A novel hybrid network optimization model for printed circuit boards recycling: a circular economy perspective

Abstract

Due to the rapid advances in technology, increasing consumption rates and continuously released new products lead to shorter product life cycles, putting the sustainability issue under the spotlight. This, in turn, creates an unmanageable amount of waste that needs immediate care. Electrical and electronic equipment is one of the major contributors to this waste given that millions of metric tons of electronic waste are generated across the world each year, and only an insignificant percentage of which is recycled. The recycling of printed circuit boards, which accounts for considerable monetary value in waste electrical and electronic equipment has long been ignored due to the serious challenges in collection, dismantling, and recycling processes. In this study, the open-loop and closed-loop supply chain involving circular economy objectives is designed in order to increase the recyclability of valuable metals including gold, silver, copper, and palladium. In this regard, a mixed-integer linear programming model is developed that aims at maximizing the profit from the flow in the supply chain network. The model was tested with actual data obtained from a printed circuit board firm in Turkey that aimed optimal distribution in its supply chain. The results reveal that the product/material flows, which have an impact on the revenues, were among the most important factors affecting profitability. Considering the circular economy objectives, the revenue obtained in the hybrid open-loop and closedloop supply chain is predominantly provided by the reuse and repair activities. In addition, the boundaries of the proposed model are tested with sensitivity analyses and the results are discussed extensively with conclusions on managerial implications.

Circular economy and food waste in supply chains: a literature review

“…According to the objective of this research and following the classification proposed by Diaz-Ruiz et al (2018), this section will be focused on those solutions that can be operationalized in the SC and that require collaboration between two or more SC actors, or are related to logistics and network design (meso level), summarized in table 5. Industrial symbiosis Rosado and Kalmykova, 2019;Donner, 2020;Dora, 2020 Creation of joint ventures for FW management Cavicchi et al 2021 Brokerage platforms to match supply and demand of FW Scazzoli et al, 2019;Mastos et al, 2021 Logistics based solutions New, better performing packaging solutions Liljestrand 2017 Temperature monitoring during transportation, intelligent containers Haass et al, 2015;Porat et al, 2018, Torres-Sanchez et al, 2021 Improved routing models (to minimize products' quality decay or FW cost) Rijpkema et al, 2014;Soysal et al, 2015;Fikar, 2018 Development of optimized reverse logistics networks Accorsi et al, 2015;Bottani et al, 2018;Atabaki, Mohammadi and Naderi, 2020;Liao et al, 2020;Santander et al, 2020;Cao, Liao, and Huang, 2021;Rentizelas et al, 2021;Soleimani et al, 2021;Yildizbasi and Arioz, 2021;Zerbino et al, 2021 Table 6 -Identified factors facilitating the development of collaborations for the management of FW Top management commitment Dubey et al, 2019 Clear economic and financial benefits Gonzàlez-Sànchez et al,2020;Ramkumar 2020 Mutual benefits, shared objectives Dora, 2020;Gonzàlez-Sànchez et al,2020 Inclusion of core business of both parties in the FW management project Ramkumar 2020 -Sànchez et al,2020;Ramkumar 2020 Geographical proximity…”

“…Some use mixed-integer linear programming, setting the minimization of costs and the maximization of the environmental benefits as objectives. Applying these models in the design of CSCs shows the feasibility of developing an optimized reverse logistics network (Accorsi et al, 2015;Bottani et al, 2018;Atabaki, Mohammadi and Naderi, 2020;Liao et al, 2020;Santander et al, 2020;Rentizelas et al, 2021;Soleimani et al, 2021;Yildizbasi and Arioz, 2021). The circular network might have different configurations and involve different players.…”

Safety Concerns for the Management of End‐of‐Life Lithium‐Ion Batteries

“…These EOL practices to manage LIB resources and sustainability can be directly related to a broader circular economy philosophy. [ 6 ]…”

“…These EOL practices to manage LIB resources and sustainability can be directly related to a broader circular economy philosophy. [6] EOL management within a circular economic closed-loop system is needed for a number of reasons. First, there will be 300 million electric cars on the roads by 2030, accounting for more than 60% of new cars, compared to 2020, when they accounted for only 4.6% of new cars.…”