Adoption of Reverse Logistics in Food Companies: A Case of Pakistan

Abstract

This research highlights the importance of Reverse Logistics in Food Companies and explains its implementation level in food companies of Pakistan. Reverse Logistics is the process by which products are brought back to the producer due to some problem in the products. This study describes how food companies are dealing with returned items, their packaging material waste and the food and packaging material waste created at the consumers’ end. The other significant aspect of this research is the exploration of hindrances due to which companies do not perform the activities of RL especially in food companies. This study has focused on two local food companies operating in Lahore, mainly dealing in confectionary items such as breads, patties etc., sweet meats, soft drinks and milk. The research has employed Semi structured interviews as a tool to gather data which is then analyzed using NVIVO software. The results have shown that both of the companies have implemented different aspects of Reverse Logistics and the problems they face while developing a Reverse Logistics process are more or less the same. This study would be forerunner in highlighting the current status and the problems faced by the companies.