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Supply chains in general, but in particular closed-loop ones (CLSC) that integrate forward and reverse logistics have been a main area of attention within the ERIM LIS group. Closed-loop supply chains can play an important role in making supply chains more sustainable. Research on this theme focuses on developing analytic approaches to improve economic and environmental performance of supply chains, both in the forward chain (i.e. in agriculture) as in the reverse chain (i.e.electronic waste). Stimulated by an EUnetwork on reverse logistics, REVLOG, much new theory has been developed in this area on several aspects, viz. production planning and inventory control, IT and reverse logistics, (reverse) logistics network design and accounting and reverse logistics. New theory was needed because return streams generally face more uncertainty and are much less controlled. In recent years this work has continued in two Transumo projects, viz. ECO and PILOT. The first considers closed loop chains especially for the Port of Rotterdam and tries to optimize the management of empty containers. The second concentrates on service logistics, which also incorporates spare parts inventory control. This topic is getting more and more attention and its results have been presented at business meetings worldwide.
A selection of projects:
- Cradle to Crade and Closed loop supply chains (
C2C)
- Effective Closed loop supply chain Organizations (
ECO)
