RESEARCH ARTICLE An energy-efficient model for PPE waste management in a closed-loop supply chain Shikha Yadav 1 | Sachin Kumar Mangla 2,3 | Priyamvada Priyamvada 4 | Aman Borkar 5 | Aditi Khanna 1 1 Department of Operational Research, Faculty of Mathematical Sciences, New Academic Block, University of Delhi, Delhi, India 2 Research Centre—Digital Circular Economy for Sustainable Development Goals (DCE-SDG), Jindal Global Business School, OP Jindal Global University, Sonipat, India 3 Plymouth Business School, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK 4 Government Polytechnic Motihari, Motihari, India 5 School of Logistics and Supply Chain, Delhi Skill and Entrepreneurship University, Delhi, India Correspondence Aditi Khanna, Department of Operational Research, Faculty of Mathematical Sciences, New Academic Block, University of Delhi, Delhi, India. Email: dr.aditikhanna.or@gmail.com Funding information University of Delhi Abstract The COVID-19 crisis has significantly increased non-decomposable personal protec- tive equipment (PPE), such as gloves, masks, and shields. The improper disposal of these items poses a serious environmental threat. The present study explores the potential of recycling PPE to not only enhance the profitability of the supply chain but also address the environmental challenges associated with disposal. Specifically, it focuses on implementing a closed-loop approach involving the manufacturer, the customer, and the collector. An extensive literature review on inventory models was conducted, resulting in a comprehensive data set. The numerical analysis, conducted using the Generalized Reduced Gradient Solver, validates the findings. The proposed model suggests that investing in a closed-loop supply chain, employing an energy- efficient approach, can effectively reduce carbon emissions at every stage of the sys- tem. This can be achieved by leveraging intelligent machinery and skilled labor to meet the growing demand for PPE while minimizing energy consumption. Further- more, this research emphasizes the importance of implementing the reduce, reuse, and recycle (3Rs) phenomenon to manage waste effectively. This study provides valuable insights for businesses aiming to optimize waste management practices and contribute to economic-environmental-social sustainability. KEYWORDS carbon footprints, energy efficiency, environmental management, manufacturing, PPE, waste management 1 | INTRODUCTION The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a significant increase in demand for personal protective equipment (PPE), resulting in substantial waste generation. To address this issue and reduce carbon footprints, it is crucial to implement effective waste management practices that prior- itize waste reduction and promote recycling. This requires improving legislation and regulations while educating individuals about proper disposal methods, emphasizing the principles of reduce, reuse, and recycle (3R) (Silva et al., 2021). The adoption of the 3R strategy not only benefits the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, waste, and energy consumption but also saves resources and costs by establishing a closed-loop system. This study examines a closed-loop supply chain (CLSC) where the manufacturer produces and supplies the necessary products to cus- tomers, typically medical institutions. The manufacturer also empha- sizes the importance of educating customers about returning used products to collectors. Collectors then assess whether the items are recyclable or disposable. Recyclable items are processed into raw materials, generating revenue from waste, while disposable items are Abbreviations: CE, carbon emissions; CLSC, closed‐loop supply chain; EOQ, economic order quantity; GHG, greenhouse gas; GRG solver, generalized reduced gradient solver; GSCM, green supply chain management; PPEs, personal protective equipments; SSPS, sustainable smart production systems; WHO, World Health Organizations. Received: 31 March 2023 Revised: 20 July 2023 Accepted: 2 August 2023 DOI: 10.1002/bse.3541 Bus Strat Env. 2023;1–17. wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/bse © 2023 ERP Environment and John Wiley & Sons Ltd. 1