Green reverse supply chain network design considering location-routing-inventory decisions with simultaneous pickup and delivery

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2021 May 27. doi: 10.1007/s11356-021-13770-4. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

In this work, a bi-objective mixed-integer linear programming model is formulated for the first time to design a green supply chain while considering both forward and reverse flows, location-inventory-routing problem with simultaneous pickup and delivery, scheduling of vehicles, and time window. This model is presented to manage the production and distribution of perishable products and aims to minimize total costs and lost demands simultaneously. To solve the proposed bi-objective model under uncertainty, an approach based on fuzzy theory is developed. The performance of the proposed model and solution approach is evaluated using data from a bread production and distribution industry in Alborz province. The results showed that Hashtgerd center should be set up as the production and separation center and suppliers 1 and 2 (i.e., Seifabad and Mahdasht) should be selected to purchase raw materials when designing this network. The results obtained from the model's implementation in the real world and the sensitivity analysis of coefficients of objective functions indicate the desired efficiency and effectiveness of the proposed model and solution approach.

Keywords: Green reverse supply chain network; Location-inventory-routing problem; Pickup and delivery problem; Uncertainty.