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Most retailers don't have a return policy problem. They have an incentive problem. In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott W. Luton is joined by David Sobie, Co-Founder and CEO of Happy Returns, for a deep dive into the returns crisis and reverse logistics. David brings over a decade of real-world experience helping major retail brands turn post-purchase friction into customer loyalty. He shares critical data from their latest report with the NRF, exposing a staggering rise in retail fraud, the undeniable psychology of the in-person return, and why over 70% of merchants are moving away from free returns to save "dead stock" from rotting off store shelves. Jump into the conversation: (00:00) Intro (04:41) Career beginnings and lessons learned (08:15) Hautelook marketing sparks Happy Returns (12:00) BORIS revolutionizes online return experience (19:38) Speed and return fees impact retail (22:53) Combating returns fraud with technology (31:44) Expanding network to ten thousand locations (35:16) Expert advice for supply chain leaders (39:11) Future of personalization and growth Additional Links & Resources: Connect with David Sobie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-sobie-a37ab/ Learn more about Happy Returns: www.happyreturns.com Learn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/about Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now's NEW Media Kit: https://supplychainnow.com/media-kit/ WEBINAR- From AI Pilots to Performance: How Supply Chain Leaders Are Scaling Agentic AI: https://bit.ly/49hCqIq WEBINAR- Amazon Supply Chain 101: Enabling efficiency and growth for businesses everywhere–and everywhere they sell: https://bit.ly/49r8N7D WEBINAR- The Expanding Role of Supply Chain Optimization Teams in Driving Business Impact: https://bit.ly/3PHRAAf WEBINAR- AI that moves at velocity: Cut through latency with agentic workflows: https://bit.ly/4x4626t This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/driving-innovation-returns-management-happy-returns-1594 The content in this episode, including all audio, videos, visuals, and graphics, is the property of Supply Chain Now and is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, modification, or re-uploading of this content in any form is strictly prohibited without explicit written permission from Supply Chain Now.For licensing inquiries or permissions, please contact us at production@supplychainnow.com© 2026 Supply Chain Now. All rights reserved. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Send me a messageWhat if returns are hiding 4–5 points of EBITDA in plain sight?In this episode of the Resilient Supply Chain Podcast, I'm joined by Terry Boyle, CEO of Trove, to explore one of retail and logistics' most neglected pressure points: reverse logistics. Terry's argument is blunt and useful: if brands care about supply chain resilience, sustainability, risk, data, and visibility, they can't keep treating returns as the untidy corner nobody wants to inspect.You'll hear how online returns are reshaping inventory economics, why imperfect product too often gets parked on pallets until value evaporates, and how better returns processing can unlock labour savings, faster return-to-stock, stronger resale pricing, and fraud reduction. Not glamorous. Very profitable.We also break down why customer-reported returns data is often unreliable, how item-level visibility can feed back into design, sizing, packaging, supplier decisions, and quality control, and why sustainability may scale faster when it is sold as better inventory economics rather than moral virtue alone.Interestingly Terry also shares the very real problem of “boxes of rocks” showing up in returns, because apparently even fraud has a logistics department now.
