A Planning Model For The Optimisation Of The End-Of-Life Vehicles Recovery Network

European Directive 2000/53 on End-of-life Vehicles (ELV) has introduced new constraints, regulations and recommendations on vehicle design, waste disposal and takeback policy. Automotive Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) are more and moreimplicated in the expected consequential vehicle recovery network modifications. So, one of the most critical and challenging issues for reverse logistics (RL) management is the development of effective tools to support strategic, tactical and operational decisions in order to yield the maximum economic benefit in compliance with the reference regulations. In this paper, a mixed integer linear programming (MILP) model for ELV closed-loop network design is proposed. The network cost minimisation objective function, the integration of forward and reverse logistics and the consideration of remanufacturing activities for vehicle module reuse represent the model key features. The proposed model is applied on a realistic Italian case-study and the results of a sensitivity analysis are consequently presented in order to identify the parameters that most affect the model outcome.