participation in EOL returns of heavy-duty machinery is immature in developing nations due to barriers, and studies are scarce on the analysis of the barriers. To fill this gap, this study aims to identify and analyze the barriers that hinder consumers' participation in EOL returns of heavy-duty machinery within a developing nation-Nigeria. Barriers were identified from published literature and experts' inputs and then, classified under technological, organizational, and environmental (supply chain) categories. Then, analysis was done via a methodology integrating interval-valued neutrosophic analytical hierarchy process (IVN-AHP) with multi-objective optimization on the basis of a ratio analysis plus the full multiplicative form (MULTIMOORA). Findings indicate that the environmental(supply chain) barriers rank the highest, followed by technological barriers. Specifically, consumers participation in EOL returns of heavy-duty machinery in Nigeria is mostly hindered by lack of regulations, lack of financial incentives, lack of skills, undeveloped reverse logistics system and poor access to facilities for recovery operations. Furthermore, we proposed some strategies to support stakeholders to mitigate the barriers. Thus, this study gives valuable guidelines to decision-makers to enable the transition to a CE paradigm in the heavy-duty sector within developing nations for utmost sustainability.

A two-level decision-support framework for reverse logistics network design considering technology transformation in Industry 4.0: a case study in Norway

Reverse logistics network design is a complex decision-making problem that involves the reuse, repair, remanufacturing, and recycling of end-of-life (EOL) under the tradeoff among conflicting objectives. The cutting-edge technologies in Industry 4.0 are now leading to an unprecedented and dynamic transformation of reverse logistics systems, which, however, further complicates the initial network design. In this paper, a two-level decision-support framework combined with both optimization and dynamic simulation is proposed to balance the cost, environmental impact, and service level in smart and sustainable reverse logistics network design under a dynamically evolving and stochastic environment. The results of a real-world case study in Norway show that the method can better support robust strategic decisions, eliminate dominated/near-dominated solutions, and yield holistic performance analyses considering smart reverse logistics transformation. The proposed two-level decision-support framework can better analyze the impact of the technology transformation of Industry 4.0 on reverse logistics systems, while it also provides a fundamental structure for digital reverse logistics twin.

Analyzing Barriers to Reverse Logistics Systems for E-Commerce in Vietnam

Analyzing Barriers to Reverse Logistics Systems for E-Commerce in Vietnam

Reverse logistics and financial performance in a developing country context: the moderating role of analytics capability

Purpose This paper aims to examine the financial outcome of reverse logistics among firms in a developing country. The authors draw on the organizational information processing theory to propose that analytics capability moderates the relationship between reverse logistics and financial performance. Design/methodology/approach The authors collected firm-level survey data from 200 manufacturing firms in Ghana, a developing country in sub-Saharan Africa. Partial least squares structural equations modeling is used to examine the proposed relationships, and the moderating effects are further probed using Hayes PROCESS. Findings The empirical results show that reverse logistics is negatively related to financial performance. However, analytics capability attenuates this negative relationship, such that firms with high analytics capability obtain a positive relationship between reverse logistics and financial performance. Practical implications Firms in developing countries should combine their reverse logistics strategies with developing analytics capabilities that help minimize uncertainties and increase the efficient collection and use of information to reduce the cost of reverse logistics. Originality/value This paper examines how reverse logistics relates to financial performance in low-resource contexts. Beyond the novelty of the context, it explores the information processing needs of reverse logistics systems and provides empirical data to support analytics capability. This has yet to be considered in prior studies.

