On the operational logistic aspects of reuse.

For still more companies, it is or will become important to pay attention to the possibilities for reusing the products they produce and the items, like pallets and package materials, that they use for distributing their products or which are used by others for supplying their products to them. One important reason for the above is the growing concern for the natural environment, among others resulting in environmental laws which not only force companies to take back their products from their customers and the items used for the distribution of these products when these products or distribution items (DIs) are no longer desired by these customers, but also to take care of the environmentally friendly disposal of these products and Dis. However, due to the same reason, this disposal is becoming still more difficult and expensive (see e.g., Cairncross, 1990). Apart from being forced by law, companies feel forced to do the above because of competition and public opinion. But there are more reasons why it may be worthwhile for companies to consider reuse: there are products, components, materials and DIs that can be obtained cheaper or more quickly via reuse than via purchasing or producing anew.