The Transformation of Supply Chains in Closed-Loop Supply Chains

Abstract

Within the framework of the concept of sustainable development, economic growth should be considered not only in economic, but also environmental and social terms. The economies of countries face new challenges intended to satisfy growing human needs while maintaining (or improving) the quality of the environment. Not all countries are on the same level as regards the implementation of this strategy. We found that the implementation of the concept of sustainable development would be possible but for the activities undertaken by individual enterprises being a part of the supply chain. Special importance is given to the implementation of closed-loop supply chains. The aim of the chapter is to present the need to implement closed-loop supply chains in the Polish economy. The chapter presents the selected aspects of the decision-making process aimed at closing the material flow in the supply chain. The description contains a full analysis of the current ratio analysis at macroeconomic level (pertaining to the economies of selected European countries) and the review of the methods and techniques for the optimization of supply chains which realize forward and backward material flows.