Designing Eco-Effective Reverse Logistics Networks

Reverse Logistics Networks (RLNs) have grown in importance after return policies became compulsory. Lately, questions have been raised whether they are as helpful to the environment as possible. Efforts have been conducted to optimize RLNs in terms of their eco-efficiency, minimizing costs and emissions; still, results are not advancing with the necessary speed. Alternatively, the ecoeffectiveness (“doing the right thing” for the environment) approach emerges, promoting a supportive relationship, balancing environment and economy. This research aims to model the design (or redesign) process of eco-effective RLNs. There are numerous ecodesign tools focusing on product or service design, but an eco-effective design process conceived specifically for logistics network design purposes has yet to be delivered. Research was carried out using the Design Science Research Methodology and an exemplification was outlined to demonstrate how the process unrolls. The model was conceived using a combination of the TRIZ method, Upcycling and Industrial Symbiosis. Ecoefficiency of these networks was not evaluated. The proposed design process model will help the conception of more innovative, eco-effective logistics networks.