Toward sustainable express deliveries for online shopping: reusing packaging materials through reverse logistics

Nai Yeen Gavin Lai, Adrian T. H. Kuah, Chang H. Kim, Kok Hoong Wong

Research output: Journal PublicationArticlepeer-review

5 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increase in online purchases, which has inevitably raised the demand for express delivery packaging materials (EDPMs). This study proposes a reverse logistics reuse framework that extends the EDPM life cycle by drawing on insights and conclusions from a review of the literature on supply chain management and materials science to achieve a sustainable e-commerce system. A key benefit of reverse logistics is its effectiveness in exploiting opportunities for resource reuse, which is preferred to recycling. By extending service life through resource optimization, recycling, and recovery processes, the novel reuse framework based on reverse logistics can be implemented with minimal changes to existing forward logistics systems, potentially leading to more sustainable online shopping. This study proposes a novel combination of reusable packaging materials and reverse logistics as a viable and more environmentally friendly practice, in line with circular economy goals.
Original languageEnglish
Number of pages12
JournalThunderbird International Business Review
DOIs
Publication statusPublished Online - 7 Mar 2022

Keywords

  • circular economy
  • packaging materials
  • recovery
  • recycle
  • reuse
  • reverse logistics

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