Optimising product recycling chains by control theory

In this paper, a modelling method is described for production chains includ ing recycling. It consists of elementary models of standard production oper ations, connected by market modules. The models are analysed using methods from control theory. These methods allow us to investigate essential proper ties of the chain concerning its dynamical behaviour, particularly with res pect to stability and controllability. These properties are prerequisites f or effective chain management, as in the evaluation of recycling policy. A case study on paper recycling was carried out to demonstrate the applicabil ity of this method to practice. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights r eserved.