Title: Practices of environmentally responsible reverse logistics systems in Brazilian companies

Authors: Fernando César Almada Santos; Emília Mendonça Andrade; Ana Carolina Ferreira; Patrícia Cristina Silva Leme; Charbel Jose Chiappetta Jabbour

Addresses: Engineering School of Sao Carlos, University of São Paulo, Av. Trabalhador São-Carlense, 400, CEP 13566-590, São Carlos – SP/Brazil ' Engineering School of Sao Carlos, University of São Paulo, Av. Trabalhador São-Carlense, 400, CEP 13566-590, São Carlos – SP/Brazil ' Engineering School of Sao Carlos, University of São Paulo, Av. Trabalhador São-Carlense, 400, CEP 13566-590, São Carlos – SP/Brazil ' Engineering School of Sao Carlos, University of São Paulo, Av. Trabalhador São-Carlense, 400, CEP 13566-590, São Carlos – SP/Brazil ' São Paulo State University, Avenida Engenheiro Edmundo Carrijo Coube, 14-01, Vargem Limpa, Bauru, Sao Paulo, 17033-360, Brazil

Abstract: The aim of this paper is to propose a classification of reverse logistics systems based on activities for value recovery from returned products. Case studies were carried out in three Brazilian companies. Research results show that Company 1 uses a reverse logistics system based on 'disposal logistics system', the main reason for returns is 'end of life' and the main motivation is 'legislation'; Company 2 uses 'Recycling logistics system', the main reason for the returns is 'products not sold' and the main motivation is 'recovery of assets and value'; finally, Company 3 uses 'product reprocessing logistics system', the main reason for returns is 'end of life' and the main motivation is 'social and environmental responsibility'.

Keywords: reverse logistics; returned products; value recovery; environmental management; strategic vision; motivation; constraints; Brazil; legislation; unsold products; asset recovery; end of life products; EOL products; social responsibility; environmental responsibility.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBPSCM.2013.051655

International Journal of Business Performance and Supply Chain Modelling, 2013 Vol.5 No.1, pp.63 - 85

Received: 02 Aug 2012
Accepted: 05 Sep 2012
Published online: 30 Jan 2014 *

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