A Goal Programming Model for Optimizing the Reverse Logistics Network of Glass Containers and an Application

Sustainable supply chains gained importance worldwide because of the increasing environmental concerns and new governmental legislations. Optimization of the reverse logistics networks takes an important place to achieve sustainability. Moreover, glass containers are one of the most environment-friendly packaging materials with almost 100% recyclable characteristic. In this study, we propose a goal programming model to optimize the designed reverse logistics network of glass containers. Financial loss and carbon dioxide emission minimization are the objectives of the model. The model concerns a single-product, multiple facilities, echelons, and periods and decides on the location of the glass-recycling facility, investments, waste transportation frequencies, and allocation of the resources. The model is solved with Augmented Epsilon Constraint Method (AUGMECON) and justified with a case study in Turkey, including real data. The results show that a remarkable amount of CO2 emission is avoided to be exposed in the nature by building the recycling facility. Besides the financial and environmental aspects, the proposed model also creates social value by considering the employment generated throughout the network and completely achieves sustainability.