Reverse logistics as alleviation to ecological issues : theory and implementation
Arrieta, Valentina (2015)
Arrieta, Valentina
Metropolia Ammattikorkeakoulu
2015
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-201505198942
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-201505198942
Tiivistelmä
The current rates of consumption and resource extraction render harmful impact on the environment, which could lead to the resource depletion, loss of biodiversity, economic and public health issues. Some actions should be taken to avoid environmental and economic crisis. Reverse logistics is one of the possible options, as it is essential in any attempt to achieve resource efficiency. This study examines the concept of reverse logistics and ways of implementing it in practice. To achieve better understanding of the topic as well as to clarify its connection to other concepts, reverse logistics is explained through reflection of its role in other notions such as circular economy, green supply chain, closed-loop supply chain, green logistics and waste management. Further reverse logistics activities, drivers and challenges are described. Thanks to reverse logistics activities significant results could be achieved in resource efficiency and waste minimization, which contribute to the alleviation of ecological issues. In addition, the thesis proves that reverse logistics integration is very beneficial for organisations from economic point of view, which is reflected in case studies presented in the second chapter. Thus, reverse logistics could be considered as a profitable alleviation of ecological issues. However, the integration of reverse logistics could be challenging, and for this reason the third chapter presents general guidelines as well as a framework, which could simplify this process.