The reverse logistics function and its role within the operation lifecycle of a product
The definition of reverse logistics from a holistic environmental perspective focuses primarily on the return of recyclable or reusable product and materials into the forward supply chain. That is reverse logistics is necessary for the completion of the industrial eco-cycle. One particular exemplification of this perspective is shown in
Figure1 The reverse logistics from the environmental perspective supports environmentally sound practices such as recycling, remanufacturing and reclamation, which could be considered at various levels of product and materials reuse, These practices may not only be environmentally sound, but also provide opportunities for financially sound organizational operation. This is evident in companies like Xerox with its remanufacturing, of copier machines (Oakley,1993), and cempaq with its reuse,remanufacturing ,and reclamation of computer parts and equipment.
figure i shows the operational lifecycle chain of a product. waste is generated by each major activity from procurement to distribution. reduction of this waste is a major goal of environmentally conscious business practices. any waste that can't be eliminated has the opportunity to be recycled, reused, remanufactured, disposed, ect. the general goal is to keep all material within the operational lifecycle and thus minimize any flow unto the external environment. in this case the only strategy that conflicts with this goal, and should be eliminate or minimized, is that of disposal. even in the after-market, the product and materials can follow the same strategies to integrate the product back into the lifecycle, through various reverse logistics channels.