Planning the location of facilities to implement a reverse logistic system of post-consumer packaging using a location mathematical model

Abstract

The implementation of reverse logistics systems (RLS) for post-consumer products provides environmental and economic benefits, since it increases recycling potential. However, RLS implantation and consolidation still face problems. The main shortcomings are the high costs and the low expectation of broad implementation worldwide. This paper presents two mathematical models to decide the number and the location of screening centers (SCs) and valorization centers (VCs) to implement reverse logistics of post-consumer packages, defining the optimum territorial arrangements (OTAs), allowing the inclusion of small and medium size municipalities. The paper aims to fill a gap in the literature on RLS location facilities that not only aim at revenue optimization, but also the participation of the population, the involvement of pickers and the service universalization. The results showed that implementation of VCs can lead to revenue/cost ratio higher than 100%. The results of this study can supply companies and government agencies with a global view on the parameters that influence RLS sustainability and help them make decisions about the location of these facilities and the best reverse flows with the social inclusion of pickers and serving the population of small and medium-sized municipalities.

Desafios na implementação de Logística Reversa de embalagens no setor alimentício

“…O conceito de logística reversa é amplamente estudado e discutido no estudo de (KAUR et al, 2019), porém, tal conceito associado a embalagens que retornam ao processo produtivo para serem reutilizadas não é o foco da maioria dos autores, como no estudo de (COUTO et al, 2017) em que é estudada a logística reversa dos produtos e embalagens para que os mesmos retornem ao mercado como materiais recicláveis. Além disso, através da revisão de literatura constatou-se a carência de estudos recentes sobre o assunto, sendo exceção estudos como o de (DOS SANTOS et al, 2021) que aborda alternativa à utilização de materiais virgens em embalagens de cosméticos considerando a implementação de logística reversa e redesign.…”

Designing a Recycling Network for the Circular Economy of Plastics with Different Multi-Criteria Optimization Approaches

“…Environmental burdens should be considered in planning the network since the overarching purpose of expanding plastic recycling capacities is the reduction of the total environmental footprint. Current approaches for designing recycling networks focus on minimizing the recycling costs [20][21][22]. A few approaches also consider environmental burdens [23,24].…”

Reverse logistics system applied to the reuse of iron ore tailings

“…Reverse logistics systems are practical solutions adopted by companies to implement reverse flows, consequently achieving economic and environmental gains (Couto et al, 2017; Kinobe et al, 2012). The reverse logistics field nowadays incorporates waste prevention, reuse, recycling, recovery, and correct disposal (Kinobe et al, 2012).…”

“…Among the available literature, Dowlatshahi (2005) proposes a strategic decision-making process following four stages: (a) meet customers’ requirements; (b) understand current regulatory and environmental issues, as well as future trends and possible changes; (c) implement a profitable operation; and (d) ensure that the quality of the new product meets or exceeds that of similar virgin products. Reverse logistics systems are applied in many fields, such as electronic waste (Ahluwalia and Nema, 2006; Guarnieri et al, 2016), construction and demolition waste (Oliveira Neto and Correia, 2019), scrap tires (de Souza and D’Agosto, 2013; Oyola-Cervantes and Amaya-Mier, 2019), and post-consumer packaging (Couto et al, 2017; Veiga, 2013).…”