Inventory routing problem with backhaul considering returnable transport items collection

The Inventory Routing Problem (IRP) has been highlighted as a valuable strategy for tackling routing and inventory problems. This paper addresses the IRP but considers the forward delivery and the use of Returnable Transport Items (RTIs) in the distribution strategy. We develop an optimization model by considering inventory routing decisions with RTIs collection (backhaul customers) of a Closed-Loop Supply Chain (CLSC) within a short-term planning horizon. RTIs consider reusable packing materials such as trays, pallets, recyclable boxes, or crates. The RTIs represent an essential asset for many industries worldwide. The solution of the model allows concluding that if RTIs are considered for the distribution process, the relationship between the inventory handling costs of both the final goods and RTIs highly determines the overall performance of the logistics system under study. The obtained results show the efficiency of the proposed optimization scheme for solving the combined IRP with RTIs, which could be applied to different real industrial cases.