Reverse logistics - a framework

In this paper we define and compare Reverse Logistics definitions. We start by giving an understanding framework of Reverse Logistics: the why-what-how. By this means, we put in context the driving forces for Reverse Logistics, a typology of return reasons, a classification of products, processes and actors. In addition we provide a decision framework for Reverse Logistics and we present it according to long, medium and short term decisions, i.e. strategic-tactic-operational decisions.Framework;Decision-making;Reverse logistics;Theory building

PDCA Method for Environmental Management of Pollutants Generated in a Battery Industry in an Amazonian City

The automotive battery industry is a fixed emission source of high pollution potential arising from secondary lead smelting processes pollutants. The management, the quality control standards of air, air pollutant emission limits as well as the allocation and disposal of waste and effluents are provided by legal norms. The objective is to identify management practices and management of atmospheric emissions and the allocation and disposal of waste and effluents in a battery industry that manufactures and reuses materials from reverse logistics to propose a management model based on PDCA- Plan, Do, Check and Act. The specific objectives are:(1)Identify the management and environmental management practices in the industry and relates them with economic development and innovation in industrial processes; (2)Check the procedures adopted for the reverse logistics management and allocation and disposal of wastes, effluents and emissions to mitigate the generation of pollutants; (3)propose management actions and environmental management, according to the PDCA method. It is a descriptive exploratory survey of bibliographical studies and field research with observations of practices in the industry and using the interview questionnaire, to present qualitative and quantitative data. The sample was randomly chosen to focus an industry that generates wastes, effluents and emissions of high polluting potential. Employing the task isintended to answer the question: An environmental management plan based on the PDCA method is able to systematize sustainable actions in an industry that generates highly toxic pollutants? The result is of interest to managers of enterprises that manufacture and reuse of waste battery. This study is important considering thelocus of research, the Amazonian City, which deserves special attention

Simulation of undular bores evolution with damping

Propagation of undular bores with damping is considered in the framework of perturbed extended Korteweg-de Vries (peKdV) equation. Two types of damping terms for the peKdV equation, namely linear and Chezy frictional terms, which describe the turbulent boundary layers in the fluid flow are considered. Solving the peKdV equation numerically using the method of lines shows that under the influence of damping, the lead-ing solitary wave of the undular bores will split from the nonlinear wavetrain, propagates and behaves like an isolated solitary wave. The amplitude of the leading wave will remain the same for some times before it starts to decay again at a larger time. In general the amplitude of the leading wave and the mean level across the undular bore decreases due to the effect of damping

Design of Closed Loop Supply Chains

Increased concern for the environment has lead to new techniques to design products and supply chains that are both economically and ecologically feasible. This paper deals with the product - and corresponding supply chain design for a refrigerator. Literature study shows that there are many models to support product design and logistics separately, but not in an integrated way. In our research we develop quantitative modelling to support an optimal design structure of a product, i.e. modularity, repairability, recyclability, as well as the optimal locations and goods flows allocation in the logistics system. Environmental impacts are measured by energy and waste. Economic costs are modelled as linear functions of volumes with a fixed set-up component for facilities. We apply this model using real life R&D data of a Japanese consumer electronics company. The model is run for different scenarios using different parameter settings such as centralised versus decentralised logistics, alternative product designs, varying return quality and quantity, and potential environmental legislation based on producer responsibility.supply chain management;reverse logistics;facility location;network design;product design

EV battery state changes & RL considerations

Electric Vehicles are becoming trendy and proved to have no harmful exhaust like traditional fuel-powered vehicles which makes them one of the best solution to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. As the world shifts towards electric vehicle adoption, we will need efficient power sources to provide enough capacity for all these vehicles to function. Lithium-Ion batteries are the driving force behind this new trend. The goal of this research is to analyze the lifespan and long-term ratio composition of Lithium-Ion batteries in electric vehicles by developing two models, an Absorbing Markov Chain model, and a Markov Chain Steady-State Census model. A sensitivity analysis is also conducted to alleviate the scarcity of enough input data. The models show that the lifespan of the new batteries can be extended by 4.5 years, which will have a positive environmental impact and reap economic benefits. Further, the long term composition of batteries in New, remanufactured, repurposed and recycled states can be projected. The increasing demand for EVs globally has created a necessity for more batteries to power them, and these batteries require materials to be made. By considering reverse logistics processes, it is possible to recycle batteries and recover the valuable materials. Not only does this support the environment, but given the rising demand and finite raw material supply, there is an opportunity to capture the economic benefit of recycling. From this research, the recovered materials cobalt, lithium, and nickel are calculated, and this is especially important for the optimal planning of sustainable manufacturing

Collector Managed Inventory, A Proactive Planning Approach to the Collection of Liquids coming from End-of-life Vehicles

In this article we introduce Collector Managed Inventory (CMI) as the reverse logistics counter part of Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI).The collection company takes responsibility for the inventories of cores or materials to be recycled.Experience in forward supply chain management has shown the potential of VMI by bringing the coordination of transportation and inventory decisions to the same supply chain entity.Using information technology called telemetry, we are able to monitor inventory levels at distance.We introduce a proactive planning methodology based on two types of collection orders: must- and can-orders.Every collection period all must-orders have to be collected, while canorders are only collected if they can be combined beneficially with the must-orders.The routing problem is solved by a combination of route generation and set partitioning.The system is illustrated in a real-life case study for Auto Recycling Nederland on the collection of liquids coming from end-oflife vehicles, such as coolant and oil.In several scenarios the old reactive approach is compared to the proactive approach resulting in cost savings up to about 19%.supply;logistics;vehicle routine;distribution;information technology;inventory

Reverse Logistics of Lithium Batteries: Sustainable Guidelines for Businesses in Finland

This research-based thesis aims to suggest useful concepts from reverse logistics for businesses to use in lithium battery waste management. The research is divided into an introduction, theoretical framework, methodology, empirical research and discussion. The usage of lithium batteries has increased over the recent years, especially with the growing popularity of electric vehicles. The usage rate is only expected to increase further, which might result in large lithium battery stockpiles in the environment. Due to this concern, businesses should find solutions in the sustainable disposition of Li-ion batteries. The target of this thesis is to present reverse logistics as a sustainable tool for lithium battery waste management. The main goals are to support the sustainable benefits of reverse logistics, assess the benefits of third party logistics (3PLs) and view the possibilities of re-verse logistics in Finland. The desired outcomes are to propose reverse logistics concepts to manage Li-ion batteries sustainably and suggest the demand and possibilities of the in-dustry. To support the findings of the theoretical framework, the author has carried out qualitative research. The qualitative method of choice included two semi-structured interviews with businesses in different sectors of the lithium battery industry. To analyse the qualitative data, thematic analysis was utilised in combination of secondary data from existing theory. At the end, the author proposed suggestions from the overall research. The results suggest that reverse logistics can be seen as a sustainable option for lithium battery waste man-agement. 3PLs are a valid component in reverse logistics, which has a demand for more service providers. Reverse logistics in Finland can include several opportunities, as the Li-ion battery industry has many businesses operating in all major sectors