Transforming the reverse supply chain: Leveraging a platform for enhanced recycling and remanufacturing

This study examines the green supply chain dynamics between a remanufacturer and platform in battery recycling for new energy vehicle remanufacturing. Inspired by industry cases, this study regards the platform as a market channel, namely platform mode, and proposes comprehensive recycling and reselling strategies based on a certain recycling ratio. The research analyzes the optimal operation strategies of two modes: Operation mode (OR mode) and Operation and New mode (ORN mode) (i.e., OR mode: The platform recycles old products for remanufacturers, who sell remanufactured products via it; ORN mode: the same recycling process, but remanufacturers sell both remanufactured and new products through the platform). The article also provides a detailed comparison of these two modes, and through analysis, validates how to choose the best operation mode in a green supply chain and the key factors influencing the choice. In addition, considering practical factors, this study extends the analysis from two aspects: comprehensive recycling and partial reselling of the platform and governmental subsidy policies, discussing how platform and remanufacturer choose sales strategies based on different policy changes. The analysis results suggest that the selection of a mode is intricately linked to the cost of old products and green technology investment: when the cost of old products is high, the ORN mode is likely to be preferred. Findings from research conducted on the platform aspect reveal that the commission rate established by the platform will somewhat impact the decisions made by remanufacturer and consumers. Concurrently, the platform must effectively manage the costs associated with recycling old products. • Develop dynamic strategies for the old-product market utilized by the platform. • Explore the impact of product greenness and the introduction of new products. • Equilibrium production and pricing decisions for supply chain members are determined. • Propose a sustainable reverse supply chain optimization mode. • Support sustainable production and marketing competitive strategies in some industries.