As with the logistics, the concept of reverse logistics has also evolved over time. Initially, simple in concept, the logistics was defined as the movement of materials from the point of origin to the point of consumption. So it is with reverse logistics, which was defined as 80 years in the movement of goods from the consumer to the producer through a distribution channel (Lambert & Stock, cited in Rogers & Tibben-Lembke 2001), ie, the scope of reverse logistics was limited to the movement that makes the products and information to follow in the opposite direction to normal logistic activities ("wrong way on a one-way street").

Already in the 90 years, authors such as Stock (1992) introduced new approaches to reverse logistics, as the logistics of the return of products, reduction of resources, recycling, and actions for material substitution, reuse of materials, waste disposal, recycling, repair and remanufacturing of materials. In 1998, Carter and Ellram setting the Reverse Logistics, included the issue of environmental efficiency.

The evolution of these concepts has broadened the definition of reverse logistics as proposed by Leite, "a new area of business logistics, is concerned to consider the multitude of logistical aspects of the production cycle of return to different types of industrial goods, materials constituents thereof, and industrial waste through the reuse of well controlled and their components or recycling of constituent materials, giving rise to secondary raw materials that will reintegrate into the production process "(Milk, 2000, p.1).

Reasons for implementing a system of Reverse Logistics

1. Ecological Sensitivity: Currently, the concept of sustainable development is widespread, based on the idea of meeting present needs without compromising future generations in meeting their own needs.


2. Legal Pressures: Environmental laws on solid waste have their origins in response to environmental impacts that may be caused, for example, the difficulty of clearing the waste until its final disposition.


3. Life Cycle of Products: The rapid technological development has led to an early obsolescence of assets. The products with increased life cycle shrinking generates a large amount of waste and products exceeded.


4. Differentiated Picture: The company can achieve the distinctive image of being environmentally friendly through efficient and more liberal policies (in fast exchange, service quality, flexibility, ...) return the product, but also by marketing on the environmental issue ( Green Seal, ISO 14000, ...)


5. Cost-cutting: The lack of information of trading volumes and environmental conditions has so far justified a more formal organization and structure of these channels, so that there is difficulty in view of the costs

Source: Rodriguez et al. Reverse Logistics - System Concepts. ENEGEP.2002