The Role of Logistics in the Circular Economy: An Incompatible or Inevitable Synergy

The purpose of this article is to help in better understanding the inevitable relationship between logistics and the CE. The study identifies the common logistics activities found in the Linear and Circular models of economy based on a literature review that focuses on shared functions and interactions between the two. The study finds that several logistics activities of a circular nature are already in use in the linear model of economy for reasons related to customer satisfaction, in an effort for companies to meet consumer needs concerning environmental issues as well as to cut transport costs. The study will aid specifically companies and the public to better understand the role of logistics in the successful implementation of a CE model in creating the appropriate conditions for sustainable practices, and finally, understanding the logistics functions in which more focus should be given, such as investments in technology and determine the allocation of resources. Similar research has mainly focused on particular implementation issues, or the development of different sustainability-related activities, while this study takes away the focus from public policy or other parties and places it on logistics activities as more strategic than operational and more value-added members than just service providers.