Reverse logistics network design: a review on strategic perspective

Reverse Logistics (RL) is the process of planning, implementing, and controlling the efficient, cost effective flow of obsolete materials referred to here as raw material, in-process inventory, finished goods and related information from the point of consumption to the point of origin for the purpose of recapturing value or proper disposal. The objective of this paper is to develop a framework to classify the various issues/parameters affecting strategic level decisions in RL and also to explore future research opportunities. The review serves as a guide to practitioners on the model and methodologies available to support better strategic level decisions in RL and reveals the potential scope of research for academics.