Exploring critical factors for the successful implementation of closed-loop supply chains

This report contributes to the knowledge on closed-loop supply chain (CLSC) with a focus on remanufacturing in the fields of sustainability. The CLSC process involves the collection of end-of-life products, the remanufacturing of these products to original specifications, and the redistribution of remanufactured products. The objective of this research is to identify factors key to the success of CLSCs with a focus on the remanufacturing practices and to propose a framework for companies to successfully incorporate CLSCs. Through case studies on several companies in the consumer electronics, heavy equipment manufacturing, and industrial process control industries, issues related to product safety, liability, reliability, customer perception, and others will be analyzed. Findings from this study are important to engineering management research and practice because the growing concerns on the environment and sustainability will bring an increased focus on these issues in the near future. Copyright, American Society for Engineering Management, 2012.