OR Models for Eco-eco Closed-loop Supply Chain Optimization

Abstract

Growing concern for the environment has led to a range of new environmental policies for various industries in which the recovery of waste is an essential element. The formulation of waste policies is a complicated matter for a number of reasons. First, the determination of environmental impact of supply chain processes (including recovery) is complex and partly subjective in its interpretation. Second, and related to this, the relative environmental impact of waste recovery, as opposed to other supply chain processes, may vary strongly by type of industry. Third, environmentally friendly processing of waste is often costly, especially when taking an end-of-pipe perspective. Fourth, there may be unexpected side effects of waste policies, such as (illegal) trading.