Design of closed-loop supply chain and product recovery management for fast-moving consumer goods The case of a single-use camera

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to qualitatively investigate how product recovery management (PRM) activities affected the strategic design and implementation of a closed-loop supply chain for a fast-moving consumer good. Design/methodology/approach - The paper employs a case study approach with in-depth interviews and structured observation of PRM processes at the focal company. Findings -The focal company was able to design an efficient and effective product recovery and recycle manufacturing system by standardizing high-quality raw materials, using a modular structure for the product and maintaining control over the entire process and bypassing the temptation to use third-party collectors and processors. Research limitations/implications - Primary research relates to the single case study and the focal company; however, the findings may not generally apply to other fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG). Practical implications - The comparison of the focal company's processes to an extant product recovery model provides firms with a structured way of implementing product recovery and recycling. Originality/value - This paper adds to our knowledge of PRM and closed-loop supply chain design by investigating its practical application to a fast-moving consumer good; this topic has not previously received much attention by academics and practitioners.