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Introduction
Reverse logistics forms part of closed-loop supply chain management (SCM) and has gained increased importance as an environmental, profitable, and sustainable business strategy. Both reverse logistics and closed-loop SCM are relatively new concepts with limited empirical research ([30] Rogers and Tibben-Lembke, 2001); however, the pace of interest and research in this area has picked-up considerably.
One aspect of reverse logistics is the product recovery management (PRM) of all used and discarded products, components, and materials that a manufacturer is responsible for ([37] Thierry et al. , 1995). The reverse logistics literature provides various frameworks for developing reverse logistics strategies and subsequent reverse logistics systems; for example [33] Stock (1992, [34] 1998), [4] Carter and Ellram (1998), [30] Rogers and Tibben-Lembke (2001) and [6] Dowlatshahi (2000). However, the literature does not adequately consider the challenges and influences of PRM on production, operations and logistics management, particularly in a supply chain that involves the consumer or end-user as a participant actor and for fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG).
FMCG such as "disposable razors" or plastic bottle packaging for cleaners and detergents are difficult to recover and reuse, or even recycle without some form of consumer incentive in today's "disposable society" with "cash rich and time poor" consumers. However, some FMCG products such as "disposable cameras" may lend themselves more readily to PRM techniques.
The purpose of this paper is to explore how key PRM activities have affected the strategic design and implementation of the closed-loop supply chain for Fujifilm's "Quick-Snap" single-use camera. First, we review the background literature. Then, the case study methodology to study Fujifilm's "inverse manufacturing system" is presented. Next, we present our analysis based on primary interviews and observations at Fujifilm and map their PRM strategy in the context of an extant PRM model by [37] Thierry et al. (1995). Finally, conclusions and implications are drawn.
Literature review
[33] Stock (1992, [34] 1998) and [30] Rogers and Tibben-Lembke (2001) presented reverse logistics as a process in which a manufacturer retrieves previously distributed products from consumption or final destination points in order to recycle and/or remanufacture them for the purpose of capturing value or to properly dispose of them. [37] Thierry et al. (1995) proposed PRM as a mechanism to recover as much of...