Designing and Evaluating Sustainable Logistics Networks

The objective in this paper is to shed light into the design of logistic networks balancing profit and the environment. More specifically we intend to i) determine the main factors influencing environmental performance and costs in logistic networks ii) present a comprehensive framework and mathematical formulation, based on multiobjective programming, integrating all relevant variables in order to explore efficient logistic network configurations iii) present the expected computational results of such formulation and iv) introduce a technique to evaluate the efficiency of existing logistic networks.The European Pulp and Paper Industry will be used to illustrate our findings.Eco-efficiency;Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA);Multi-Objective Programming (MOP);Supply Chain Design;Sustainable Supply Chain

Designing and Evaluating Sustainable Logistics Networks

The objective in this paper is to shed light into the design of logistic networks balancing profit and the environment. More specifically we intend to i) determine the main factors influencing environmental performance and costs in logistic networks ii) present a comprehensive framework and mathematical formulation, based on multiobjective programming, integrating all relevant variables in order to explore efficient logistic network configurations iii) present the expected computational results of such formulation and iv) introduce a technique to evaluate the efficiency of existing logistic networks.The European Pulp and Paper Industry will be used to illustrate our findings

Enhancing reuse and resource recovery of electrical and electronic equipment with reverse logistics to meet carbon reduction targets

Technological advances, with increasing numbers of products containing complex electronic circuitry, have resulted in e-waste becoming the fastest-growing global waste stream. High levels of embodied carbon in these products ensure that, to meet emissions reduction targets proposed by the United Nations Paris Agreement, tackling e-waste requires strategies to address climate change United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 13 (UNSDG13). This paper identifies the contribution improved reverse logistics can make to extending product lifetimes through facilitating reuse. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with academics, industry-leaders and policymakers in the United Kingdom and Europe. This research identified that improvements in availability and efficiency of reverse logistics processes would increase reuse potential and efficient resource recovery. Availability and efficiency challenges can be addressed through careful promotion, incentivisation, and engagement of existing compliance schemes. If these challenges are approached from a life cycle perspective, it will be possible to protect against value loss in global supply chains (UNSDG12) and address the climate action agenda

Uncertainty Models in Reverse Supply Chain: A Review

Reverse logistic has become an important topic for the organization due to growing environmental concern, government regulation, economic value, and sustainable competitiveness. Uncertainty is one of the key factors in the reverse supply chain that must be controlled; thus, the company could optimize the reverse supply chain function. This paper discusses progress in reverse logistic research. A total of 72 published articles were selected, analyzed, categorized and the research gaps were found among them. The study began by analyzed previous research articles in reverse logistic. In this stage, we also collected and reviewed journals discussing about the reverse supply chain. Meanwhile, the result of this stage shows that uncertainty factor has not been reviewed in detail. The most common theme as the background research in reverse logistic is environmental and economic aspect. Uncertainty in Close Loop Supply Chain is the most widely used approach, followed by the usage on reverse logistics, reverse supply chain and reverse Model. The most used approach and method on uncertainty are Mixed Integer Linear Programing, mixed integer nonlinear Programing, Robust Fuzzy Stochastic Programming, and Improved kriging-assisted robust optimization method. Customer demand, total cost, product returns are the most widely researched aspects. This paper may be useful for academicians, researchers and practitioners in learning on reverse logistic and reverse supply chain; therefore, close loop supply chain can be guidance for upcoming researches. Research opportunity based on this research combines total cost, quality return product, truck capacity, delivery route, remanufacturing capacity, and facility location got optimum function in uncertainty. The research method and approach for MINLP, IK-MRO and RSFP provide many opportunities for research. For theme and area in reverse logistic, close loop supply chain is the theme that provides the most research opportunities

Development of a reverse supply chain model for electronic waste incorporating transportation risk

