Reverse logistics network design for spent batteries: a simulation study

End of life (EOL) product management, which encompasses reuse, remanufacturing and materials recycling, requires a structured reverse logistic network in order to collect products efficiently at the end of their life cycle. This work describes modelling and simulation of reverse logistics network design for collection of spent batteries for Sangrur District of North India. To compare different order assignment, a simulation model of forward and reverse logistics networks has been developed. Several simulation experiments have been designed to analyse impact of the system design factors on the operational performance of the reverse logistics system. The simulation results show that the model presented in this paper calculates the battery collection cost, transfer time, transfer cost, and resource utilisation in a predictable manner. Moreover, it provides a tool to understand how the system behaves by carrying out 'what‐if' assessments and to identify which parameters are most important for more detailed analysis.