Resumo

Reverse logistics (RL) is crucial for reducing the environmental impact of packaging disposal by reinserting materials into the production cycle through recycling, reuse, or proper disposal Supermarkets, as packaging hubs, must extend their responsibility beyond sales, adopting practices such as labeling, incentives for returns, and environmental education for employees and customers. Challenges include consumer awareness, infrastructure for collection and sorting, and the need for partnerships with recycling cooperatives.

The implementation of reverse logistics in supermarkets faces several challenges, such as the need for consumer awareness and education, as well as the establishment of adequate infrastructure for waste collection and sorting, which hinder the effectiveness of reverse logistics practices. Through descriptive analysis, we sought to understand the potential and limitations of implementing reverse logistics packaging in supermarkets to contribute to efficient and sustainable management, which can serve as a model for other institutions in this sector.

Packaging is essential in logistics, protecting products during transport, storage, and handling while ensuring identification, marketing, and quality preservation. Effective packaging must be safe, accessible, informative, aesthetic, and environmentally sustainable. It is classified into primary, secondary, and tertiary, each of which impacts logistics efficiency. From a logistical point of view, packaging facilitates flows along supply chains, enhanced by technology that improves tracking and control. In supermarkets, RL reduces costs, waste, and pollution while promoting recycling and reuse

This descriptive qualitative research seeks to understand reality without numerical measurement, promoting familiarity with the study object and providing guidelines for implementing reverse logistics packaging in supermarkets. Data was collected through a questionnaire with open and closed questions in four sections: company identification, perception of environmental issues, packaging from activities, knowledge and actions of reverse logistics. Perceptions were measured using a 5-point Likert scale. Four managers participated, and responses were analyzed using Content Analysis.

The companies surveyed included one micro, two small, and one medium enterprise, all in food retailing. Waste was mainly from plastic bags, cardboard, and plastic packaging, requiring reduction and recycling, whereas glass and metal had low impact; styrofoam and perishables require attention. However, RL actions are uncertain and hindered by regulations and low consumer awareness. Most lacked waste reduction goals but valued sustainability. Participants showed low knowledge of pollution and policies, revealing gaps in environmental education.

This study showed that reverse logistics in supermarkets fosters reflections on its benefits, highlighting the importance of integrating initiatives such as environmental education. Despite participants’ positive perception of the role of the private sector in solid waste management, gaps in concrete actions were observed due to limited knowledge of environmental policies and lack of education in the sector. Sustainable operations require commitment to waste management and environmental education, enabling supermarkets to promote a balanced future.

ADESOGA, T. O.; Olaiya, O. P.; Onuma, E. P.; Ajayi, O. O.; Olagunju, O.D. Review of reverse logistics practices and their impact on supply chain sustainability'. International Journal of Scientific Research and Advances, v. 12, n. 2, p. 45-55, 2024. BOZARTH, C. B.; HANDFIELD, R. B. Introduction to Operations and Supply Chain Management. 5.ed. New York: Pearson, 2019.