Value creation through reverse logistics in used clothing networks
The International Journal of Logistics Management
ISSN: 0957-4093
Article publication date: 14 August 2017
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to identify the major reverse logistics design aspects in used clothing value chains, and those enabling and challenging manifestation of value creation.
Design/methodology/approach
This research is based on an exploratory study of 12 established organizations in Swedish used clothing networks. Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews, secondary sources, and subsequent field visits.
Findings
Empirical insights on how various design aspects influence value creation in used clothing value chains are provided. Crucial among these are strategic and consistent collection, presence of multi-channel sales, and communication of post-retail concepts for manifesting value by bolstering consumer satisfaction, environmental motivation, and corporate image. Inter-organizational collaboration in reverse logistics processes and workplace training, further renders higher economic, environmental and information values.
Research limitations/implications
The paper proposes a holistic framework of design aspects in reverse value chains, and extends existing knowledge on how these aspects manifest value creation. By doing so, a nuanced view of the design aspects is offered by highlighting how they can differentially, either enable, or challenge value creation. In this connection, seven supporting propositions are developed for in-depth future research.
Practical implications
The paper includes implications for the devising strategic solutions for higher value creation, by understanding of the key enablers and challenges, for many actors in the used clothing networks.
Originality/value
The role of various design aspects in reverse value chains for manifesting multifaceted stakeholder value creation is explicitly defined in the paper.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This research is a part of Re:textile, an extended regional research initiative taken by Västra Götaland Region (Region of West Sweden). The author has received funding for conducting this research work. The author would also like to thank his graduate students, Emelie Johansson and Matilda Nyström, for their support during the interview process.
Citation
Pal, R. (2017), "Value creation through reverse logistics in used clothing networks", The International Journal of Logistics Management, Vol. 28 No. 3, pp. 864-906. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJLM-11-2016-0272
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2017, Emerald Publishing Limited