Reverse Logistics

The first reflections on the reverse logistics appeared in the early 80s but the first detailed definitions are more recent (middle of 90s). Since then, they have been several definitions and names of reverse logistics.

1. Reverse distribution

Initial version of the reverse logistics, the reverse distribution, is defined as « the return, reverse movement of a product ensuing from its re-use, its recycling or its arrangement »

1. Green logistics

Later, by trying to integrate the environmental aspect, the concept of green logistics appeared: saving of resources, elimination of waste and productivity’s improvement, by minimizing the impact on the environment.

1. Reverse logistics

The most used definition is surely that of Rogers and Tibben-Lembke (1998). They defined the reverse logistics as being “The process of planning, implementing, and controlling the efficient, cost effective flow of raw materials, in-process inventory, finished goods, and related information from the point of consumption to the point of origin for the purpose of recapturing or creating value or proper disposal”

To add the principles of the green logistics in this definition of the reverse logistics, the definition of Free-Logistics would be the following one:

The reverse logistics is the process of planning, implementing and controlling the performance:

• of raw materials utilization,

• of in process inventory: stock, production, finished products,

• of the information flow management from the customer to the supplier

In order to recapture, create or dispose of the value of sold products and the associated packagings, by minimizing the impact on the environment and the utilization of involved resources.

Steps of the reverse logistics

Activities of the reverse logistics