A modelling framework of reverse logistics practices in the Colombian plastic sector

Abstract

he development of the logistics sector among the last decades has allowed the growth of organisational competitive advantages through the concept of reverse logistics (RL). As part of the supply chain management, this concept allows the efficient and effective management of product recycling once their life cycle is finished. Although the practice of RL is part of a sustainable strategy for the management of the supply chain, there is no much literature about its practice in Colombia. In this context, this paper is a first research approach of RL practices in Colombian enterprises, with a particular focus on the plastic sector. After a first analysis of the definitions of RL, some conceptual models are presented for the companies under study. This paper then analyses the results of an exploratory study of RL practices within the Colombian plastic sector. Results of this study are discussed and suggestions to decrease a negative impact on the environment are presented.