Reverse Logistics in the Construction Industry: Status Quo, Challenges and Opportunities

Implementing reverse logistics in the construction industry is considered a crucial method to achieve a circular economy. Despite a wealth of research focusing on improving reverse logistics systems, businesses still encounter challenges during the implementation process. Therefore, this study conducted a systematic literature review utilizing bibliometric methods to analyze 623 articles on reverse logistics in the construction industry published on Web of Science from 1995 to 2023. Additionally, a comprehensive review of 56 high-quality literature on obstacles to implementing reverse logistics in the construction industry and optimizing reverse supply chains was conducted. This review uncovered the current status and challenges of implementing reverse logistics in the construction industry and proposed potential solutions to address these issues. The main findings of this study include: (1) increasing academic interest in construction waste reverse logistics, with Chinese scholars leading the way and publications predominantly in environmental and construction journals, with limited coverage in logistics journals; (2) the primary obstacles to implementing reverse logistics in the construction industry lie in supply chain management, such as lacking deconstruction designs, incomplete recycling markets, difficulties in evaluating the quality of secondary materials, and insufficient supply chain integration; (3) proposing a framework for a construction industry reverse logistics supply chain ecosystem, aiming to establish a platform to facilitate online collection of construction waste, online transactions of secondary materials, end-to-end monitoring, and data analytics for consultation.

Uncertain remanufacturing reverse logistics network design in industry 5.0: Opportunities and challenges of digitalization

Remanufacturing, a crucial step of reverse logistics, focuses on restoring or enhancing the functionality of waste products. The challenge in planning an effective remanufacturing reverse logistics system lies in the uncertainties from various sources. In addition, the evolving industrial landscape in Industry 5.0 necessitates adaptability to technological advancements. This paper proposes an integrated and digitalized architecture for uncertain reverse logistics network design. A fuzzy optimization model is first formulated to identify potential network configurations under varying demand-satisfying and capacity constraints. These solutions are automatically converted and assessed in a dynamic simulation environment with practical operational logic under a set of real-world scenarios. Numerical experiments are performed to validate the method and show the advantages of integrating optimization with dynamic simulation on a digital platform for strategic network planning. The results, built upon previous research, indicate that while initial investments in technology might be substantial, they may lead to long-term reductions in both costs and emissions. Moreover, collaborative decision-making is essential to mitigate potential disruptions and cascading effects. Our research contributes to the development of a novel integrated decision-support architecture and underscores the role of digitalization and Industry 5.0 in future smart and sustainable reverse logistics planning.

The effects of reverse logistics on organizational performance of pharmaceutical manufacturing companies: A case study in the Ashanti region of Ghana

There is a growing concern on how pharmaceutical products are managed in the market when they are damaged or reach end of life. As the society becomes informed, Pharmaceutical industries are experiencing the challenge of complying with many regulatory requirements from various regulatory institutions. Reverse logistics sometimes referred to as “product-take-back” is seen as one of the concepts as the wider concept of green supply chain management that can possibly address this problem. The study seeks to examine the effects of reverse logistics on organizational performance in the Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Companies in Ashanti region. A descriptive cross-sectional study was used to obtain empirical evidence to help address the existing gap. The study considered all Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Companies in the region and therefore census sampling was done. The study sample consisted of 30 managers of Pharmaceutical industries. Thirty (30) top managers of Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Companies were recruited using a simple random sampling technique. With the aid of the Open Data Kit (ODK) software designed for Android OS, data was collected using mobile phone device. The results indicated that reverse logistics forms part of the strategic positions of most pharmaceutical manufacturing companies in Kumasi (83.3%), and it has a positive effect on performance (r=0.44, p=0.015). Assurance of information quality systems (r=0.60, p=0.00) and promotion of collaboration among the actors of the supply chain (r=0.74, p=0.00) have positive effect on the performance of pharmaceutical companies. To ensure higher returns on investment in pharmaceutical manufacturing companies, stakeholders should encourage and welcome efforts that seek to guarantee and foster information quality systems, collaboration among supply chain actors, and the adoption of reverse logistics systems.

Circular product design challenges: An exploratory study on critical barriers

AbstractDespite the recognition that the adoption of the circular economy depends on aligning the new product development process with the principles of circularity, there are still few studies on the barriers to circular product design. This article aims to contribute to this topic by developing an exploratory study to identify and analyze these barriers in the Brazilian context. In addition to a theoretical analysis, the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process was utilized to evaluate the significance of various hindrances and obstacles to circular product design. To gain a better understanding of these barriers, semi‐structured interviews were also conducted. Experts in areas such as sustainability, marketing, and R&D from companies that develop products participated in this research. The results of the study reveal that the difficulties supply chains have in providing circular economy‐based products and reverse logistics systems are among the main barriers. Challenges such as low consumer valorization of these products and a lack of knowledge and technologies were also identified as relevant. By investigating a set of barriers to circular product design, this study extends knowledge about the difficulties companies face in the transition to circular business models.

