3. Standardization of the Reverse Logistics Process: Characteristics and Added Value

Reverse Logistics initiatives aim at solving, at least partially, important problems linked to economical savings, durability, and environmental concerns. To improve the reverse logistics processes, a comprehensive approach is frequently needed, including standardization. Standards contain unambiguous requirements, and also, when needed, detailed testing methods. The European Standardization Organizations (ESO) offer a choice of ways for efficiently reaching consensus, in the form of high status written documents called European Standards, Technical Specifications or CEN Workshop Agreements. It is best to reflect early on the need for amended or new standards, and, if such a need exist, to start the standardization process in many cases as soon as possible. This applies also to EU research and technical development projects, which can usefully encompass a Work Package Standardization. Standardization can represent a key aspect of an improvement project in reverse logistics, in particular when harmonized requirements and/or testing methods are really needed. So far there seems to be no existing large-scale standards in that field, at least at the European or worldwide level. This chapter begins with a summary of standardization characteristics and advice for choosing the best procedure. It continues with a description of challenges to tackle in reverse logistics, and a review of existing standards and standards structures in that field. This is followed by a methodological approach to improve the current situation, relying in particular on the added value of the so-called “Integrated Approach”, to get large-scale beneficial impacts.