Reverse logistics or reverse logistics management (RLM) is the management of decreasing product returns, waste disposal, source reduction, materials substitution, reuse of materials, recycling, refurbishing, repair, and remanufacturing.
Reverse logistics is the “reverse” of standard supply chain operations. The supply chain is responsible for moving the items or goods from the raw material to the warehouse, to the client, and then to the customer. However, when talking about reverse logistics, the primary function is taking products from the customer back to the warehouse (closing the supply chain). It is beneficial not only for returns but also to regain value and ensure customer satisfaction.