A traceability and auditing framework for electronic equipment reverse logistics based on blockchain: the case of mobile phones

TL;DR

This paper introduces a blockchain-based framework for secure and transparent management of mobile phone reverse logistics, addressing data privacy and tracking challenges in remanufacturing and refurbishing processes.

Contribution

It proposes a trustless, distributed blockchain solution with smart contracts for end-to-end tracking of mobile phones in reverse logistics, enhancing data security and process transparency.

Findings

Developed a functional set of smart contracts for mobile phone remanufacturing

Implemented a local private blockchain to demonstrate the framework

Discussed benefits and future research directions for blockchain in e-waste management

Abstract

Human beings produce electronic waste (e-waste) at an unprecedented pace. Mobile phones and other inter-connected smart devices make a significant contribution to the generation of e-waste. Reverse logistics (RL) activities play an essential role in managing mobile phones during their end-of-life. However, remanufacturing and/or refurbishing of mobile phones might prove difficult not only from an operational point of view but also from a data management and privacy perspective (due to privacy-related regulatory frameworks like the EU General Data Protection Regulation directive). In this paper, we propose a distributed trustless and secure framework for electronic equipment RL activities based on blockchain technology. We consider the remanufacturing/refurbishing recovery option for mobile phones, and we develop an autonomous and effective back-end data sharing architecture based on smart contracts/blockchain technology for keeping track of all the remanufacturing/refurbishing processes. For demonstrating the applicability of our approach, we develop a functional set of smart contracts and a local private blockchain. The benefits of our framework are further discussed, along with fruitful areas for future research.