This Article Full Text (PDF) References Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Guide, V. D. R. Articles by Van Wassenhove, L. N. Search for Related Content

The Challenge of Closed-Loop Supply Chains

Department of Supply Chain and Information Systems, Smeal College of Business Administration, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802
Department of Supply Chain and Information Systems, Smeal College of Business Administration, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802
Technology Management Area, INSEAD, Boulevard de Constance, 77305 Fontainebleau Cedex, France
dguide{at}psu.edu
tharrison{at}psu.edu
luk.van-wassenhove{at}insead.edu

Closed-loop supply chains differ significantly from forward supply chains in many aspects. These differences are not well understood in many contexts, and the situation is complicated by many types of product returns. Progress is slow since closed-loop supply chains are rarely considered as value-creating systems, and much of the focus is on the operational aspects, rather than the larger strategic issues. Interest is growing in the US because of the potential profitability and in the European Union because of legislation. New business models need to be developed by joint cooperation between industry and academia that take a life-cycle approach to products.

Key Words: Facilities; equipment planning: capacity expansion. Manufacturing: performance; productivity

This article has been cited by other articles:

				R. Geyer, L. N. Van Wassenhove, and A. Atasu The Economics of Remanufacturing Under Limited Component Durability and Finite Product Life Cycles Management Science, January 1, 2007; 53(1): 88 - 100. [Abstract] [PDF]

				V. D. R. Guide Jr., L. Muyldermans, and L. N. Van Wassenhove Hewlett-Packard Company Unlocks the Value Potential from Time-Sensitive Returns Interfaces, July 1, 2005; 35(4): 281 - 293. [Abstract] [PDF]

				B. Lev Book Reviews Interfaces, January 1, 2005; 35(1): 102 - 110. [Abstract] [PDF]