Reverse Logistics Flows Research Articles

Blockchain in reverse logistics for solid waste management: a proposal

Despite the claim that blockchain will revolutionize business, existing research so far is limited regarding frameworks that categorize blockchain application potentials and their implications. In particular, the academic literature is not well-defined on how to adopt this technology for reverse logistics management. In response, this article uses a brief review of the scientific literature and the fundamentals of blockchain technology to discuss about the benefits of implementation of this tool in a reverse logistics flow to obtain greater control and security between the actors of the reverse logistics network in all material collected and directed. Five actors were listed: industry, transport, traders, waste picker cooperative, and recycler. Develop and structure a RL management model, making use of blockchain technology, has potential to enable greater transparency of the tailing’s life cycle, increasing the traceability and reliability of the data obtained, and providing lower costs related to the monitoring of disposal.

REVERSE LOGISTICS AS A TOOL FOR STRATEGIC BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES ACCUMULATING

Objective. The objective of the present article is to clarify the essence of reverse logistics and the directions of its implementation by a strategic management system for the accumulation of strategic business opportunities under market conditions. Methods. The methods used to achieve the goal are: analysis (to study the current state of development of logistics in general, and reverse logistics in particular), synthesis (to form the theoretical basis of the essence of reverse logistics), scientific research, generalization, comparison (to study approaches to the interpretation of the essence of reverse logistics ), the tabular method (for structuring modern approaches of scientists to the interpretation of the essence of reverse logistics and for explaining the components of its conceptual content). The theoretical and methodological basis of the study contains the provisions of the theory of strategic management, strategic analysis, logistics management (to define the concept of reverse logistics management), the theory of the life cycle of goods (to reveal the conceptual content of reverse logistics), as well as the theory of the circular economy, which, according to its content, actualizes use of reverse logistics by modern enterprises. Results. The conducted research makes it possible to establish that, according to the results of the World Bank rating by the logistics performance index (Logistics Performance Index), Ukraine has a significant potential for building up and developing the logistics component, which, in the conditions of military operations on the territory of the state, determines the effectiveness of the functioning of the entire economic system of the state. In the course of the study, it is determined that reverse logistics is a component of the logistics system of a business entity (both at the micro- and macro-level), focused on the processes of planning, implementation and control of reverse logistics flows of goods and related information. The structuring of the key conceptual characteristics of reverse logistics takes place with the definition of the object and subject of management, the core of reverse logistics, the purpose of implementation, subjects, level of management, organizational features of implementation, time orientation and component costs. Areas that directly reveal the content of management activities within the implementation of reverse logistics are: reverse logistics, recycling logistics, waste logistics. It is substantiated that reverse logistics provides enterprises with new strategic opportunities due to its characteristic features: it is a direction of increasing the efficiency of the company's activity, since the reversed material flows, under the condition of successful logistics and operational management, can be transformed into an additional source of income; this is a source of obtaining additional advantages on the market due to the improvement of service quality, creation of an additional flow of products (results of processing of raw materials, waste, etc.), quality management of the life cycle of goods; it ensures the formation of value for consumers, both due to increased sales and after-sales service, and due to the creation of new consumer value in the form of ecological production, recycling and diffusion of innovations; it is one of the conditions for the functioning of socially responsible business, its form of implementation

ECOLOGICAL SYSTEM IN THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY MODEL

The purpose of the article is to model the ecological system in the circular economy model. To realize the goal, the method of mathematical modeling was used when creating models of the ecological system. It is proposed to understand under the ecological system the logistics system as a set of elements-links interconnected in the process of managing the movement of direct and reverse logistics flows, which takes into account the eco-destructive impact on the environment. An ecological system, like any system, has the following properties: integrity, divisibility, organization, structuredness, integrability, emergentity, purposefulness. In addition, the ecological system has properties typical for the logistics system: complexity, openness, stochasticity, heterogeneity and multifunctionality, dynamism and adaptability. The ecological system also has specific characteristics: environmental friendliness, closedness. The ecological system is considered at the micro, meso and macro levels. At the micro level, the elements of the ecological system are the functional units of the organization's logistics, including the unit responsible for reverse logistics. At the meso- and macro-levels, the ecological system is represented by the enterprises - participants of the logistics chain. The analysis of logistics specialists research allowed us to identify the following approaches to modeling the ecological chain: organizational, flow, process. The main difference between the approaches is the understanding of the essence of the chain and the elements that make it up. A necessary condition for the successful functioning of the ecological chain is the coordination of the principles of process and flow approaches. It is proposed to form chains of processes according to the direction of flow. In this case, the logistics process is considered as an element of the value creation process. Ecological system modeling based on the use of the reverse logistics model was improved, which covers not only the collection and transportation of materials and goods, but also value-added activities such as testing, sorting, recovery, recycling and redistribution and is a major factor contributing to the expansion of implementation approaches to the circular economy in various branches of the national economy.

