The future role of reverse logistics as a tool for sustainability in food supply chains: a Delphi-based scenario study

Münch C, von der Gracht HA, Hartmann E (2021)

Publication Language: English

Publication Type: Journal article, Original article

Publication year: 2021

Journal

Supply Chain Management-An International Journal Emerald

Book Volume: ahead-of-print

Journal Issue: ahead-of-print

URI: https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/SCM-06-2021-0291

DOI: 10.1108/SCM-06-2021-0291

Abstract

Purpose: The importance of integrating sustainability into business activities rises continuously. In addition to an established focus on forward logistics, there is a growing awareness of reverse logistics. Reverse logistics ensures sustainable practices and increases competitiveness for companies, but it also comes with challenges. Therefore, the implementation of reverse logistics is associated with uncertainties. This paper aims to fill this gap by analyzing the development and comprehensive potential of reverse logistics as a sustainability tool.

Design/methodology/approach: To bridge the research gap, a real-time Delphi study was conducted. Through an extensive desk research, semi-structured interviews, and an expert workshop, 14 projections for the German food sector of 2040 were created. A total of 49 experts in the field of logistics, reverse logistics, and food logistics assessed the future projections concerning estimated probability, impact, and desirability of occurrence.

Findings: The findings derived lead to three possible future scenarios as well as potential drivers and barriers that food companies, the government, and society need to consider to enable a successful transition towards implementing reverse logistics in food supply chains.

Originality/value: The study examined the future role of reverse logistics as a sustainability tool in food supply chains. The results serve as a framework for decision-making on the sustainable orientation of business practices, leading to increased competitiveness and resilient business strategy. Several implications are derived for practitioners, policymakers, and society to promote reverse logistics. Methodologically, this study extends existing Delphi methods by conducting a quantitative dissent and sentiment analysis, considering various surface-level and deep-level diversity characteristics.

Authors with CRIS profile

Christopher Münch Lehrstuhl für Betriebswirtschaftslehre, insbesondere Supply Chain Management Eva Maria Hartmann Lehrstuhl für Betriebswirtschaftslehre, insbesondere Supply Chain Management

Additional Organisation(s)

Lehrstuhl für Betriebswirtschaftslehre, insbesondere Supply Chain Management

Involved external institutions

Steinbeis-Hochschule-Berlin GmbH (SHB) DE Germany (DE)

How to cite

APA:

Münch, C., von der Gracht, H.A., & Hartmann, E. (2021). The future role of reverse logistics as a tool for sustainability in food supply chains: a Delphi-based scenario study. Supply Chain Management-An International Journal, ahead-of-print(ahead-of-print). https://doi.org/10.1108/SCM-06-2021-0291

MLA:

Münch, Christopher, Heiko A. von der Gracht, and Evi Hartmann. "The future role of reverse logistics as a tool for sustainability in food supply chains: a Delphi-based scenario study." Supply Chain Management-An International Journal ahead-of-print.ahead-of-print (2021).

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