Operations & Supply Chain

Circular Supply Chains and Reverse Logistics

Circular supply chains keep products and materials in use through reuse, repair, remanufacturing and recycling. This course covers circular economy principles, reverse logistics design, returns management, product recovery options, partnerships, regulation such as extended producer responsibility, and business models.

5 days Classroom or live online English

Smart Horizon Certified - Global Leadership Consultants

Take the course details with you.

Download the full standard outline: why attend, methodology, objectives, audience, competencies, the daily outline and current plans.

Download course PDF

Why attend

From knowledge to real-world impact.

Circularity reduces waste, cost and environmental impact while creating new revenue. This course helps you design practical circular supply chains.

Workplace challenges

Professional Problems This Course Is Designed to Solve

The programme explores practical approaches to the following challenges. Results depend on how the learning is applied in your organisation.

Difficulty translating subject knowledge into practical workplace decisions.
Inconsistent approaches to the activities covered in the course outline.
Lack of a structured plan for applying and reviewing new skills.

Course methodology

How you will learn.

The course uses case studies, reverse logistics design workshops, business model exercises and regulatory reviews.

Course objectives

What you'll take away.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Explain circular economy principles
Design reverse logistics networks
Manage returns efficiently
Evaluate product recovery options
Understand extended producer responsibility
Develop circular business models

Target audience

Who should attend.

This course is suitable for:

Supply chain and logistics managers
Sustainability managers
Product and operations managers
Procurement professionals
Retail and e-commerce managers

Target competencies

Capabilities you will build.

Participants will develop competencies in:

Circular design
Reverse logistics
Returns management
Product recovery
EPR compliance
Circular business models

Course outline

Your learning journey.

A focused, practical outline with time to explore, apply and reflect.

Day 1Circular Economy

09:00–09:54Linear versus circular
09:54–10:48Principles and models
10:48–11:00Business drivers
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Business drivers (continued)
12:12–13:06Measurement
13:06–14:00Exercise: Circularity assessment

Day 2Reverse Logistics

09:00–09:54Return flows
09:54–10:48Collection networks
10:48–11:00Sorting and grading
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Sorting and grading (continued)
12:12–13:06Costs
13:06–14:00Workshop: Network design

Day 3Returns Management

09:00–09:54E-commerce returns
09:54–10:48Returns policies
10:48–11:00Processing efficiency
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Processing efficiency (continued)
12:12–13:06Data and analytics
13:06–14:00Case study: Returns improvement

Day 4Product Recovery

09:00–09:54Reuse and refurbishment
09:54–10:48Remanufacturing
10:48–11:00Recycling
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Recycling (continued)
12:12–13:06Partnerships
13:06–14:00Exercise: Recovery options

Day 5Regulation and Business Models

09:00–09:54Extended producer responsibility
09:54–10:48Product-as-a-service
10:48–11:00Take-back schemes
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Take-back schemes (continued)
12:12–13:06Roadmap
13:06–14:00Capstone: Circular supply chain plan

The timings provided are estimates and may vary depending on the number of participants and the discussions taking place during the sessions. They are indicative only and do not constitute a binding commitment.

Dates & venues

Find a session that works for you.

Confirmed dates accept registration requests. Tentative dates are enquiry only.

Good to know

A few things to know.

How is the course delivered?

Our classroom programmes combine facilitated discussion, case studies, exercises and reflection. The precise format will be confirmed before enrolment.

Can you deliver this programme for our team?

Yes, you can enquire about a tailored programme. Share your goals, group size and preferred dates with our learning team.

Will I receive a certificate?

Participants who complete the programme receive a Smart Horizon certificate of attendance. Smart Horizon programmes are not externally accredited and do not award a professional qualification, licence or designation. Where a course title or outline refers to a professional certification (for example, AACE International's Certified Cost Professional), the programme supports learning and preparation only; the credential itself is awarded solely by the relevant professional body under its own application and examination requirements.

What should I confirm before booking travel?

Please confirm the session, exact venue, accessibility arrangements, fees and any visa requirements with the team before arranging travel. Tentative dates are not confirmed sessions.

Keep exploring

Your next horizon awaits.

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The full course agenda and dates are available above. Use the session links in Dates & venues to choose a session. Registration and quotation forms require JavaScript; you can also contact our learning team directly.