RL is a relatively new branch of logistics sector. Therefore, it is, first and foremost, essential to define it and distinguish from traditional logistics. One of the rationales for reviewing the existing definitions is that they provide a clue to understanding the key functions of modern RL and their transformation throughout the time. Thus, according to Christiansen (2014), the first attempts to introduce the notions associated with reverse logistics date back to the 1970s when such terms as “reverse channels” and “reverse flows” would first appear in the relevant research (p. 157). Later on, in the 1980s, Murphy (1986) introduced a new concept – “reverse distribution” – that was mainly associated with transporting and warehousing operations. At that point, RL would be outlined more precisely – due to Carter and Ellram (1998), it acquired a new definition, according to which RL was interpreted as “a process whereby companies can become more environmentally efficient through recycling, reusing, and reducing the amount of materials used” (p. 85). Therefore, it might be concluded that RL was initially perceived as a way to enhance the principles of the green and environmentally healthy market, while the potential economic advantages were evidently underestimated. Gradually, companies would realize the financial prospects of RL activities, so that a more modern interpretation of RL proposed by Thierry, Salomon, Van Nunen and Van Wassenhove (1995) would align RL with minimizing the cost of product and material flows as well as raising their efficacy. This interpretation would add a new implication to the RL’s core function – this branch targeted not only to make logistics more sustainable but to reduce the disbursements and make the entire process cost-effective. Their definition is very similar to the modern interpretation of the term. Thus, nowadays, RL is regarded as a complementing element of traditional logistics that is mainly aimed at adding value to its objectives through such operations as remanufacture, recycle, and disposal (Christiansen, 2014). As a consequence, it might be concluded that RL is a set of effective tools that help to improve the quality of supply chain management (SHM) and optimize the flows of products and materials. The review of RL definitions also helps to point out the directions of the product and material flows. Hence, for instance, according to Rogers and Tibben-Lembke (2001), RL essentially implies managing the key elements of supply chain such as raw materials and finished goods “from the point of consumption to the point of origin for the purpose of recapturing or creating value or for proper disposal” (p. 132).. Yet, the definition is too general – it fails to define the particular start and finish points. Likewise, Ritchie, Burnes, Whittle and Hey (2000) are not thoroughly specific in their definition, noting that reverse logistics includes not only the process of goods delivery to target customers, but also the process of returning them to suppliers through the relevant feedback loop. Meanwhile, their definition provides some additional insights on the RL actors: the authors introduce the third element of the RL chain – feedback loops. Even though the researchers provide no clarifications regarding the point of origin or the point of consumption in the context of the modern reality, it might be assumed these