Decision support models for managing returnable transport items in supply chains: A systematic literature review

This paper reports the results of a systematic literature review of decision support models for the management of closed-loop supply chains involving returnable transport items (RTIs). RTIs are a special type of reusable packaging materials, such as pallets, trays, boxes, or crates, and they represent an important corporate asset in many industries today. Decision support models for RTI closed-loop supply chains facilitate an efficient management of RTI usage, and they ensure that the finished product reaches the customer at the least total cost and/or with a minimal environmental impact. The paper first reports the methodology of the literature review and then descriptively analyzes the papers found during the literature search. The sampled papers are then assigned to one of four content categories, and subsequently they are discussed in detail. Finally, suggestions for future research opportunities are proposed.