Importance of reverse logistics services as an antecedent for building a green supply chain

Abstract

An important antecedent for building a green supply chain are customer requirements. For the time being, however, it is unclear how the demands for providing reverse logistics services contribute to green supply chain building. The aim of the research was therefore to specify the degree of importance of reverse logistics services compared to typical services provided by the supplier during order fulfilment. Based on the survey of purchasing managers' attitudes in 100 food companies, reverse logistics services were found to have a significant role in the portfolio of services evaluated. Return of defective goods was evaluated as the most important reverse logistics service. At the same time, it was found that the perception of the importance of the services provided is affected by the item purchased. Reverse logistics services are more important when purchasing chemicals than when purchasing the main raw material. Thus, primary research has shown that the greatest opportunity to build a green supply chain will arise when purchasing items that inherently show environmental hazards.