Title: The key drivers and barriers for Vietnamese companies implementing reverse logistics

Authors: Huyen Huong Han; Thi Thuy Nguyen; Thi Duong Nga Nguyen; Son-Tung Le

Addresses: Faculty of Economics, Vietnam Maritime University, 484 Lach Tray Street, Kenh Duong Ward, Le Chan District, Haiphong City, Vietnam; Vietnam National University of Agriculture, Trau Quy Ward, Gia Lam District, Hanoi, Vietnam ' Faculty of Accounting and Business Management, Vietnam National University of Agriculture, Trau Quy Ward, Gia Lam District, Hanoi, Vietnam ' Faculty of Economics and Rural Development, Vietnam National University of Agriculture, Trau Quy Ward, Gia Lam District, Hanoi, Vietnam ' Faculty of Economics, Vietnam Maritime University, 484 Lach Tray Street, Kenh Duong Ward, Le Chan District, Haiphong City, Vietnam

Abstract: Today, the world' s waste creation rates are rising as a result of population increase, urbanisation, and economic growth. Reverse logistics is employed in the collection, recycling, and reuse processes as well as in the reduction of consumables and environmental compatibility in the sustainable management of municipal waste. Although reverse logistics (RL) is regarded as the most important component of supply chain management in developed nations, its adoption in developing countries is still in the early stages. This study aims to identify the key drivers and barriers to companies using reverse logistics in developing countries, especially Vietnam. A total of 287 managers were surveyed in five areas of Vietnam for a research study. The findings indicate that there are three drivers and one barrier for RL practice. Numerous implications for management and practice have been identified by this study.

Keywords: economic drivers; financial barriers; infrastructure barriers; reverse logistics; sustainability; corporate social responsibility.

DOI: 10.1504/IJLSM.2025.146708

International Journal of Logistics Systems and Management, 2025 Vol.51 No.2, pp.184 - 210

Received: 19 Oct 2022
Accepted: 23 Oct 2022
Published online: 16 Jun 2025 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article