A Three Level Framework for Closed-Loop Supply Chain Management—Linking Society, Chain and Actor Level

Romy Morana and Stefan Seuring
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Romy Morana: Department of Corporate Environmental Information Technology, HTW-University of Applied Sciences Berlin, Wilhelminenhofstraße 75A, 12459 Berlin, Germany
Stefan Seuring: Department of International Management, University of Kassel, Steinstr. 19, 37213 Witzenhausen, Germany

Sustainability, 2011, vol. 3, issue 4, 1-14

Abstract: Supply chain management and closed-loop supply chain management (CLSCM) have developed into established concepts in recent years. The related material cycles and product returns form an important part of all related processes with high potential for reducing environmental burden. The paper proposes a framework for (environmentally triggered) closed-loop supply chain management, spanning three different levels: the societal or governance, the chain and the actor level. Within each level, a set of activities or processes can be identified. Taken together, the levels allow a comprehensive analysis of a closed-loop supply chain system. This is illustrated building on two case studies in the textile and apparel industry, where closed-loop supply chains have been designed to take specific apparel products back. The case studies are analyzed against all three levels and allow exemplification of related challenges and interrelations among the three levels. The three levels contribute to the further comprehension of the multiple issues having to be taken into account for successfully implementing closed-loop supply chains.

Keywords: closed-loop supply chain management; sustainability; product returns; closed-loop economy; supply chain governance (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2011
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (11)

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