The link between reverse logistics and logistics is being increasingly noted by logistics experts and researchers globally, especially in manufacturing pharmaceutical companies. This has led to the examination of reverse logistics challenges in manufacturing pharmaceutical companies. The main objective was to examine reverse logistics challenges in manufacturing pharmaceutical companies in the City of Tshwane (South Africa). The study aimed to find approaches to deal with the challenges of reverse logistics such as gatekeeping, managerial implications, technology, waste elimination, transportation, and product recalls within the industry. The study was empirical, and a quantitative approach was used. Furthermore, data analysis was conducted by using the Stata V13 statistical software where a descriptive analysis was employed. Questionnaires were posted via SurveyMonkey to the staff at fifty pharmaceutical companies. This resulted in a total of 127 respondents, which provided a response rate of 51%. The findings indicated that manufacturing pharmaceutical companies face a variety of challenges; such as lack of skills and skills transfer, transport, and gatekeeping (amongst others), when dealing with reverse logistics. It is thus recommended that processes and strategies involved in reverse logistics should be known and taken into consideration because of the importance of reverse logistics in manufacturing pharmaceutical companies. Doi: 10.28991/esj-2021-01291 Full Text: PDF

Background: The fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector contributes significantly to the gross domestic product (GDP) growth of a country. This has therefore led to the growth in importance of reverse logistics (RL) since the FMCG sector cannot avoid RL. It is therefore important for the sector to implement RL strategies that can lead to firm competitiveness. Through the implementation of RL strategies, this sector will achieve many goals as well as lead to firm competitiveness. This study mainly sought to investigate RL strategies and their effect on firm competitiveness. Methods: A positivist research philosophy was employed. Data were collected through two close-ended questionnaires via SurveyMonkey from 418 FMCG retailers and consumers. This is because customers and employees are the greatest asset for any sector. Results: The descriptive results revealed the following RL strategies as the highly implemented ones among FMCG retailers: integration of forward logistics (FL) and RL, the implementation of new technology, the adherence to environmental policies and regulations, knowledge management, eco-compatibility and strategic alliances. The structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis revealed that RL strategies have a positive and significant influence on firm competitiveness. Conclusion: The results offer insight into the RL strategies that must be carried out to achieve firm competitiveness.

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