An Integrated Methodology for Enhancing Reverse Logistics Flows and Networks in Industry 5.0

Background: This paper explores the potential of Industry 5.0 in driving societal transition to a circular economy. We focus on the strategic role of reverse logistics in this context, underlining its significance in optimizing resource use, reducing waste, and enhancing sustainable production and consumption patterns. Adopting sustainable industrial practices is critical to addressing global environmental challenges. Industry 5.0 offers opportunities for achieving these goals, particularly through the enhancement of reverse logistics processes. Methods: We propose an integrated methodology that combines binary logistic regression and decision trees to predict and optimize reverse logistics flows and networks within the Industry 5.0 framework. Results: The methodology demonstrates effective quantitative modeling of influential predictors in reverse logistics and provides a structured framework for understanding their interrelations. It yields actionable insights that enhance decision-making processes in supply chain management. Conclusions: The methodology supports the integration of advanced technologies and human-centered approaches into industrial reverse logistics, thereby improving resource sustainability, systemic innovation, and contributing to the broader goals of a circular economy. Future research should explore the scalability of this methodology across different industrial sectors and its integration with other Industry 5.0 technologies. Continuous refinement and adaptation of the methodology will be necessary to keep pace with the evolving landscape of industrial sustainability.

Model for Reverse Logistic Problem of Recycling under Stochastic Demand

It has become obligatory for businesses to carry out recycling activities in the face of increasing environmental pollution and the danger of depletion of natural resources. The waste collection phase of the recycling process requires interactive transportation that uses a reverse logistics flow from customers to recycling facilities. Businesses need to create appropriate network structures to carry out these activities at minimum cost. This study has developed a model, based on reverse logistics, of collecting products from customers and sending them to warehouses and then to recycling facilities. The chance-constrained programming (CCP) approach was used to regulate the constraints involving stochastic demand in the model. Linearization was performed using the linear approximation method. The cost of transportation from Initial Collection Points (ICP) warehouses to recycling facilities is the most influential component on the objective function. This linearized model was solved by creating different scenarios by changing the standard deviation ratio, reliability level, and warehouse capacities within the scope of sensitivity analysis. In the sensitivity analysis, it was determined that the increase in confidence level and variance negatively affected the objective function. In addition, it has been concluded that the increase in demand has no effect on costs as long as the capacity of the facility is not exceeded.

MCDM approach to select IoT devices for the reverse logistics process in the Clinical Trials supply chain

Clinical trials companies are increasingly digitalising their reverse logistics flow supply chains to increase visibility and monitoring of their specimens using Internet of Things (IoT) devices, however the large number and diverse range of IoT solutions make it difficult to select the most appropriate one for the closed-loop supply chain of clinical trials which operates in reverse logistics flow. This paper identifies the criteria with which to evaluate IoT devices for the reverse logistics flow of clinical trials supply chains and proposes Analytic hierarchy process (AHP) combined with Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) approach for the evaluation and selection of the best alternative. The approach is demonstrated on a real case and a sensitivity analysis and comparison to the AHP method validates the robustness of the solution.

