The effect of reverse logistics on efficiency and sustainability in the e-commerce sector: An application on Turkey

This thesis investigates the impact of reverse logistics practices on operational efficiency and environmental sustainability in Turkey's e-commerce sector. A two-stage research methodology was employed. In the first stage, a descriptive analysis was conducted using sectoral reports, academic literature, and official statistics to evaluate the current state of reverse logistics practices in key sectors such as apparel, electronics, and cosmetics. In the second stage, a Fixed Effects Panel Data Analysis was used to obtain robust and comparative empirical results. Data from the United States, China, and Japan—three of the world's largest e-commerce markets—were analyzed for the period 2009–2024 and compared with Turkey. The model examined the effect of e-commerce volume and GDP on carbon emissions, revealing insights into the environmental sustainability of digital commerce. The findings demonstrate that reverse logistics practices contribute not only to cost reduction but also to improved customer satisfaction, enhanced brand loyalty, and better environmental outcomes. Digitalization and automation in return processes significantly improved process speed and transparency. All proposed hypotheses were largely supported. In conclusion, reverse logistics enhances operational efficiency, aligns with sustainable development goals, and provides a strategic advantage for e-commerce companies. The study recommends integrating digital transformation, green logistics, and circular economy principles into reverse logistics systems. It contributes to academic literature and offers practical guidance for industry stakeholders.