Push or Pull? The impact of ordering policy choice on the dynamics of a hybrid closed-loop supply chain

•We compare the bullwhip of the closed-loop supply chains (CLSCs) under remanufacturing push and pull policies, contributing to a policy selection strategy from system dynamics perspective.•We derive the bullwhip formulation as a function of the inherent hybrid CLSCs system structure and external product demand characteristics.•We analytically assess the impact of recoverable inventory constraints on the bullwhip effect from a system dynamics perspective. Mathematically approximate closed-form results are derived to predict the propagation of order fluctuations.