Structural dynamics of logistic networks: A sustainable approach

This paper addresses the problem of designing logistics networks under a sustainability approach. The Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology is used to assess the environmental burdens associated with goods or services. The goal of this LCA is to characterize the paths of the network in a study, to offer a new optimization parameter. The process is carried out by hybridizing the classical approach of network optimization and the LCA methodology. Finally, a real case study is presented with 4 plants and 50 clients where the proposed methodology is applied. Two real scenarios are compared. The results show that a crossdocking strategy obtains the least environmental impact in its operation.