Chapter 38: Reverse Logistics: An Overview and a Causal Model

The recovery of used products or parts is receiving much attention as a result of growing environmental concern, increased landfill cost, and increased economic benefits. In recent years, several European nations have enforced legislation charging manufacturers with the responsibility to take back their used products (Boks et al., 1998). These include product categories such as packaging materials, electronics, and cars. These laws and regulations are likely to increase during the next decade, and their impact will not be restricted to developed nations. For instance, three-quarters of the South African leading companies now view environmental issues as strategically important to their business (Stock, 1998).