Modelling and analysis of combined location routing problems in reverse logistics network

Abstract

As proved by the recent flooding in the United States Pakistan Germany and China a climate change can have a devastating impact on our daily lives and the lives of future generations Climate change is often caused by the strengthening greenhouse effect that raises temperature in the Earth by trapping high energy gases from the sun These gases are created by carbon dioxide emitted from our daily or supply chain activities involving manufacturing and logistics To slow down the climate change gas emissions have to be controlled by reducing wasteful supply chain activities and changing business practices Recognizing the importance of this concept many companies take the initiatives to handle their reverse logistics flows in such a way that they reduce environmental degradation However managing end of use products can be extremely challenging due to the inherent complexity in collection sorting transshipment and processing these products Despite numerous challenges the efficient handling of these products can be a source of competitive advantages