Análisis de la logística inversa aplicado al sector de plástico, en el cantón Cuenca

Abstract

The present study contributes to the conceptualization of the process of reverse logistics and investigated its application in the area of plastic polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottle recycling in Cuenca. The work begun with an analysis of the current treatment that the PET plastic bottles receive according to the information source of the public sanitation company, Cuenca (Empresa Municipal de Aseo de Cuenca). A field study was executed through the application of surveys in different homes located in Cuenca, registered recyclers in the EMAC, and storing centers (intermediaries). Additionally, interviews were carried out in a company of Cuenca, which uses PET bottle recycling for the elaboration of different products. This structure of the process in Cuenca follows reverse logistics. The logistical estimation of the costs that are implied in this process, determines the main costs that make up this production chain. The results gave more information about the problems and strength in each one of the actors of the production chain. Finally, the application of a reverse logistics is an important contribution for the environment and it improves the competitiveness of industrial companies that opt to use PET bottle recycling.