Reverse logistics at home appliance manufacturers in Europe and Poland – challenges faced by the industry

Purpose: models of reverse logistics (RL) that consider the sustainable development goals (SDG) and circular economy activities (CEA) are increasingly appearing in the literature. Intention of the article is to show at what stage of implementation of the SDG and CEA the home appliance industry (HAI) is currently at and what challenges it faces in terms of implementing the RL model. Design/methodology/approach: The paper shows that the information, data, industry positions and reports presented on the website of the Association of Appliance Manufacturers (APPLiA) show that the HAI is too slow in moving towards the SDG and CEA. It also prevents the implementation of theoretical models of RL. Findings: The article shows that the current actions taken by HAI in Europe and Poland are insufficient to meet the SDG, CEA, and the implementation of full models of RL. Research limitations/implications: The presented research results refer to the data presented by the HAI of Europe and Poland, as well as the information contained on the websites of the APPLiA Europe and Poland. The presented research results can be related to the information of other relevant industries such as automotive, aerospace and others, so that the hypothesis that the industry insufficiently pursues the SDG and CE and does not take strategic steps towards the implementation of models of RL with special consideration of all CE activities. Practical implications: The paper points out that for the home appliance industry to realize the SDG and the CE through the implementation of RL, it must use Design for eXcellence (DfX) tools now with a focus on Design for Circular Economy (DfCE) and Design for Logistics (DfL). Social implications: no social implication. Originality/value: The article presents the author's model of RL and formulates challenges for the industry that are associated with its implementation. It should draw the attention of various industries to the need to take strategic actions for implementation SDG and CEA.