A Multi-Objective Mathematical Model For Managing Sustainable Direct and Reverse Supply Chain of Apple Considering Foreign Markets

Regarding the growing population and widespread consumption growth around the world, supply chain networks have changed to extensive networks, but the components of these networks have made severe environmental problems. Sustainable supply chain management is one of the emerging concepts in production and operations which improves environmental and social performance as well as economic performance. Hence, manufacturers should strive to employ it. Considering the reverse logistics and closed-loop supply chain can be practicable to reduce waste or to exploit corrupted items. This issue is less discussed in the agricultural supply chain. The present paper develops and solves a multi-objective and multi-period linear integer programming model for optimizing aggregate forward and reverse apple logistics network. It consists of three levels (gardens, distribution centers, and internal and external customer areas) in forward flow and two levels (composting centers and the compost markets) in reverse flow. The model also considers all aspects of carbon dioxide emissions throughout the entire supply chain network and proposes a fair and reasonable balance between economic, social, and environmental goals.