Deutsche Post DHL has collaborated with Cranfield University in the UK and the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s Circular Economy 100 (CE100) initiative to develop a new logistics model to support efforts to expand the circular economy.
The new report, Waste not, want not. Capturing the value of the circular economy through reverse logistics, introduces the Reverse Logistics Maturity Model a practical tool that helps organizations to map out and continuously improve reverse logistics processes for their products.
The circular economy aims to reduce the consumption of raw materials and energy within businesses, and to ensure more sustainable, regenerative production and consumption patterns through the circular flow of goods. Retired British sailor Ellen MacArthur established the CE100 initiative to further support such efforts.
Reverse logistics plays a critical role in the circular economy by enabling the return of products and components for refurbishment, recycling, redistribution, or extraction and re-use of their useful organic materials.
Christof Ehrhart, head of corporate communications and responsibility, Deutsche Post DHL Group, said, “DHL recognizes the important role that the circular economy can play in contributing to a more sustainable world and we are committed to supporting and enabling its development with our knowledge and global network.
“The Reverse Logistics Maturity Model is a valuable tool for any organization that is committed to embedding the circular economy more integrally into their supply chain. It also highlights the opportunities that exist for logistics companies to adapt and expand their services and approaches to support the circular economy, which in turn creates additional value both for business and the environment.”
Andrew Morlet, chief executive of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, said, “The Reverse Logistics Maturity Model is designed to enable businesses to scale-up their reverse logistics systems, a crucial element in closing material loops in the circular economy. It is a concrete outcome of collaborative projects developed through the CE100 program.”
April 27, 2016