Return of Materials
Introduction
Reverse logistics is a type of logistics defined as.
Reverse logistics deals with the aspects arising in the management of the supply chain from the transfer of materials from the user or consumer to the manufacturer or to the collection points, for their reuse, recycling or, eventually, their destruction. Other authors include in the theoretical definition of reverse logistics the stage of disassembly or processing of materials for reuse or disposal in an environmentally friendly manner.[1].
Reverse logistics includes very diverse operations such as the management of excess inventory material (surplus stocks),[2] the return of purchases to suppliers, the recovery of packaging and packaging, the return of household appliance, electronic and computer products (the so-called white range), brown range and gray range) or sometimes, waste management. On the other hand, the term reverse logistics should not be confused with that of green logistics, which is the processes that aim to reduce or minimize the environmental impact of logistics and reverse logistics activities, so green logistics can deal with issues such as the measurement of energy consumption or the eco-design of packaging that are not addressed by reverse logistics.[3] Another close concept related to reverse logistics is return management, part of whose activities are covered or affect the company's reverse logistics activities.[4].
Benefits of Reverse Logistics.
Supply chain flow for return logistics model
~Client ==> Origin company ==> Recycling and disposal of parts ==> Start of a new production cycle.
Entities.
Processes.
Customer: consumer of the item in question. It is the responsibility of the latter to return the item once its useful life has ended.
Original Company: source supplier of the product itself. The company is committed to environmentally friendly waste management. Likewise, the company is responsible for providing "client-supplier" transportation services, as well as offering discounts on its range of products for renovation, in order to make it attractive to the public.
the duality of this type of logistics is present. On the one hand, the company shows its commitment to caring for the environment by taking responsibility for the recycling and management of waste that is harmful to nature. On the other hand, recycling parts can be a great opportunity to optimize inventories. This is achieved through the rescue of useful parts that can be used in a remanufacturing process. Ultimately, the company will generate profits through a socially convincing green policy.