Towards a circular economy: Development of a support tool for designing reverse logistics systems.

Reverse Logistics (RL) of end-of-use/end-of-life products is a key approach for supporting the transition to a circular economy. However, lack of knowledge and experience in designing RL is one of the barriers for companies in implementing successful RL. This research proposes an RL support tool (RLST) for designing RL systems, developed through iterative cycles of theoretical development and empirical testing/feedback from potential users. The RLST builds upon the principles of configuration systems to adapt the various aspects of RL design into a knowledge base and, subsequently, into an Excel-based support tool - in addition to allowing companies to assess their motivation/driver and set the context (e.g., product characteristics, the existence and nature of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation), it supports the design of the RL network/channel and other aspects such as stakeholder collaboration, legislation, consumer behaviour and incentives, use of digital technologies, key performance indicators and factors around governance/programme management. Such a tool can be helpful for practitioners in addressing the knowledge gaps, stimulating discussions among stakeholders for scenario building and for analysing how different scenarios might work. The research advances the knowledge on RL systems design for the circular economy along with, for the first time, building knowledge and application of configuration systems in the field of RL.

Closing the loop: Establishing reverse logistics for a circular economy, a systematic review.

Reverse Logistics (RL) of end-of-use/end-of-life products has become a vital part of circular economy practices for manufacturers. However, significant quantities of resources are still landfilled instead of being recovered. With mounting pressure on businesses to address the sustainability crises (resources, climate change, waste, toxicity) on account of the take-make-dispose-based linear economy, companies today realise the importance of RL but face several barriers to implementing it, including a lack of knowledge. Although several studies have investigated different aspects of RL in various industries in different country settings, less attention has been devoted to developing a systematic and holistic approach for designing and implementing RL. To address these gaps, this paper reviews 116 scholarly articles published between 2011 and 2021 to identify attributes related to the design and implementation of RL systems. Based on a systematic literature review, a conceptual framework is presented covering the key activities, drivers and barriers, stakeholder engagement and performance management in RL. Such a framework can support companies evaluate different approaches and strategies, as well as the opportunities and challenges of designing and implementing RL and transitioning towards a Circular Economy.

Designing Take-Back for Single Use Medical Devices: The Case of ReturpenTM.

Focus on take-back of waste products is currently enjoying increased importance, as attention on environmental sustainability and circular economy grows. Single-Use or Disposable Medical Devices (SUDs), which in homecare settings often end up in landfills or incineration, are currently subject to attention, regarding the potential to slow the flow of waste and seek new value creation possibilities. Via a descriptive single-case study of the "ReturpenTM" initiative-a collaborative take-back initiative launched in three municipalities in Denmark-characteristics are elicited, of the planning, launch, and implementation, of the first 6-month pilot of the ReturpenTM initiative. ReturpenTM is a collaborative partnership of 15 public and private organizations and is adopting an end-to-end approach for its development and execution, including numerous professional workstreams. The pilot of the ReturpenTM achieved participation of 66 of the existing 73 pharmacies in 3 municipalities (90% participation rate), and an overall return rate of 13% for the used insulin pens, despite the limitations caused by the covid-19 pandemic. The return rates ranged from 10% to 15% in the 3 municipalities, and overall, the second quarter recovery (15%) was higher than the first quarter (11%). ReturpenTM demonstrates how a workstream-based approach can provide a practical framework for the development and implementation of SUD take-back in a homecare setting. The case describes how the pharmaceutical industry is taking proactive measures to contribute to a more circular economy for disposable medical devices, including the infrastructure and ecosystem necessary to ensure a closed-loop system for medical devices.