Conceptualising Reverse Logistics Implementation Strategies in the Fashion Industry
Authors: Ezenwa, A., Oledinma, A., Velayutham, K., Rajaprakasam, P., Osei, M.B., Ejem, E.A.
Publication Date: 01/01/2026
Pages: 164-192
DOI: 10.4324/9781003492023-7
Abstract:The fashion industry faces increasing pressure to adopt sustainable and circular practices. This chapter explores reverse logistics (RL) as a pathway to circularity and operational efficiency, presenting an integrated conceptual framework grounded in sustainability, systems, and consumer theories. A structured literature review of 33 peer-reviewed studies (2010–2025) was conducted using Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Thematic synthesis and magnitude coding were applied to analyse publication trends, theoretical lenses, methods, and findings. There is growing academic attention to fashion RL, especially since 2020, yet with notable regional gaps, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa and Eastern Europe. Disciplinary contributions span sustainable fashion, green logistics, and consumer psychology but remain fragmented. Case studies dominate, with limited use of cross-theoretical models. The review identifies three core pillars: consumer behaviour, system coordination, and sustainability integration. Technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and cloud computing emerge as key enablers, though challenges persist in key performance indicators’ standardisation, consumer engagement, and digital inclusion. The chapter contributes a novel synthesis of consumer, sustainability, and systems theories, offering a multi-dimensional lens for understanding RL in circular fashion systems. The findings support Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 8, 9, 12, and 13 by advocating coordinated, measurable, and sustainable RL strategies.
Source: Scopus