Reverse Logistics: Overview and Challenges for Supply Chain Management

Abstract

This paper is aimed at introducing the concept of reverse logistics (RL) and its implications for supply chain management (SCM). RL is a research area focused on the management of the recovery of products once they are no longer desired (end-of-use products, EoU) or can no longer be used (end-of-life products) by the consumers, in order to obtain an economic value from the recovered products. This way, RL has become a matter of strategic importance, an element that companies are considering in their decision-making processes related to the design and development of their supply chains. In addition, a description of the implications of RL for SCM will be discussed and, finally, an analysis of some of the opportunities and challenges that RL implies for SCM will be presented.

Using of lean tools in reverse logistics (leanverse logistics?)

“…At case of EEE there is another outcome. EEE contains too much components, materials to get back all of them to the original equipment manufacturers to reuse (Rubio, Jiménez-Parra ,2014). At the case of EEE there is a 3rd party unit who get involve.…”

Mechanism of Green Supply Chain: In the Manufacturing Industry of U.S

“…There is no doubt that the concept of reverse logistics has always been in place; however, the usage of reverse logistics became prominent in 1980s. Reverse logistics can easily be defined as one of the most important processes that plans, implements and control the backward flows of raw material [1]. This is majorly done in the process inventory, packaging and finishing of goods within an aim to manufacture or distribute, to a point of recovery or point of appropriate disposal.…”

“…There is no any argument reverse logistics is not new concept, but it become more prominent after 1980s. Reverse logistics simply can explain as the Plan, implement and then control to the flow of backward raw material & goods [1]. Many visible and invisible factors are exists in the process of reverse logistics but main factors are social reasons, Economic, Legal & Environment policies.…”

“…In the U.S. market limited usage of reusable packaging, because many companies are using reverse logistics for the products purpose only, but for this perception one exception exists "like firms use reusable containers". In many countries companies have legal binding to use appropriate recovery of waste or disposal in landfill like the companies of European Union, as well as social reasons is also play very important role, because if company use reverse logistics so indirectly they are sending message to consumer that's "they are vigilant, and they are environment friendly" and this perception give space to the company in society for the speedy growth and reverse logistics also converting to companies towards environment friendly [1,4]. …”

“…Green supply chain concept gives a way to conduct a sustainable business and also prevent to environments from harmful effects of chemicals and pollution. On the other hand, green supply chain also reduce the cost of the end-to-end supply chain [1]. Many visible and invisible factors are exists in the process of reverse logistics but main factors are social reasons, Economic, Legal & Environment policies.…”