Take-back in supply chain management: Trends, practices, and future perspectives

Recently, take-back practices have gained strategic relevance in supply chain management as an essential component of circular economies aimed at extending the product life cycle. Besides minimizing environmental impact by reducing waste, these practices are increasingly becoming regulatory demands and part of consumer expectations for sustainability. However, many organizations face challenges in implementing effective take-back systems, including logistical complexities, cost implications, and the need for collaboration across supply chains. These barriers can hinder the full realization of take-back initiatives, limiting their potential benefits. This study investigates the adoption and impact of take-back systems in supply chain management, employing scientific mapping and content analysis to explore their practice, relevance, and research gaps. The findings highlight the strategic importance of take-back systems and underscore the necessity for organizations to adopt an external perspective on factors affecting performance and the ability to collect and transport products for return. By mapping the scientific field and revealing research gaps, this study contributes to the theoretical and practical advancement of sustainable supply chain management.