Redesigning a closed loop food supply chain network considering sustainability and food banks with different returns

Abstract

Increasing the importance of sustainability in supply chain has motivated companies to redesign networks considering social and environmental responsibilities along with economic concerns. Food shortage, food waste and air pollution introduced as the main issues of global food and environmental problems. We propose a new mathematical model for redesigning food network in all aspects of sustainability. The objectives of the model are to minimize costs, transportation emissions, and unsatisfied foodbanks' demand. Foodbank as the main pillar of social responsibility has been introduced in food chain. In this paper, returned products divide into usable and recoverable products based on health security, in which usable products are not sellable but beneficial for those who do not care about appearance and can cover foodbank demand. Finally, computational study is made based on an Iranian food company data. The results reveal that more geographical diversity, using new distribution centers, and adding foodbanks helps to a sustainable network.