Reverse Logistics Performance within Sustainable Supply Chains: A Systematic Literature Review and VOSviewer Bibliometric Mapping

Abstract

The transition toward circular and sustainable supply chains has elevated reverse logistics from an operational function to a strategic mechanism for value recovery and resource efficiency. However, research on reverse logistics performance remains fragmented across operational optimization, sustainability, consumer behavior, carbon management, and digitalization. This study examines the intellectual structure, thematic evolution, and emerging research directions of reverse logistics performance within sustainable supply chains. Using a systematic literature review and bibliometric analysis, 2,094 Scopus documents were identified and screened through PRISMA procedures, yielding 238 relevant articles for 2015-2026. Bibliometrix and VOSviewer were employed to analyze publication trends, citation dynamics, source and disciplinary distributions, keyword co-occurrence, temporal evolution, and thematic density. Results indicate increasing research interest, with publications reaching 14 articles in 2026. Logistic growth analysis shows strong model fit (R² = 0.979) and approximately 91.3% attainment of estimated carrying capacity, indicating maturity in conventional research. The findings reveal a shift toward sustainability, carbon management, consumer behavior, resilience, and digitalization, while AI and IoT remain weakly integrated. These findings establish priorities for future smart and sustainable reverse logistics research.