A Paradigmatic Model of Reverse Logistics Supply Chain for Industrial Waste Management: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

The rapid advancement of technology in achieving new production processes, the replacement of synthetic materials, and chemical compounds have led to an increase in the volume of industrial waste, and in some cases, the generation of hazardous waste. Improper handling, transportation, and disposal of industrial waste, part of which includes hazardous materials, have caused significant problems for humans and the environment. In such circumstances, the existence of a reverse logistics network becomes essential. On the other hand, today, largely due to increasing social concerns about the environment, the term "reverse logistics" has become closely associated with waste management. In fact, industrial waste management can be considered one of the reverse logistics issues within supply chain management. In the present study, a qualitative investigation was conducted to propose a reverse supply chain model for managing the waste from the national gas refining industry. This research employed the grounded theory method of Strauss and Corbin (1998) and proceeded until theoretical saturation of the interviewees was reached. The statistical population was purposefully selected from academic experts and specialists in the national gas refining industry. The opinions of 17 experts and specialists in the field were gathered through semi-structured in-depth interviews and analyzed using the qualitative grounded theory method. In the end, 45 components were selected from the interview texts, grouped into six categories, and presented as part of a paradigmatic model.