Logifruit and reverse logistics

The European Union has focused on sustainability and economic models, such as the circular economy, to ensure the path towards an emission-neutral Europe by 2050. Within these models, the term reverse logistics is beginning to make a strong impression... Here's why.

Among the premises of the circular economy we find the basis of reverse logistics, which seeks to provide an efficient and sustainable way to recover waste, either to reconvert it into raw materials, to recycle it or to dispose of it in an environmentally friendly way.

There are many ways to apply reverse logistics, depending on the type of industry involved, the product or service provided and the internal processes of the companies themselves, but the key to all of them is that it is the process of recovering these products, in order to return them to their point of origin in an efficient and economically viable manner. 

"The process of planning, implementing and controlling efficiently and at optimum cost the flow of raw materials, work-in-process materials and finished products and related information from the point of consumption to the point of origin in order to recover the value of the materials or ensure their proper disposal."

An important point to note is that we should not confuse the term reverse logistics with green logistics, because although they may seem close, they are different processes. With green logistics, we seek to ensure that all aspects and activities of logistics reduce or minimize their environmental impact. It is, therefore, a broader concept that also includes activities derived from reverse logistics, measuring energy consumption or the eco-design of packaging.

Benefits of Reverse Logistics

Logifruit and reverse logistics

As we have seen, reverse logistics can be applied in many ways and can involve numerous players. Consumer goods distribution companies generate, for example, a series of waste (especially plastic materials and cardboard) that come from the packaging of products, often from different suppliers. This is a case that we at Logifruit are perfectly familiar with, as we are involved in this reverse logistics process, in the management of returns, taking advantage of the gaps left in the trucks when the packaging returns to the platforms.

By doing so, on the one hand, we avoid using more transportation and save CO2, and on the other hand, we leave the waste ready for the recycling process, speeding up the work of the recycling companies.

In order to carry out this type of synergies and efficiencies, it is very important that companies maintain a close and collaborative relationship, which, as is the case with Logifruit, allows us to continue to make progress in saving emissions, thus contributing to the achievement of the Green Pact and the Sustainable Development Goals of the European Union.