Reverse Logistics

Reverse logistics is a crucial and growing part of the supply chain process. Reverse logistics has been defined as the process by which companies become more environmentally efficient through recycling, reusing and reducing the amount of materials used.

There can be significant economic value in a product when a customer is finished using it. Also, having a 'green' company image can increase product sales, and customers are beginning to expect businesses to provide a greener solution to waste.

Reverse logistics has also been defined as the return/exchange, repair, refurbishment, remarketing and disposition of products. Reverse logistics has become an important way for companies to improve visibility and lower costs across the supply chain. The reverse logistics process starts with the point of consumption and ends at the point of origin, with the purpose of recapturing value or ensuring proper disposal.