Cadena de suministros en las empresas zuliana de derivados lacteos: estudio desde los flujos logísticos inversos

El objetivo de esta investigación fue analizar la cadena de suministros de las empresas zulianas de derivados lácteos, centrando la atención en los flujos logísticos inversos. Como referencia, respaldan los postulados de Jiménez y Hernández (2002); Díaz et al (2004) y De Brito (2003). La metodología es descriptiva, no experimental, de campo y transversal. La población estuvo conformada por siete empresas de derivados lácteos del municipio Maracaibo y San Francisco del estado Zulia - Venezuela. La cadena de suministros de las empresas zulianas de derivados lácteos tiene una estructura lineal, compuesta por fases o eslabones (aprovisionamiento, producción y comercialización) e integrada por proveedores, fabricantes, distribuidores y clientes. Desde el punto de vista del flujo logístico, tiene una estructura de cadena cerrada, ya que la mayoría de los retornos llegan de nuevo al fabricante. Son evidentes los flujos de retorno establecidos, estructurados principalmente para productos defectuosos, contenedores o cestas y demás elementos de transporte. La logística inversa posee a lo largo de la cadena de suministro, un flujo de recolección que la determina o caracteriza.

An Improved Differential Evolution Algorithm for a Multicommodity Location-Inventory Problem with False Failure Returns

Customer returns are a common phenomenon in many industries, and they have a significant impact on business organizations and their supply chains. False failure returns are returned products that have no functional or cosmetic defects, and they represent a large body of customer returns in practice. In this paper, we develop a mixed-integer nonlinear programming model to study a multicommodity location-inventory problem in a forward-reverse logistics network. This model minimizes the total cost in this network by considering false failure returns, and it also considers many real-world business scenarios in forward and reverse logistics flows. Moreover, we design a new heuristic approach to solve the model efficiently. Finally, numerical experiments are conducted to validate our solution approach and provide meaningful managerial insights.

Location-inventory decisions for closed-loop supply chain management in the presence of the secondary market

This paper studies a location-inventory problem in a closed-loop supply chain by considering the demand and sales in the primary and secondary markets. Based on a real business program in a big e-commerce company, we develop a mixed-integer nonlinear programming model with a single hybrid production-recovery center, multiple hybrid distribution-collection centers, and many customer zones. As a closed-loop system, forward and reverse logistics flows in each market are considered, and the logistics flows between the two markets are also captured. Moreover, a novel heuristic approach based on differential evolution is designed to solve the model efficiently, and its performance is also compared with other popular methods. Finally, research implications and managerial insights are provided to advance real-world practices.

Robust optimization model for closed-loop supply chain planning under reverse logistics flow and demand uncertainty

Abstract Awareness of environmental pollution, interest in recycling, and the importance of closed-loop supply chain management are all on the rise. In a closed-loop supply chain, production planning is influenced by uncertainty not only from customers’ demand, but also from collectors due to difficulties in the reverse logistics flow. Therefore, it is important to develop a robust closed-loop supply chain model to respond to uncertainty from reverse logistics. In this study, we develop a deterministic mixed-integer optimization model and robust counterparts to cope with the uncertainty of recycled products and customer demand in the fashion industry. We show that a robust counterpart with a budget of uncertainty is equivalent to a robust counterpart with a box uncertainty under special conditions. To avoid the conservatism of a robust solution, an alternative optimization problem is developed to take advantage of the budget of uncertainty. To verify the performance of the proposed model, numerical experiments are conducted. The simulation results show the proposed model responds robustly to uncertainty and is superior to a deterministic model and other robust counterparts.

A Nonlinear Integer Programming Model for Integrated Location, Inventory, and Routing Decisions in a Closed‐Loop Supply Chain

Facility location, inventory management, and vehicle routing are three important decisions in supply chain management, and location‐inventory‐routing problems consider them jointly to improve the performance and efficiency of today’s supply chain networks. In this paper, we study a location‐inventory‐routing problem to minimize the total cost in a closed‐loop supply chain that has forward and reverse logistics flows. First, we formulate this problem as a nonlinear integer programming model to optimize facility location, inventory control, and vehicle routing decisions simultaneously in such a system. Second, we develop a novel heuristic approach that incorporates simulated annealing into adaptive genetic algorithm to solve the model efficiently. Last, numerical analysis is presented to validate our solution approach, and it also provides meaningful managerial insight into how to improve the closed‐loop supply chain under study.

