This article surveys the recently emerged field of reverse logistics. The management of return flows induced by the
various forms of reuse of products and materials in industrial production processes has received growing attention
throughout this decade. Many authors have proposed quantitative models taking those changes in the logistics environment
into account. However, no general framework has been suggested yet. Therefore the time seems right for a systematic
overview of the issues arising in the context of reverse logistics. In this paper we subdivide the field into three
main areas, namely distribution planning, inventory control, and production planning. For each of these we discuss the
implications of the emerging reuse efforts, review the mathematical models proposed in the literature, and point out the
areas in need of further research. Special attention is paid to differences and/or similarities with classical 'forward' logistics
methods.