The importance of Reverse Logistics and Green Logistics for Sustainability in Supply Chains

Abstract

Production and consumption practices that follow the "take-make-dispose" flow have had a negative impact on the environment over time. Global waste problems are alarming for the environment. Over time, these problems will become more serious and will require special attention. In this regard, reverse and green logistics are very timely and critical areas for achieving sustainable development, as well as meeting some of the targets set out in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, the current literature on reverse logistics, green logistics and sustainability are scattered. Therefore, in this article we aim to review the state of recent literature (2018 - 2021), with a focus on applications in different industrial sectors. It was observed that although the application of reverse logistics, green logistics principles are sustainable, there are barriers to their implementation among which include lack of top management commitment, lack of strategic plan to implement reverse and green logistics activities, lack of marketing strategy for remanufactured products and secondary market. This review may be of interest to industry policy makers.