Presenting a Multi-Objective Mathematical Model to Design a Green Reverse Logistics System Considering Energy Recovery

Presenting a Multi-Objective Mathematical Model to Design a Green Reverse Logistics System Considering Energy Recovery

Reverse Logistics: A Case Study About the Disposal of Electro-Electronic Waste in São João Do Polêsine – RS

Purpose: The research aims to identify the destination of electronic waste in the municipality of São João do Polêsine – Rio Grande do Sul. Methods: A closed questionnaire was applied using the Likert scale – multiple choice questions, with the aim of analyzing and identifying the needs in dealing with electronic waste in private organizations in the municipality. Regarding the method, the research was characterized as an exploratory-descriptive study with a quantitative approach with companies associated with ACISAT – (Association of Commerce, Industry, Services, Agriculture and Tourism), which has 35 (thirty-five) affiliated companies. Results and discussion: The main results show that there is already a great diversity of electrical and electronic waste used in the municipality, since they are involved in everything from administrative to hospital activities and that the municipal Plan for Integrated Solid Waste Management will collaborate with the construction of the reality of policies on WEEE. Implications of the research: The limitations of the study are based on the superficiality of the quantitative data related to companies associated with ACISAT, which do not allow for a more meaningful analysis in order to identify the challenges faced daily in waste management. Originality/value: the knowledge acquired in this research offers important information about environmental management and sustainability in the region, in addition to providing insights into possible improvements to existing reverse logistics systems. It is also possible to identify challenges and opportunities related to the correct disposal of electronic waste, contributing to the development of more efficient and environmentally responsible public policies and practices. Furthermore, the research can serve as a basis for future research and studies in other regions, promoting the dissemination of knowledge and the search for more sustainable solutions.

A Computer Science-Based Study of Resource Recycling Strategies in the Process of Continuous Urbanization

Abstract In the face of limited resources, recycling, as an advanced form of resource waste recovery and treatment, can effectively achieve the comprehensive goals of optimal utilization of resources, environmental protection, and sustainable economic development. A resource waste recycling system is established in this paper that is based on the reverse logistics system in circular logistics and takes into account the requirements of resource recycling. The MILP model of stochastic planning is established by analyzing the objective function and constraints of each parameter in the system and then using the genetic algorithm to solve the optimal scheme of resource recycling planning. Example analysis shows that the planning model proposed in this paper can design a reasonable and effective plan for resource recycling in the city, and the recycling volume of plastic bottles in City Z will reach 6.85 kilotons in 2024 after the implementation of the plan, which can bring high economic benefits to the city. The model presented in this paper takes into account as many factors in resource recycling as possible, which aids in providing an accurate scientific basis for resource recycling management decisions.

Towards a circular economy: Development of a support tool for designing reverse logistics systems

Reverse Logistics (RL) of end-of-use/end-of-life products is a key approach for supporting the transition to a circular economy. However, lack of knowledge and experience in designing RL is one of the barriers for companies in implementing successful RL. This research proposes an RL support tool (RLST) for designing RL systems, developed through iterative cycles of theoretical development and empirical testing/feedback from potential users. The RLST builds upon the principles of configuration systems to adapt the various aspects of RL design into a knowledge base and, subsequently, into an Excel-based support tool - in addition to allowing companies to assess their motivation/driver and set the context (e.g., product characteristics, the existence and nature of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation), it supports the design of the RL network/channel and other aspects such as stakeholder collaboration, legislation, consumer behaviour and incentives, use of digital technologies, key performance indicators and factors around governance/programme management. Such a tool can be helpful for practitioners in addressing the knowledge gaps, stimulating discussions among stakeholders for scenario building and for analysing how different scenarios might work. The research advances the knowledge on RL systems design for the circular economy along with, for the first time, building knowledge and application of configuration systems in the field of RL.