Reverse logistics in household recycling and waste systems: a symbiosis perspective

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the proposition that there is a symbiosis effect for exchanges between household waste recycling systems (HWRSs) and household recycling behaviour (HRB) within the reverse logistics (RL) discourse. Design/methodology/approach – The paper contains empirical findings from a two phase, multi-method approach comprising consecutive inductive and deductive investigations. The qualitative and quantitative data underpin exploratory and explanatory findings which broaden and deepen the understanding of this phenomenon. Findings – Analysis identified significant interactions between situational and personal factors, specifically demographic factors, affecting HRB with key factors identified as engagement, convenience, availability and accessibility. Research limitations/implications – Findings confirm the existence of a symbiosis effect between situational and personal factors and inform current research trends in the environmental sciences, behavioural and logistics literature, particularly identifying consumers as being an important pivot point between forward and RL flows. Practical implications – Findings should inform RL-HWRSs design by municipalities looking to more effectively manage MSW and enhance recycling and sustainability. RL practitioners should introduce systems to support recovery of MSW in sympathy with communication and education initiatives to affect HRB and should also appreciate a symbiosis effect in the design of HWRSs. Social implications – The social implications of improved recycling performances in municipalities are profound. Even incremental improvements in the performance of HWRSs can lead to enhanced sustainability through higher recycling rates, reduced diversion of MSW to landfill, decreases in pollution levels, reduced carbon footprints and reduction in depletion of scarce natural resources. Originality/value – The paper marks an early contribution to the study of symbiosis in HWRSs and HRB pertaining to RL. Findings are offered that identify the key situational and personal factors that interact to affect enhanced HWRSs and also offer insights above those available in current multi-disciplinary literature that has largely examined such factors in isolation. Conclusions offer the possibility of an epistemological bridge between the social and natural sciences.

A forward and reverse logistics shipment planning model

Many supply chains contain both forward and reverse logistics flows where forwarders are often asked to manage forward and reverse logistics activities in a cost-efficient manner. Reverse logistics jobs are different from forward logistics jobs, apart from the physical movement directions, and they have different logistics service requirements that usually require special facility setups. The choice of reverse logistics centres is also an important cost saving factor in a supply chain network. We consider cost saving activities through combining transportation activities and logistics activities in forward and reverse logistics jobs. A mixed 0–1 LP model is proposed to solve the shipment planning problem and the choice of reverse logistics centre. Managerial issues in implementation are discussed in an illustrative case.

Concepts, design and implementation of Reverse Logistics Systems for Sustainable Supply Chains in Brazil

There is growing social pressure for organizations to reduce their rates of consumption ofnonrenewable natural resources and in parallel, to also reduce the release of post-production and postconsumptionwaste to landfills, water bodies and air, thereby causing damage to the environment. Torespond to the pressure it is necessary that organizations' operations prioritize the "3R" goals: Reduce,Reuse and Recycle.In this context, the so called reverse logistics flows have grown in importance in the study of supplychains. Examples are the components and materials that are collected after they are consumed or used.Instead of being sent to the landfill companies use reverse logistics to transport them back in supplychains to be reused or, recycled and reincorporated as secondary input material for new production.This article aims, through the review of related legislation in Brazil, relevant literature and a numberof Brazilian and international case studies to develop a basic framework to be used in the developmentand implementation of reverse logistics systems (RLS).DOI: 10.12660/joscmv6n1p1-25URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.12660/joscmv6n1p1-25

Modeling reverse logistics process in the agro-industrial sector: The case of the palm oil supply chain

As today’s consumers are more and more concerned with the environmental impacts of products and services they buy, enterprises have been more and more concerned with “green operations”. One of the key aspects of green logistics management is reverse logistics. This paper shows how the potential of managing reverse logistics flows can be implemented in the agro-industrial sector. As an example, the palm oil supply chain is considered. This study is carried out under the focus of the “closed-loop supply chain (CLSC) framework” in which forward and backward product flows are considered simultaneously. A mathematical model is proposed in order to represent the dynamic interaction between flows. The objective function considers energy, cost and economic profits. Different implementation scenarios of recovery processes are proposed and interactions between direct and reverse flows in the chain are evaluated. Results are analyzed using proper statistical tools, showing that the simultaneous analysis of direct and reverse flows positively impact the net economic profits in this complex supply chain of the agro-industrial sector.

