Designing a multi-echelon reverse logistics operation and network: A case study of office paper in Beijing

•An operation mode is presented for office paper reverse logistics based on its characteristics.•A nonlinear integer programming model is proposed to determine the location and number of recycling stations and plants while minimizing the total cost.•We illustrated the proposed model by a case study in Beijing.•Sensitivity analysis considered how total costs and the optimal results were influenced by some important factors.

To develop a circular and low-carbon economy, it is important to recycle and reuse office supplies, particularly office paper. We have analyzed the characteristics of office paper reverse logistics and propose an appropriate operation mode: a strategic alliance and third-party reverse logistics union led by a government or non-profit organizations and including office paper producers. We propose a nonlinear integer programming model for determining the locations and numbers of recycling stations and plants, such that the total cost is minimized. A case study of selected sites along the Xueyuan Road in Beijing is used to illustrate the proposed model. Additionally, our sensitivity analyses investigated how the amount of waste office paper, the throughput capacity of recycling stations, and the unit transportation cost affected the optimized results. Our findings provide useful insights for various stakeholders and suggest avenues for further research.