From closed-loop to sustainable supply chains: the WEEE case

The primary objective of closed-loop supply chains (CLSC) is to improve the maximum economic benefit from end-of-use products. Nevertheless, the literature within this stream of research advocates that closing the loop also helps to mitigate the undesirable environmental footprint of supply chains....

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of production research 2010-01, Vol.48 (15), p.4463-4481
Main Authors: Quariguasi Frota Neto, J., Walther, G., Bloemhof, J., van Nunen, J.A.E.E, Spengler, T.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Applied sciences
data envelopment analysis
decision support systems
Decision theory. Utility theory
design for disassembly
design for the environment
Economics
Electronic equipment
Electronics
Environmental impact
Exact sciences and technology
Footprints
Inventory control, production control. Distribution
life cycle design
Logistics
Mathematics
multi-criteria decision making
Nonparametric inference
Operational research and scientific management
Operational research. Management science
Optimization
Optimization techniques
Phases
Probability and statistics
Sciences and techniques of general use
Statistics
Studies
Supply chain management
Supply chains
Transportation
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Summary:The primary objective of closed-loop supply chains (CLSC) is to improve the maximum economic benefit from end-of-use products. Nevertheless, the literature within this stream of research advocates that closing the loop also helps to mitigate the undesirable environmental footprint of supply chains. Therefore, closed-loop supply chains are assumed to be sustainable supply chains almost by definition. In this paper we analyse if and when this assumption holds. We illustrate our findings based on the Electric and Electronic Equipment (EEE) supply chain. For all phases of the supply chain, i.e. manufacturing, usage, transportation and end-of-life activities, we assess the magnitude of the environmental impacts, based on a single environmental metric, namely the Cumulative Energy Demand (CED). Given the environmental hot-spots in the Electric and Electronic Equipment supply chain, we propose useful extensions for existing CLSC optimisation models to ensure that closed-loop supply chains are at the same time sustainable supply chains.
ISSN:0020-7543
1366-588X
DOI:10.1080/00207540902906151