Supply governance structures for reverse logistics systems

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the changes in governance structures that evolved as reverse logistics systems were developed. The UK car crash repair sector was used as a case study.Design/methodology/approachThe value‐chain governance framework proposed by Gereffi et al. was used to assess changes in governance systems as firms developed a reverse logistics flow and three transactional variables were used to determine how supply chains are governed and change. Both forward and reverse product flows for two supply chains were assessed to determine what changes in governance of the supply chain took place as reverse logistics operations developed.FindingsThe authors' analysis documents how relationships between the focal firm and other supply chain members altered as the new reverse logistic system developed. The modular governance structure that developed through increased supplier capability coupled with higher levels of knowledge and information codifications were shown to be important factors in the establishment of a reverse logistics system. Supplier capability, knowledge codification and transaction complexity were found to be moderating variables which can enrich the traditional models on buyer‐supplier relationships based on trust and ongoing commitment.Practical implicationsReverse logistics continues to be a major issue for business. Our findings provide an insight into some of the governance and knowledge management developments as focal firms respond to growing pressures to re‐use materials and parts. In total, six factors were identified which can assist firms in assessing their current governance structures and the development of a pathway for implementation of reverse logistics.Originality/valueLittle research has been conducted into supply chain governance structures needed to manage the new reverse logistics systems for the re‐use, recycling and repair of products.

An optimization approach to risk decision-making of closed-loop logistics based on SCOR model

In green logistics operation, all logistics processes form a bidirectional closed-loop topology. In order to model and optimize such a kind of structure, a standardized closed-loop logistics operation reference model is built which aims to provide supply chain managers with general analysis. Based on the reference model, potential risks of closed-loop logistics chain can be analyzed including not only the visible forward and reverse logistics flow but also the invisible information flow. A qualitative decision-making model for different logistics organizations under risk is proposed and a profit function is developed according to logistics management decision-making process of all logistics nodes under different risks. The proposed model considers different risk management strategy problems. The optimization problem is described as a multi-objective decision-making problem with minimization of the risk loss as well as risk management cost and maximization of the profit. The profit model is solved by genetic algorithm. In the model, in order to express uncertainties of different risk preference information, risk is assessed by a three-dimensional vector in priority, probability and loss. A quantified reference model is introduced through a three-dimensional vague vector map, where several information gathering methods based on vague set are discussed and compared through a case study.

Crash repair in the UK: reusing salvaged parts in car repair centres

The reuse of salvaged parts from vehicles deemed to be at the end of their life is viewed as an opportunity by insurers and crash repair firms to reduce rectification costs and improve service to policy holders. This research investigates the opportunities and challenges that confront an important but under-researched part of the automotive supply chain in establishing a reverse logistics flow of salvaged parts. The aim of this paper is to explore why the development of a reverse logistics system for the reuse of salvaged parts has not been successful in the UK yet flourishes in North America and Europe. Through answering this question, the paper seeks to provide a framework for managing the development of a partial closed-loop reverse logistics system for salvaged parts. Economic and ecological benefits are identified as potential outcomes. The implications for practice and further research are discussed.

A study of reverse logistics flow management in vehicle battery industries in the midwest of the state of São Paulo (Brazil)

Having the objective of minimizing costs and improving their image in the consumer and export market, car battery industries began to seek environmental alternatives geared towards sustainable development. Reverse logistics flow represents an unprecedented tool for the economic and operational development of company activities, as well as a differential in the search for competitive advantages through environmentally correct practices. The aim of this paper is to describe the reverse logistics chain adopted by automotive battery industries in the midwest of the state of São Paulo, proposing a reverse logistics framework for small manufacturers that creates actions aimed at not harming the environment.

Enterprise modelling methodology for forward and reverse supply chain flows integration

The paper proposes a new enterprise modelling methodology called ERE-GIO applicable to supply chain reengineering and integration. It is based on two major phases: reverse engineering of the supply chain and then forward engineering. It takes advantages of previous enterprise modelling methodologies, especially CIMOSA. The application of the defined methodology on the logistics flow of an industrial company has allowed the integration of the reverse logistics flows in the traditional supply chain, thanks to the modelling of business processes and the flows related to it.