SCOR Model for Reverse Supply Chain in Electronics: A Comprehensive Framework

1. PLAN - Strategic Planning and Coordination

Supply and Demand Mapping for E-Waste Collection

The planning phase in reverse electronics supply chains requires comprehensive mapping of both supply
(e-waste generation) and demand (recovery market requirements). According to research on e-waste
management, effective planning involves forecasting the quantity and types of electronic devices reaching
end-of-life, considering factors such as technology refresh cycles and consumer disposal patterns. Sun et
al. (2019) developed an analysis framework using FAHP (Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process is used to
select the operation mode of reverse logistics for waste electronic products, and the feasibility and
practicability of this method are verified by demonstration.) for operation mode selection in electronics
reverse supply chains, demonstrating that self-management, alliance, and outsourcing modes require
different planning approaches based on organizational capabilities and market conditions. Government
initiatives play a crucial role in demand creation through Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)
policies, which mandate producers to collect 70% of their generated e-waste by 2023 onwards under
Indian regulations (PIB, 2022).

Quality Control Decision Framework

A critical planning component involves establishing decision criteria for incoming e-waste streams.
Research indicates that quality assessment determines whether devices should be directed toward reuse,
refurbishment, component harvesting, or material recovery. The EU study on disassembly assessment
suggests that planning must incorporate ease of Disassembly Metric (eDiM) calculations to optimize
resource allocation and processing efficiency (European Commission JRC, 2019). It provides empirical
evidence from the Indian consumer electronics sector, demonstrating that strategic planning for reverse
supply chain management activities requires categorization of returned goods by recency, usability, and
residual value to optimize processing decisions.

Government Policy Integration and Regulatory Planning

The planning process must integrate with government policy frameworks, particularly EPR regulations
and recycling targets. Under India's E-Waste Management Rules 2022, producers must establish
collection systems and work with authorized recyclers, requiring coordinated planning between multiple
stakeholders (CPCB, 2024). Government demand creation through policy incentives, green procurement,
and recycling hub establishment becomes essential for viable reverse logistics networks. It emphasizes
that Producer Responsibility Organizations (PROs) and aggregators can enhance critical mass for
operational efficiency through strategic planning coordination.

2. SOURCE - Collection and Procurement

Multi-Channel Collection Infrastructure

The sourcing process in reverse electronics supply chains involves establishing comprehensive collection
networks. Research shows that effective collection combines formal channels (manufacturer take-back
programs, retailer drop-offs) with integration of informal sector capabilities. Apple's trade-in program and
Dell's closed-loop recycling demonstrate how manufacturers can create structured collection systems that
recover over 2 billion pounds of electronics through partnerships with organizations like Goodwill. Doan
et al. (2019) developed a comprehensive reverse supply chain model for the Vietnamese electronics
industry using interactive fuzzy approaches, highlighting that collection network design must account for
multiple destinations and uncertain product flows in developing countries.

Consumer Engagement and Incentivization

Studies indicate that 87.2% of consumers still dispose of electronics in regular bins due to lack of
awareness and accessibility (Samsudin et al., 2025). Successful sourcing requires consumer education
campaigns, convenient drop-off locations, and incentive mechanisms such as deposit-refund systems
mandated under EPR regulations. Researchers identified facilitating and inhibiting factors for reverse
supply chain management implementation, showing that consumer engagement significantly impacts
collection volumes and return stream contributions.

Supply Chain Traceability and Documentation

The sourcing phase must ensure complete documentation for regulatory compliance and quality
assurance. Blockchain technology applications in e-waste collection enable transparent tracking from
generation to processing, supporting both EPR compliance and consumer confidence in responsible
disposal (Dr Paromita, 2019). van Engelenhoven et al. (2023) emphasize that systematic analysis of
SCOR model application requires comprehensive documentation of circular supply chain processes for
effective performance measurement.

3. MAKE - Processing and Value Recovery

The make process focuses on transforming collected e-waste into valuable outputs through structured
disassembly. European research identifies six fundamental disassembly tasks: tool change, identifying
connectors, manipulation, positioning, disconnection, and removal, with reference times established for
each operation (European Commission JRC, 2019). ​
Doan et al. (2018) developed mathematical models for e-waste reverse supply chains incorporating
transportation risk, demonstrating that disassembly and processing location decisions significantly impact
total system costs.

Quality Testing and Refurbishment Processes

For devices suitable for reuse, the make process includes comprehensive testing, cleaning, and
refurbishment. Leading refurbishment operations achieve functionality rates of 96% while offering
products at 40-60% lower prices than new equivalents (Transparency Market Research, 2022).They
analyzed different return streams in terms of volume and residual value, revealing which processing
activities contribute most to organizational performance and identifying major time and cost consumption
patterns in refurbishment operation.

Data Security and Sanitization

A critical component of the make process involves secure data destruction before device processing.
Professional e-waste handlers implement certified data sanitization procedures to ensure complete
information removal, addressing both privacy concerns and regulatory requirements for data protection
(ECS Environment, 2025). This aligns with Montag and Pettau's (2022) social performance dimension,
ensuring responsible data handling throughout the circular supply chain.

