(286f) Supply Chain Design and Optimization for Plastics at the End-of-Life: City-Based Study

The world is transitioning to more efficient and sustainable waste management practices for promoting a circular economy. The management of Municipal solid waste (MSW) worldwide, particularly in developing nations, is challenging because of its ubiquitous pathways toward its end of life (EOL) as shown by life cycle assessments. The year 2019 witnessed almost 370 million tons of plastic produced globally, including 58 million tons produced in Europe. A closed-loop supply chain for plastics is formed when a basic forward logistics is connected with a reverse supply chain to reclaim that product from the start point. Reverse supply chain networks have been particularly used in plastic waste management, contributing to circular economy perspectives. Mathematical models aid in understanding the networks and have been used extensively by researchers to optimize supply chains. One such platform or approach is using the P-graph. The P-graph framework's fundamental algorithmic technique relies on structural configurations built on process graphs to design and optimize process networks graphically. Proper structuring is one facet of network designs frequently given insufficient consideration. As shown in the figure, the supply chain(s) for plastics at the end-of-life in Hungary is complex. This study aims to identify the gaps in the plastic supply chain framework, focusing on the city of Miskolc in “Borsod” County in Hungary. The objective is to create supply chain structures that make the reuse of plastic waste as profitable and environmentally sound. We will show results for several alternate supply chain structures that give decision makers in private firms and public utilities as much latitude as possible in making decisions. Philosophically, this approach is the core of the creative innovation that is necessary to manage an otherwise difficult challenge.