Reverse Logistics of Lithium Batteries: Sustainable Guidelines for Businesses in Finland
Saloranta, Noel (2020)
Saloranta, Noel
2020
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2020052814979
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2020052814979
Tiivistelmä
This research-based thesis aims to suggest useful concepts from reverse logistics for businesses to use in lithium battery waste management. The research is divided into an introduction, theoretical framework, methodology, empirical research and discussion.
The usage of lithium batteries has increased over the recent years, especially with the growing popularity of electric vehicles. The usage rate is only expected to increase further, which might result in large lithium battery stockpiles in the environment. Due to this concern, businesses should find solutions in the sustainable disposition of Li-ion batteries.
The target of this thesis is to present reverse logistics as a sustainable tool for lithium battery waste management. The main goals are to support the sustainable benefits of reverse logistics, assess the benefits of third party logistics (3PLs) and view the possibilities of re-verse logistics in Finland. The desired outcomes are to propose reverse logistics concepts to manage Li-ion batteries sustainably and suggest the demand and possibilities of the in-dustry.
To support the findings of the theoretical framework, the author has carried out qualitative research. The qualitative method of choice included two semi-structured interviews with businesses in different sectors of the lithium battery industry. To analyse the qualitative data, thematic analysis was utilised in combination of secondary data from existing theory.
At the end, the author proposed suggestions from the overall research. The results suggest that reverse logistics can be seen as a sustainable option for lithium battery waste man-agement. 3PLs are a valid component in reverse logistics, which has a demand for more service providers. Reverse logistics in Finland can include several opportunities, as the Li-ion battery industry has many businesses operating in all major sectors.
The usage of lithium batteries has increased over the recent years, especially with the growing popularity of electric vehicles. The usage rate is only expected to increase further, which might result in large lithium battery stockpiles in the environment. Due to this concern, businesses should find solutions in the sustainable disposition of Li-ion batteries.
The target of this thesis is to present reverse logistics as a sustainable tool for lithium battery waste management. The main goals are to support the sustainable benefits of reverse logistics, assess the benefits of third party logistics (3PLs) and view the possibilities of re-verse logistics in Finland. The desired outcomes are to propose reverse logistics concepts to manage Li-ion batteries sustainably and suggest the demand and possibilities of the in-dustry.
To support the findings of the theoretical framework, the author has carried out qualitative research. The qualitative method of choice included two semi-structured interviews with businesses in different sectors of the lithium battery industry. To analyse the qualitative data, thematic analysis was utilised in combination of secondary data from existing theory.
At the end, the author proposed suggestions from the overall research. The results suggest that reverse logistics can be seen as a sustainable option for lithium battery waste man-agement. 3PLs are a valid component in reverse logistics, which has a demand for more service providers. Reverse logistics in Finland can include several opportunities, as the Li-ion battery industry has many businesses operating in all major sectors.