4. DELIVER - Distribution and Market Reintroduction

Multi-Market Distribution Strategy

The delivery process involves channeling processed outputs to appropriate markets. Refurbished
electronics enter consumer and commercial markets through OEM certified programs, e-commerce
platforms, and specialized retailers. Research shows the global refurbished electronics market reached
$86.53 billion in 2023, with 11.61% CAGR projected through 2029 (TechSci Research, 2024).
Valenzo-Jiménez et al. (2024) conducted systematic bibliometric analysis of reverse logistics research,
identifying that delivery and distribution strategies have generated significant entrepreneurial and
academic interest due to value recovery potential.

Quality Assurance and Warranty Programs

Successful delivery requires comprehensive quality guarantees. Leading programs offer minimum
6-month warranties on refurbished products, with some manufacturers providing warranties equivalent to
new products. Amazon's refurbishment program includes diagnostic testing, defective part replacement,
and packaging in original or clean alternative packaging (Times of India, 2021). This quality assurance
framework supports the economic performance dimension identified in Montag and Pettau's (2022)
circular supply chain performance measurement system.

Secondary Material Markets

Beyond refurbished products, the delivery process includes distribution of recovered materials (metals,
plastics, rare earth elements) to manufacturing supply chains. The UN estimates that 2021 e-waste
contained $62.5 billion worth of recoverable materials, representing significant value creation
opportunities (Refer). Jain et al. (2022) developed sustainability performance evaluation frameworks for
e-waste closed-loop supply chains using SCOR models, demonstrating how material recovery and
delivery processes contribute to overall supply chain sustainability.

5. RETURN - Reverse Logistics and Transportation

Integrated Collection and Transportation Systems

The return process encompasses the physical movement of e-waste from generation points to processing
facilities. Effective reverse logistics requires coordination with existing waste management infrastructure
while maintaining segregation of hazardous materials. Multi-chamber collection vehicles enable
separation at the point of collection rather than final destination sorting (PMC, 2021). Doan et al. (2019)
emphasize that reverse supply chain models must account for transportation risks, including pickup
delays, vehicle breakdowns, and hazardous material uncertainties that can lead to system disruptions.

IoT-Enabled Collection Optimization

Advanced return systems incorporate IoT monitoring for real-time collection optimization. Research
demonstrates IoT-based e-waste bins with ultrasonic sensors for level monitoring and temperature
tracking, enabling efficient collection routing and preventing hazardous material accumulation (Samsudin
et al., 2025). This technological integration supports the enable process within SCOR framework
adaptation for circular supply chains.

Regulatory Compliance and Documentation

The return process must ensure compliance with hazardous material transportation regulations and
maintain chain-of-custody documentation for EPR reporting requirements. Proper handling of hazardous
substances like mercury, lead, and lithium-ion batteries requires specialized transportation and temporary
storage capabilities. Goldar et al. (2024) highlight that formal and informal sector integration is essential
for effective return logistics, with collaboration crucial to optimize benefits and minimize risks.

6. ENABLE - Supporting Technologies and Systems

Digital Platform Integration

The enable process provides technological infrastructure supporting all other processes. This includes
EPR compliance portals, collection management systems, and customer interfaces. India's centralized
CPCB portal for e-waste management demonstrates how digital platforms can coordinate producer
registration, recycler authorization, and compliance monitoring (White Paper EPR, 2021). van
Engelenhoven et al. (2023) note that SCOR model application in circular supply chain management
requires fundamental rethinking to align with circular economy frameworks and supporting digital
infrastructure.

Advanced Technology Implementation

Enabling technologies include artificial intelligence for waste classification, robotics for automated
sorting, and computer vision systems for quality assessment. Research shows that AI-powered robotic
systems can significantly improve e-waste identification and segregation efficiency compared to manual
processes (AV Shreyas Madhav, 2021). Jain et al. (2022) demonstrate how Best-Worst Method (BWM)
and multi-criteria decision-making approaches can be integrated into SCOR-based performance
evaluation systems for technology selection and optimization.

Performance Monitoring and Analytics

The enable process includes comprehensive performance measurement systems aligned with circular
supply chain requirements. Based on Montag and Pettau (2022), this involves tracking metrics across four
perspectives: economic (cost per unit processed), environmental (material recovery rates), social (worker
safety metrics), and circular (percentage of material returned to productive use).

Conclusion

This SCOR-based framework for reverse electronics supply chains provides a comprehensive approach to
e-waste management that addresses the complex requirements of circular economy implementation. The
integration of government policy, technological innovation, and stakeholder coordination across all six
processes enables effective transformation of electronic waste into valuable resources while meeting
environmental and social objectives.

Key Research Papers Referenced:

Montag, L. & Pettau, T. (2022). Process Performance measurement framework for circular supply chains

van Engelenhoven, T. et al. (2023). Systematic Analysis of SCOR Model for Circular Economy

Jain, V., Kumar, S., Mostofi, A., Momeni, M. (2022). E-waste closed-loop supply chain evaluation

Doan, L.T.T. et al. (2019). Comprehensive reverse supply chain model - Vietnamese electronics

Sun, H. et al. (2019). Electronic product reverse supply chain operation mode analysis

Goldar, A. et al. (2024). India's E-Waste Supply Chain Analysis