Data architecture framework for reverse logistics management in reusable food packaging networks

Managing agri-food supply chains requires the concurrent consideration of raw food and packaging materials flows. Unfortunately, packaging contributes to waste generation despite its vital role in ensuring safe distribution. To tackle this issue, the European Union fosters the adoption of reusable primary packaging and the introduction of sustainable closed-loop systems over the traditional based on single-use. Creating closed-loop packaging systems is achievable only through collaborative relationships among actors, stakeholders, and policymakers. Tailored data architectures facilitate the efficiency of such partnerships and collaboration, encouraging the adoption of sustainable paradigms. This paper proposes a data architecture framework that supports high-quality primary data collection for reusable primary packaging supply chains. Furthermore, the data framework aids decision-making processes within circular primary packaging systems, providing economic and environmental metrics. A flexible user interface facilitates the creation of customized output that impels the adoption of sustainability paradigms within the agri-food sector.