Abstract: Reverse Logistics networks is receiving much attention due to increasing pressure on environmental resources and growing requirements with government and public. There is abounding literature in the research area of reverse logistics network since Stock proposed the definition of reverse logistics in 1992. It is becoming a research hotspot in reverse logistics and operations management research.
Compared to logistics network, the reverse logistics system is more complicated due to the uncertainty of recycling time, location, and quantity. The complexity and significance of the reverse logistics network have drawn the attention of researchers. The purpose of this paper is to review relevant studies in the reserve logistics network in the world to present the progress of the studies.
In this paper, the reverse logistics network design is investigated. A comparative study of the network design issues, research methods, quantitative models, and algorithm is reviewed and made. Moreover, the research on uncertainty in reverse logistics network design is investigated.
Regarding the network design issues, studies according to reprocessing methods including remanufacturing, reuse, repair, recycling, commercial returns, and disposal are discussed. In addition, the studies are divided into independent reverse logistics network design and closed or integrated forward/reverse logistics network design according to the relationship between forward and reverse logistics operation. After reviewing, it is represented that recycling network is the independent reverse network. Other kinds of networks are integrated forward/reverse network which is perusing economic of operation.
In terms of research method, literature are reviewed from case studies, mathematical programming, and simulation method. Especially, as the primary characteristics of reverse logistics are the uncertainty, literature involved in risk environment are reuiewed to conclude the uncertainty factors and method to deal with it. The weakness of reverse logistics network design lies in the study under the uncertainty environment and it is the main research direction of the future research.
At last, the deficiencies in recent studies were identified and a reference is suggested for future research which will help researchers understanding the present research in reverse logistics network design and provide a reference for their future studies.

Key words: reverse logistics networks, network design, literature review, quantitative models, uncertainty