Reverse Logistics
The supply chain processes involved in moving goods from the consumer back toward the point of origin for returns, recycling, refurbishment, or disposal.
Full Definition
Reverse logistics encompasses all activities associated with the backward flow of goods through the supply chain, including product returns, recalls, remanufacturing, recycling, and end-of-life disposal. It is increasingly important in sustainable supply chain management and e-commerce. 'Reverse logistics' is two words with no hyphen in standard usage, though hyphenated as an attributive modifier. Editors should not confuse it with 'returns management' (a subset of reverse logistics focused only on product returns) or 'forward logistics' (standard outbound supply chain flow).
Usage
Usage note: Two words, no hyphen. Not synonymous with 'returns management', which is only one component. Hyphenate as 'reverse-logistics' only in attributive use.
In Context
- "The company invested in its reverse logistics capability to manage the growing volume of online returns." — E-commerce supply chain strategy paper
- "Reverse logistics is broader than returns management; it also includes recycling and end-of-life processing." — Supply chain terminology reference