A bibliometric analysis of reverse logistics from 1992 to 2017

Purpose This paper presents a bibliometric analysis of RL with the aim of unveiling its intellectual structure. It also suggests a theoretical framework of related fields often ambiguously studied such as SCM, GSCM, CLSCM, and SSCM. Design/methodology/approach This research first defines Reverse Logistics (RL) with respect to other closely related theoretical fields such as Closed-Loop, Green and Sustainable Supply Chain Management. The building blocks of RL since 1992 are then derived through both a unidimensional and a multidimensional analysis. The discussion results in a conceptual map which shows how these fields relate to each other. Finally, trends and future directions of research are identified. Findings The cocitation map results in a four cluster configuration: (1) Green Supply Chain Management, (2) RL network design, (3) Remanufacturing and (4) RL concepts and practices. Originality/value The novel contribution of this research is the application of bibliometric methods to characterize the RL discipline, and the results are complementary to those obtained by other researchers using a traditional qualitative literature review. The results obtained may be useful to both new and established researchers in identifying future directions for research.