Reverse logistics play a prominent role in entire supply chain of any industry. Increasing efficiency in reverse logistics processes through the recovery of returned products or disposal of end-of-life products is one way by which firms attempt to maintain and increase competitiveness and market share [3]. Reverse logistics for the soft drink industry is an order qualifier for glass-bottled soft drink manufacture. Due to lack of access to a reverse logistic framework and high attention to forward distribution, soft drink manufacturers bear high rates of inefficiency and ineffectiveness within the backward chain [1]. Reducing the cost of reverse logistics through an efficient and effective channel of reverse logistics can have a greater impact on total logistics cost and supply chain cost. The main objectives of this research are to identify current reverse logistic practices adopted by soft drink companies in Sri Lanka and to identify the most critical factors affecting efficient and effective reverse logistics pertaining to empty soft drink glass bottles. This paper will provide an insight to the current reverse logistics model adopted by soft drink companies in Sri Lanka while identifying the most critical factors that influence the efficiency and effectiveness of the reverse logistics system. Although companies focus mainly on transportation, there are other critical factors like accidents, packaging and storage within the cleaning and sorting processes of soft drink industry. Maintaining an effective and efficient reverse logistics process has moved to the forefront as a key capability for logistics and manufacturing firms [2]. An efficient and effective reverse logistic channel can improve the visibility of the reverse supply chain while increasing productivity and responsiveness across the entire supply chain.

Sureka, J.K.G., Bandara, Y.M., & Wikramarachchi, D. (2017). Analysis of factors affecting efficient and effective reverse logistics in the soft drink industry of Sri Lanka [Extended Abstract]. In T.L. Gunaruwan (Ed.), Proceedings of 2nd International Conference on Research for Transport and Logistics Industry 2017 (pp. 209-213). Sri Lanka Society of Transport and Logistics. https://slstl.lk/r4tli-2017/