关键词: 区块链技术, 回收渠道, 再制造, 协调机制

Abstract: Amid escalating environmental challenges, reverse supply chain management has received considerable attention in industrial production. The recycling of discarded products, positioned at the forefront of the reverse supply chain, represents a critical vulnerability in advancing the circular economy. At present, ambiguities surrounding responsible recycling entities and the inefficiencies of recycling channels result in the quantity and quality of recycled products remaining below optimal levels. Moreover, remanufactured products derived from discarded materials can attain performance and quality levels comparable to those of new products. However, information asymmetry erodes consumer confidence, thereby limiting the effective market demand for remanufactured products. As a result, addressing information asymmetry in the recycling and remanufacturing process has emerged as a central focus of academic research. Blockchain technology, acting as a catalyst within the digital economy, effectively improves information transparency in the production process of remanufactured products through its decentralized and traceable features. Despite the substantial advantages that blockchain technology provides in the field of recycling and remanufacturing, the success of remanufacturing operations remains critically dependent on the efficient execution of recycling processes. Currently, several typical recycling channels are utilized in the business sector, including original equipment manufacturer recycling, remanufacturer recycling and retailer recycling. Each of these recycling channels offers distinct advantages. However, the rationale behind manufacturers’ choices to pursue independent recycling or to collaborate with supply chain partners remains unclear, particularly given the rapid growth of the digital economy.
This study aims to examine the adoption strategies for blockchain in various recycling channels and its impact on channel selection. Specifically, we analyze game models that encompass three recycling channels: OEM recycling, remanufacturer recycling and retailer recycling. The analysis considers whether the recycler opts to invest in blockchain technology within the outsourced remanufacturing model, and we employ the Shapley value method to address the reasonable distribution of value-added gains derived from blockchain investment.
The study reveals the following key findings: (1)The adoption of blockchain technology in the supply chain becomes viable when the associated costs remain below a specific threshold, resulting in Pareto improvements in profitability for OEMs, remanufacturers and retailers. This outcome persists even if consumer demand transitions from new products to remanufactured products. (2)OEMs and remanufacturers consistently prefer their direct recycling channels, regardless of the adoption of blockchain technology. However, when the recycling scale factor of used products is within a certain range, the adoption of blockchain technology shifts retailers’ preference from retailer recycling to remanufacturer recycling. (3)Whether blockchain technology is adopted or not, the remanufacturer recycling channel consistently reduces environmental impacts and increases consumer surplus when consumers have a stronger preference for remanufactured products, or when the low-carbon advantage of remanufactured products becomes more evident. OEM recycling is more effective at optimizing both utilities compared to retailer recycling. (4)The Shapley value method offers an effective means for profit allocation based on the respective contributions of supply chain participants. This method helps mitigate marginal losses and promotes coordination of the outsourced remanufacturing supply chain.

Key words: blockchain technology, recycling channels, remanufacturing, coordination mechanisms