When people today talk about reverse logistics, they do so while reflecting on the process of managing the return flow of products from the final point of consumption back to the manufacturer or distributor.
This journey has given rise to a full-fledged trend. It is used for value recovery through returns, as well as for repair, refurbishment, recycling, or proper disposal.
The objectives of reverse logistics focus on minimizing losses, improving customer satisfaction, strengthening corporate image, and promoting sustainability.
Among its main advantages is the pursuit of attractive alternatives to obtain value from returned products, such as reselling them at a discounted price. It also simplifies returns to improve customer satisfaction and the overall customer relationship, minimizing losses associated with returns and enabling the reuse of packaging materials.
It also reduces waste through recycling, reuse, and responsible product disposal.
Chile is certainly joining the global trend of reverse logistics, although still in an intermediate stage of adoption.
The growth of e-commerce has made returns, exchanges, and origin pick-ups critical processes for both retailers and logistics operators.
Today we see a growing demand for solutions that not only allow the recovery of products but also enable them to be reprocessed, classified, and reintegrated into inventory quickly.
Reverse logistics is no longer an accessory service. Today it is part of the full e-commerce cycle. It is also a competitive differentiator for those of us who actively participate in this industry.
The challenge, therefore, lies in standardizing processes, digitizing return flows, and strengthening urban infrastructure—especially to handle high volumes during peak demand seasons.
In this context, the companies that are able to orchestrate these tasks with efficiency and traceability will be the ones to lead and set the example.
