Reverse logistics provides an opportunity for UPS, which is a global leader in the provision of supply chain and logistics services. UPS deals with an assortment of clients that range from technology companies to agricultural companies, which all have different manufacturing approaches and capacities. As such, the company’s component of distribution has a potential for harboring negative effects on the environment. The distribution component of UPS consists of elements such as warehousing and distribution services, inventory and data systems, and distribution technology (UPS, 2019). The distribution network offered by the company may lead to increased carbon emissions, given that products are transported mainly by air, road, and ships. Consequently, the packaging of cargo in these distribution points also encourages the use of plastic, which has negative effects on the environment.
The distribution component of UPS would be greatly enhanced by the formulation of a reverse logistics mechanism. The company already has a reverse logistics service in place for its customers. The adoption of reverse supply chains ensures reduced transportation and distribution of cargo, which reduces carbon emissions to the environment (Marsillac, 2008). The adoption of reverse logistics will also encourage recycling by the clients of UPS, which also reduces the disposal of harmful products to the environment, for example, plastics and heavy metals (Agrawal, Singh, & Murtaza, 2015). The distribution component of UPS will also enable clients to achieve the objectives of the triple bottom line, which, in turn, ascertains that the environment is taken care of by the customers of the organization. Reverse logistics will also ensure enhanced air quality and achievement of the green economy by reducing emissions and increasing recycling of many products (Marsillac, 2008).
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Different materials of the UPS supply chain can be reused by the adoption of reverse logistics. One of the major materials is plastics used for packaging. These can be reused in the distribution of products to the warehouses for reconditioning and refurbishment. The materials used for labeling by the UPS can also be reused through the reverse logistics approach. Some of these materials include preprinted barcodes and web-enabled labels. The provision of a recycling facility by the company also portrays that the company can reuse the majority of products trashed by its clients.
References
Agrawal, S., Singh, R. K., & Murtaza, Q. (2015). A literature review and perspectives in reverse logistics. Resources, Conservation and Recycling , 97 , 76-92.
Marsillac, E. L. (2008). Environmental impacts on reverse logistics and green supply chains: similarities and integration. International Journal of Logistics Systems and Management , 4 (4), 411-422.
United Parcel Service (UPS) of America Inc. (2019). Reverse logistics. Retrieved from https://www.ups-scs.com/logistics/returns.html
