IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/bla/inecol/v28y2024i3p439-454.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

Returnable packaging systems and store operations: Processes, costs, and benefits

Author

Listed:
  • Ina Marie Raible
  • Christina Holweg
  • Gerald Reiner
  • Christoph Teller

Abstract

Returnable packaging systems (RPS) related to consumer products help to reduce problematic plastic and glass waste in supply chains. The purpose of this paper is to investigate distribution and return processes and the related cost drivers and benefits of returnable packaging with a deposit refund system in retail stores. Through the lens of the actor–network theory and based on 30 interviews with store managers, including on‐site observations, we develop a research model that structures key processes of RPS and their input and output factors. By subsequently applying system dynamics modeling, we find that: (1) customers’ process satisfaction, (2) price elasticity of demand, and (3) time between repeat purchases are key variables that impact RPS’ attractiveness and performance. This research contributes to an in‐depth understanding of processes within RPS as well as interdependencies between cost drivers and benefits for retailers. From a managerial perspective, these insights can enable retailers to take action based on the influencing factors for efficient operations related to RPS. Finally, this research has policy implications as it provides argumentation for the commercial benefits of RPS for retailers aside from the overemphasized cost perspectives.

Suggested Citation

  • Ina Marie Raible & Christina Holweg & Gerald Reiner & Christoph Teller, 2024. "Returnable packaging systems and store operations: Processes, costs, and benefits," Journal of Industrial Ecology, Yale University, vol. 28(3), pages 439-454, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:inecol:v:28:y:2024:i:3:p:439-454
    DOI: 10.1111/jiec.13477
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: https://doi.org/10.1111/jiec.13477
    Download Restriction: no
    File URL: https://libkey.io/10.1111/jiec.13477?utm_source=ideas
    LibKey link: if access is restricted and if your library uses this service, LibKey will redirect you to where you can use your library subscription to access this item
    ---><---

