The Hidden Journey: Data-Driven Insights Into E-Commerce Reverse Logistics

As e-commerce grows, so does the volume of consumer returns. Each return not only incurs costs, but also has negative environmental impacts. However, it has been difficult to quantify these effects as e-tailers withhold reverse logistics information for competitive and reputational reasons. This exploratory research project addresses this gap by leveraging tracking devices as an independent and reliable data source. The collected data provides unprecedented transparency into transportation distances and logistics practices. These insights will allow for a more accurate environmental assessment of returns, empowering consumers to make more informed decisions and incentivizing e-tailers to rethink their business decisions to adopt environmentally friendly strategies and shape greener digital marketplaces. By bridging information systems, logistics, and e-commerce, this work demonstrates the potential of interdisciplinary collaboration to address sustainability challenges and underscores the critical role of Green IS in fostering transparency, accountability, and sustainable development.