In this paper, we propose a solution to the sustainable closed-loop supply chain (SCLSC) design problem. Three factors (economic, environmental, and social) are considered for the problem and the three following requirements are addressed while satisfying associated constraint conditions: (i) minimizing the total cost; (ii) minimizing the total amount of CO2 emission during production and transportation of products; (iii) maximizing the social influence. Further, to ensure the efficient distribution of products through the SCLSC network, three types of distribution channels (normal delivery, direct delivery, and direct shipment) are considered, enabling a reformulation of the problem as a multi-objective optimization problem that can be solved using Pareto optimal solutions. A mathematical formulation is proposed for the problem, and it is solved using a hybrid genetic algorithm (pro-HGA) approach. The performance of the pro-HGA approach is compared with those of other conventional approaches at varying scales, and the performances of the SCLSC design problems with and without three types of distribution channels are also compared. Finally, we prove that the pro-HGA approach outperforms its competitors, and that the SCLSC design problem with three types of distribution channels is more efficient than that with a single distribution channel.
Sustainable Closed-Loop Supply Chain Design Problem: A Hybrid Genetic Algorithm Approach