A Closed-loop Supply Chain Model for Managing Overall Optimization of Eco-efficiency

Number: 007-0582 Abstract Title: A Closed-loop Supply Chain Model for Managing Overall Optimization of Eco-efficiencyTitle: A Closed-loop Supply Chain Model for Managing Overall Optimization of Eco-efficiency Authors: Name: Wei D. Solvang, Ziqiong Deng, Bjoern Solvang Organization: Department of Industrial Engineering, Narvik University College, Norway Address: Lodve Langes gate 2, pb. 385, N-8505 Narvik, Norway e-mail: [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected] phone: +47 76966000 POMS 18 Annual Conference Dallas, Texas, U.S.A. May 4 to May 7, 2007 A Closed-loop Supply Chain Model for Managing Overall Optimization of Eco-efficiency Wei D. Solvang, Ziqiong Deng, Bjoern Solvang Department of Industrial Engineering, Narvik University College, Norway Abstract The focus and scope of environmental care has been extended over the past four decades. More and more attention has been attached to pollution prevention and minimization rather than end-of-pipe pollution control. It is believed that there is an optimized break-even point where more goods and services are created with fewer resources, less waste and pollution. This point is termed eco-efficiency. This paper discusses, firstly, the major challenges of managing eco-efficiency in the context of a supply chain. The challenges in optimization of eco-efficiency are also addressed. The disadvantages of applying traditional supply chain models in managing overall optimization of eco-efficiency are analyzed. A closed-loop supply chain model is proposed. Suggestions on future works are given at the end of this paper.The focus and scope of environmental care has been extended over the past four decades. More and more attention has been attached to pollution prevention and minimization rather than end-of-pipe pollution control. It is believed that there is an optimized break-even point where more goods and services are created with fewer resources, less waste and pollution. This point is termed eco-efficiency. This paper discusses, firstly, the major challenges of managing eco-efficiency in the context of a supply chain. The challenges in optimization of eco-efficiency are also addressed. The disadvantages of applying traditional supply chain models in managing overall optimization of eco-efficiency are analyzed. A closed-loop supply chain model is proposed. Suggestions on future works are given at the end of this paper.