Reverse logistics of refillable glass bottles: a simulative approach

This paper focuses on an integrated simulation model of a closed loop distribution system of water refillable bottles supply chain. In particular, the target of the research consists in evaluating the impact that the introduction of new nodes in the logistics configurations can have on service level to customers and on resources allocation, programming and scheduling. A case study of a distributor system that serves a limited geographical area is presented, to identify its performance parameters and how their variations can influence immobilizations, stock-outs and procurement time of restaurants served and fill production requirements.