What does reverse logistics involve?

Reverse logistics refers to the process of returning goods from their final destination back to the manufacturer or supplier for the purpose of recapturing value or proper disposal. This can occur for several reasons, including product recalls, excess inventory, returns from customers, and recycling of packaging materials.

In essence, reverse logistics encompasses all activities that are involved in returning products to their original manufacturer or to a centralized disposal location. It addresses the flow of goods in the opposite direction of traditional logistics, which typically focuses on the delivery of products from producers to consumers. This process is critical for managing returns effectively, reducing waste, and salvaging value from items that would otherwise be discarded.

The other options do not accurately capture the concept of reverse logistics. Moving goods to market and transporting goods solely to customers relate to forward logistics, which is about delivering products to the end user. Focusing solely on product delivery excludes the key elements of return processes and value recovery that reverse logistics entails.