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Maximilian Kunovjanek & Gerald Reiner, 2020. "How will the diffusion of additive manufacturing impact the raw material supply chain process?," International Journal of Production Research, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 58(5), pages 1540-1554, March.
    2. Reiner, Gerald & Gold, Stefan & Hahn, Rüdiger, 2015. "Wealth and health at the Base of the Pyramid: Modelling trade-offs and complementarities for fast moving dairy product case," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 170(PB), pages 413-421.
    3. Berck, Peter & Sears, Molly & Taylor, Rebecca L.C. & Trachtman, Carly & Villas-Boas, Sofia B., 2024. "Reduce, reuse, redeem: Deposit-refund recycling programs in the presence of alternatives," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 217(C).
    4. Monia Niero & Michael Z. Hauschild & Simon B. Hoffmeyer & Stig I. Olsen, 2017. "Combining Eco-Efficiency and Eco-Effectiveness for Continuous Loop Beverage Packaging Systems: Lessons from the Carlsberg Circular Community," Journal of Industrial Ecology, Yale University, vol. 21(3), pages 742-753, June.
    5. Mahmoudi, Monirehalsadat & Parviziomran, Irandokht, 2020. "Reusable packaging in supply chains: A review of environmental and economic impacts, logistics system designs, and operations management," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 228(C).
    6. John D. Sterman & Nelson P. Repenning & Fred Kofman, 1997. "Unanticipated Side Effects of Successful Quality Programs: Exploring a Paradox of Organizational Improvement," Management Science, INFORMS, vol. 43(4), pages 503-521, April.
    7. Schwab, Leila & Gold, Stefan & Reiner, Gerald, 2019. "Exploring financial sustainability of SMEs during periods of production growth: A simulation study," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 212(C), pages 8-18.
    8. Daniel R. Cooper & Timothy G. Gutowski, 2017. "The Environmental Impacts of Reuse: A Review," Journal of Industrial Ecology, Yale University, vol. 21(1), pages 38-56, February.
    9. Teller, Christoph & Kotzab, Herbert & Grant, David B., 2012. "The relevance of shopper logistics for consumers of store-based retail formats," Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, Elsevier, vol. 19(1), pages 59-66.
    10. Ciprian Cimpan & Eivind Lekve Bjelle & Anders Hammer Strømman, 2021. "Plastic packaging flows in Europe: A hybrid input‐output approach," Journal of Industrial Ecology, Yale University, vol. 25(6), pages 1572-1587, December.
    11. Courtney Blair & Erica Gralla & Finley Wetmore & Jarrod Goentzel & Megan Peters, 2021. "A Systems Framework for International Development: The Data‐Layered Causal Loop Diagram," Production and Operations Management, Production and Operations Management Society, vol. 30(12), pages 4374-4395, December.
    12. Jair Andrade & Jim Duggan, 2021. "A Bayesian approach to calibrate system dynamics models using Hamiltonian Monte Carlo," System Dynamics Review, System Dynamics Society, vol. 37(4), pages 283-309, October.
    13. Stefan Gold & Nathan Kunz & Gerald Reiner, 2017. "Sustainable Global Agrifood Supply Chains: Exploring the Barriers," Journal of Industrial Ecology, Yale University, vol. 21(2), pages 249-260, April.
    14. Jasmina Burek & Daesoo Kim & Darin Nutter & Susan Selke & Rafael Auras & Sarah Cashman & Beverly Sauer & Greg Thoma, 2018. "Environmental Sustainability of Fluid Milk Delivery Systems in the United States," Journal of Industrial Ecology, Yale University, vol. 22(1), pages 180-195, February.
    15. Wankmüller, Christian & Pulsfort, Johannes & Kunovjanek, Maximilian & Polt, Romana & Craß, Stefan & Reiner, Gerald, 2023. "Blockchain-based tokenization and its impact on plastic bottle supply chains," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 257(C).
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Beltagui, Ahmad & Kunz, Nathan & Gold, Stefan, 2020. "The role of 3D printing and open design on adoption of socially sustainable supply chain innovation," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 221(C).
    2. Hazhir Rahmandad & Nelson Repenning, 2016. "Capability erosion dynamics," Strategic Management Journal, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 37(4), pages 649-672, April.
    3. Matthias Kalverkamp & Alexandra Pehlken & Thorsten Wuest, 2017. "Cascade Use and the Management of Product Lifecycles," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 9(9), pages 1-23, August.
    4. Gopesh Anand & John Gray & Enno Siemsen, 2012. "Decay, Shock, and Renewal: Operational Routines and Process Entropy in the Pharmaceutical Industry," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 23(6), pages 1700-1716, December.
    5. Yi He & Qianqian Xu & Da Zhao, 2020. "Impacts of the BOPS Option on Sustainable Retailing," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(20), pages 1-16, October.
    6. Andrej David & Peter Mako & Jan Lizbetin & Patrik Bohm, 2021. "The Impact of an Environmental Way of Customer’s Thinking on a Range of Choice from Transport Routes in Maritime Transport," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(3), pages 1-23, January.
    7. Leonidas Milios, 2021. "Towards a Circular Economy Taxation Framework: Expectations and Challenges of Implementation," Circular Economy and Sustainability,, Springer.
    8. Wang, Yingjia & Fan, Di & Fung, Yi-Ning & Luo, Suyuan, 2022. "Consumer-to-consumer product exchanges for original fashion brands in the sharing economy: Good or bad for fashion knockoffs?," Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review, Elsevier, vol. 158(C).
    9. Christina Fang & Daniel Levinthal, 2009. "Near-Term Liability of Exploitation: Exploration and Exploitation in Multistage Problems," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 20(3), pages 538-551, June.
    10. Taudes, Alfred & Trcka, Michael & Lukanowicz, Martin, 2002. "Organizational learning in production networks," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 47(2), pages 141-163, February.
    11. He, Yan-Qun & Chan, Lai-Kow & Wu, Ming-Lu, 2007. "Balancing productivity and consumer satisfaction for profitability: Statistical and fuzzy regression analysis," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 176(1), pages 252-263, January.
    12. Shivam Gupta & Sachin Modgil & Piera Centobelli & Roberto Cerchione & Serena Strazzullo, 2022. "Additive Manufacturing and Green Information Systems as Technological Capabilities for Firm Performance," Global Journal of Flexible Systems Management, Springer;Global Institute of Flexible Systems Management, vol. 23(4), pages 515-534, December.
    13. Sharma, Varun & Vijayaraghavan, T.A.S. & Raghu Ram, Tata L., 2023. "Resolving operational paradox of sustainable supply chain: A decision framework approach," Socio-Economic Planning Sciences, Elsevier, vol. 87(PB).
    14. Jakob T. Pruess, 2023. "Unraveling the complexity of extended producer responsibility policy mix design, implementation, and transfer dynamics in the European Union," Journal of Industrial Ecology, Yale University, vol. 27(6), pages 1500-1520, December.
    15. Torsten Bornemann & Cornelia Hattula & Stefan Hattula, 2020. "Successive product generations: financial implications of industry release rhythm alignment," Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science, Springer, vol. 48(6), pages 1174-1191, November.
    16. Mukesh Kumar & Rakesh D. Raut & Mahak Sharma & Vikas Kumar Choubey & Sanjoy Kumar Paul, 2022. "Enablers for resilience and pandemic preparedness in food supply chain," Operations Management Research, Springer, vol. 15(3), pages 1198-1223, December.
    17. Dinesh Seth & Minhaj Ahemad A. Rehman, 2022. "Critical success factors‐based strategy to facilitate green manufacturing for responsible business: An application experience in Indian context," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 31(7), pages 2786-2806, November.
    18. Reiner, Gerald, 2005. "Customer-oriented improvement and evaluation of supply chain processes supported by simulation models," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 96(3), pages 381-395, June.
    19. Panagiotis Stavropoulos & Alexios Papacharalampopoulos & Konstantinos Tzimanis & Demetris Petrides & George Chryssolouris, 2021. "On the Relationship between Circular and Innovation Approach to Economy," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(21), pages 1-16, October.
    20. Maria Besiou & Alfonso J. Pedraza‐Martinez & Luk N. Van Wassenhove, 2021. "Humanitarian Operations and the UN Sustainable Development Goals," Production and Operations Management, Production and Operations Management Society, vol. 30(12), pages 4343-4355, December.

    More about this item

    Statistics

    Access and download statistics

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:bla:inecol:v:28:y:2024:i:3:p:439-454. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: Wiley Content Delivery (email available below). General contact details of provider: http://www.blackwellpublishing.com/journal.asp?ref=1088-1980 .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.