The quantity of Electronic waste (E-waste) is considerably growing due to the rapid development of technology. To diminish the influences of E-waste to the environment and recover raw materials, the reverse supply chain (RSC) has been examined. Most research focuses on minimizing the total cost of the system, however, does not integrate risk factors related to RSC operation. Risks generally derive from transportation activity in E-waste RSC such as delays for pick up, breakdown of trucks, the uncertainty of dangerous materials which might lead to disruptions and higher cost. Therefore, this paper aims to develop a mathematical model for minimizing the total cost of E-waste RSC which integrates transportation risk. A mixed integer linear programming is utilized in the model and addressed by an optimization software. The results of the proposed model can determine the optimal locations and the amount of used products transported within the RSC network.  The numerical example also demonstrates that the movement of materials or components in the RSC network is considerably affected by considering transportation risk. The suggested model can assist decision makers about establishing RSC network in which risk elements are incorporated

Reverse logistic location problem for electrical and electronics equipment waste treatment facility

Reverse logistics plays a significant role in reducing electrical and electronics equipment waste (e-waste) problem by returning some valuable or hazardous parts back to the distributor or producers. This paper implemented reverse logistics facility’s location problem to find the optimum location of e-waste treatment facilities. E-waste treatment facility location was determined in two phase. First, facility location model is developed to find the optimum location for e-waste treatment facility from the e-waste collecting points using K-means clustering and centre of gravity algorithm. Once the treatment facility location is decided, e-waste collection vehicle routing model is developed using saving matrix algorithm to minimize collecting distance. This paper was developed in three scenarios, based on e-waste collection problem in Jakarta. It is found that multi e-waste treatment facilities, gave the shortest collection distance compared to single and restricted area facility scenarios

Is It Possible to Manage the Product Recovery Processes in an ERP? Analysis of Functional Needs

[EN] In today's business environment, different factors make product return and product recovery increasingly more important in order to recover value and increase the company's profitability. In such an environment, where sustainability concerns and awareness of environmental responsibility in industrial production has considerably grown, reverse logistics (RL) becomes more relevant and, thus, its correct management using suitable information systems (IS) is fundamental. Nevertheless, today's IS in general, and in Enterprise Resources Planning (ERP) in particular, are developed based on conventional logistic processes that do not contemplate the specific characteristics of RL. The main objective of this work is to analyze the functional requirements of an IS to manage product recovery processes that serve as a guide to develop a suitable ERP for RL. The research methodology has been conducted with a qualitative approach, through which the main specific requirements that an IS must meet to manage RL have been stablished, and a data model for the development of solutions to the requirements identified in an ERP system has been proposed. For the development in the ERP it is recommended to start with the requirement of RBOM (Reverse Bill Of Materials) management, since it is the most complex development and has a greater relationship with the rest.Oltra Badenes, RF.; Gil Gómez, H.; Guerola-Navarro, V.; Vicedo, P. (2019). Is It Possible to Manage the Product Recovery Processes in an ERP? Analysis of Functional Needs. Sustainability. 11(16):1-16. https://doi.org/10.3390/su11164380S116111

Blockchain post-implementation analysis in reverse logistics from a strategic alignment lens

Blockchain technology (BCT) has the potential to transform strategic alliances for reverse logistics, yet its specific impact on sustainability remains unclear. This study aims to ascertain the post-implementation impact of BCT-based strategic alliances on information technology reverse logistics. Drawing on a qualitative research design, it presents a preliminary understanding of BCT-based strategic alliances (i.e., collaborations) in reverse logistics. To address this study’s research question, a conceptual framework based on a prior literature review is proposed to guide qualitative data collection. Next, the study analyzes the respondents’ voices considering the dynamic capability perspective. Sustainability realization is viewed as the main driver for reverse logistics alliances, and the study explores these alliances’ capabilities for sustainability through BCT technology. The study findings significantly contribute to the BCT literature in reverse logistics by assessing BCT-based strategic alliances in reverse logistics and realizing sustainability