Retracted: Factors Affecting Behaviours of Returning E-Waste to Reverse Logistics System in Thailand

Retracted: Factors Affecting Behaviours of Returning E-Waste to Reverse Logistics System in Thailand

Challenges to implement and operationalize the WEEE reverse logistics system at the micro level.

Waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) possesses unique characteristics such as its growing production and the potential for resource extraction due to its composition. The implementation and operationalization of a reverse logistics system (RLS) for WEEE is a challenge, particularly concerning the micro level. The implementation of such systems often prioritizes urban centers and their higher population densities, generally overlooking the micro level. The latter refers to ward- or village-level divisions, which can be regarded as the smallest administrative divisions of both urban and rural areas. Furthermore, it encompasses any area facing logistical challenges regarding RLS operationalization due to factors such as geographical isolation, budgetary constraints, imbalances, social isolation, environmental aspects, and even geopolitical conflicts. This study is aimed at addressing this literature gap by discussing the challenges to implement and operationalize a WEEE RLS at the micro level. A systematic literature review was employed as our methodology. We found 13 challenges for developed and developing countries without distinction between macro and micro levels. An additional approach highlighted the significance of monitoring and controlling WEEE RLS. The challenge The population and LRS entities' lack or insufficient training and awareness received the most citations in the conducted search. These challenges were organized by operational phase and discussed from the perspective of the micro level to comprehend multifactorial local challenges involving all stakeholders in the reverse logistics of WEEE in emerging nations. This can assist local administrators and constitutes the primary contribution of this study.

Sustainability Assessment of Medicines Reverse Logistics in Brazil: Outcomes from the National and Local Systems

Brazil adopted a national medicines reverse logistic system (MRLS) in 2020 to properly discharge medicines for human use. Parallel to this, there are Brazilian municipal MRLSs that have been working since 2002 that facilitate the appropriate discharge or reuse of medicines. These systems are not linked with each other. This paper evaluates the national and the municipal Brazilian MRLS, and compares them regarding their principles, concepts, procedures, and (socio)economic outcomes using a modified sustainability assessment framework. It was found that shared responsibility is a principle of both MRLSs, but that local systems provide additional community benefits and lead to greater circularity in the use of medicines. Procedural aspects are highly formalized only in the national MRLS. The national MRLS collected and destroyed 52.7 tons of medicines in 2021 but did not disclose the costs. Estimations based on demographic data, information disclosed by one municipality, and secondary data from five other local systems indicate that the six municipalities could return around USD 123 million in 2021 to the benefit of the local population, if they spent USD 12.6 million on correct disposal. Such an estimate, however, is not fully trackable, and it exposes the lack of transparency and data collection at the local level.

A fuzzy mathematical model for hybrid inventory and purchase optimization in a reverse logistics system considering shortage and warehouse capacity.

Making decisions about the design and implementation of a logistics network is crucial as it has long-term impacts. However, it is important to consider that demand factors and the number of returned items by customers may change over time. Therefore, it is necessary to design a logistics network that can adapt to various demand fluctuations. The main goal of this study is to calculate the quantity of products that should be sent at different times in a supply chain network to minimize the overall cost of reverse logistics and tardiness time. Accordingly, a multi-objective mathematical model is proposed that aims to optimize the total cost and the amount of delay in sending customer orders in a three-level logistics network, assuming that some parameters are uncertain. Additionally, the minimization of waiting time, considering the level of delay in sending, is applied as the second objective function. To handle the uncertainty in the reverse logistics network, a fuzzy approach is implemented, and the proposed model is solved using GAMS software. Furthermore, to solve the mathematical model in large dimensions, the Cuckoo Optimization Algorithm (COA) is applied in MATLAB software, and the results are compared to the global optimal solution. The outcomes show that the proposed algorithm has a desirable performance, as the total values sent to the manufacturer are equal to those obtained from the exact solution, and the objective function value decreases as the number of repetitions increases.