Identifying reverse logistics and related regulations in the circular supply chain of sustainable floor coverings

The aim of this paper is to gain an understanding of the characteristics and requirements of the logistics pertaining to the reverse supply chain of circular sustainable floor coverings, as a crucial part of enabling circulation of the material, and to identify the regulations that affect the reverse logistics. The methodology includes a literature search and discussions with stakeholders in the floor coverings sector. The results show that there are special characteristics to consider pertaining to the logistics of the floor-coverings reverse supply chain, when increased circularity is aimed at, such as unpredictable supply, and that there are several regulations that affect logistics activities. This paper contributes to a better understanding of the logistics of reverse supply chains in the floor coverings sector, since the existing literature on this topic is scarce.