A multi - objective fuzzy mathematical approach for sustainable reverse supply chain configuration

Resource depletion and e-waste generation through electronics use have reached an alarming stage in developing countries, posing a serious threat to the environment and human health (Wath, Dutt & Chakrabarti 2011:260). During the last decade, there has been an exponential increase in the use of electronics in India, and most of these are discarded irresponsibly by consumers (Wath et al. 2011:252). In the framework of sustainable development, discarding the electronics products that are no longer in use by their original users is not a viable option (Achillas et al. 2010:870). Reverse logistics (RL) has gained immense relevance in this regard, as it plays a crucial role in utilising the residual value still existing in the discarded electronics. Disposing off the unwanted parts and materials responsibly is having a positive impact on the environment (Khor et al. 2016:97; Mutha & Pokharel 2009:334). Though government regulations and policies in India require Original Electronics Manufacturers (OEMs) to incorporate sustainable recovery strategies for extending the entire life cycle of their products, consumer returns are still not managed by manufacturers but mostly by an informal sector involving ‘kabadiwallahs’, recyclers and dismantlers (Dwivedy & Mittal 2012:230). Lack of government support and awareness among manufacturers, as well as consumers, are some of the major reasons for the disinterest of OEMs in India towards developing an efficient recovery system (Ravi & Shankar 2015:887). The implementation of RL can be a costly endeavour as it involves the processes of collection, refurbishing, disassembly and reprocessing. Therefore, OEMs prefer outsourcing all the RL operations to specialised third-party reverse logistics providers (3PRLPs) (Subramoniam, Huisingh & Chinnam 2010:1577). However, firms can seek to perform the RL operations independently or jointly with 3PRLs to gain maximum benefits from the returns (Agarwal et al. 2016:481). Background: Designing and implementation of reverse logistics (RL) network which meets the sustainability targets have been a matter of emerging concern for the electronics companies in India.