In this episode of The Buzz, we explore the future of reverse logistics, circularity, supply chain design, and the growing role of AI in transforming how businesses move, manage, and reuse products. Welcome to The Buzz, powered by OptiLogic!Hosts Scott Luton and Richard Donaldson break down several major supply chain developments, including the rise of AI-first supply chain design, the growing need for visibility in big and bulky retail deliveries, and Amazon's expanding supply chain services. Special guest Sender Shamiss, CEO and co-founder of ReturnPro, joins the conversation to unpack why reverse logistics is becoming a major strategic opportunity, not just a cost center. From returns management and recommerce to circularity, fraud detection, and the future of reusable materials, this episode offers a practical look at how supply chain leaders can unlock value, reduce waste, and rethink what happens after the sale.Key Learnings & TakeawaysAI-first supply chain design is accelerating smarter, faster decision-makingBig and bulky retail delivery still needs better visibility and customer communicationAmazon's supply chain services could reshape fulfillment, logistics, and recommerceReverse logistics is moving from a back-end function to a strategic growth engineReuse should come before recycling when building circular supply chainsReturns fraud is creating new challenges—and new technology opportunitiesCircularity will require better data, smarter systems, and more investmentAs supply chains become more complex, the biggest opportunities may come from rethinking what already exists: returned products, reused materials, smarter networks, and better visibility. This episode is a must-listen for leaders looking to turn reverse logistics from a challenge into a competitive advantage.Additional Links & Resources:Optilogic: https://optilogic.com/Optilogic Webinar: Ahead of Disruption: https://bit.ly/AI-First-SupplyChainDesignWith That Said: https://bit.ly/WTS-9-May-2026 Why big and bulky delivery is the final frontier for retail supply chains: https://bit.ly/Big-And-Bulky-InnovationAmazon opens logistics network to all businesses: https://bit.ly/Amazon-Launches-ASCSReverse Logistics: The Strategic Engine Driving the Secondary Mobile Device Market: https://bit.ly/Mobile-Device-Reverse-LogisticsStartup Pitches X-Rays and AI to Catch Fraudulent Returns: https://bit.ly/42wavRpReturnPro: https://www.returnpro.com/ Upcoming Live Programming: https://supplychainnow.com/upcoming-live-programming/ Supply Chain Now Resource Hub: https://supplychainnow.com/resource-hub/ Sender on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sender-shamiss-19796515/Richard on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richarddonaldson/Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.comWatch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-nowSubscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/joinWork with us! Download Supply Chain Now's NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVkWEBINAR- There's No Finish Line in Leadership: Tips to Optimize Your Strategy & Execution: https://bit.ly/4tHOWJAWEBINAR- Delivering Flawless Field Service with Predictive Insights and AI: https://bit.ly/4sXVZfVWEBINAR- From AI Pilots to Performance: How Supply Chain Leaders Are Scaling Agentic AI: https://bit.ly/49hCqIqWEBINAR- Amazon Supply Chain 101: Enabling efficiency and growth for businesses everywhere–and everywhere they sell: https://bit.ly/49r8N7DWEBINAR- The Expanding Role of Supply Chain Optimization Teams in Driving Business Impact: https://bit.ly/3PHRAAfThis episode is hosted by Scott Luton and Richard Donaldson, and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/buzz-reverse-logistics-reshaping-retail-recommerce-1584
Send me a messageIf one jammed parcel can cost you a day, what does that say about your supply chain visibility?In this episode of Resilient Supply Chain, I'm joined by James Edge, CEO of Landmark Global, the cross-border e-commerce logistics arm of Bnode Group. James works right at the messy intersection of logistics, tariffs, customs, data, visibility, final mile, and customer expectations. In other words, all the quiet machinery that makes global shopping feel simple. Until it doesn't.You'll hear how cross-border logistics has moved from “it'll arrive eventually” to “why isn't this as fast as domestic delivery?” That shift is putting real pressure on fulfilment networks, inventory placement, customs processes, and last-mile partners. James breaks down why tariffs can suddenly make a Canadian warehouse more sensible than shipping one parcel at a time from the US, and why the wrong fulfilment model can quietly eat margin before anyone in the boardroom notices. Always lovely when geopolitics turns into warehouse maths.We also get into the changing final mile, from traditional carriers to DoorDash-style delivery networks, electric vehicles, lockers, reverse logistics, and the growing role of real-time data. And you might be surprised to learn that the unexpected hero here isn't AI. It's the scan. That small, boring data event can be the difference between saving a day and missing a truck cutoff.
In this episode, we dive into the world of e-commerce returns and how to stop treating them as a total loss. JD Sass, the founder and CEO of Axiom Return Solutions, explains how brands can recover lost money and see what is really happening with their products. He shares how his team inspects and grades items to find inventory that is still brand new. You will learn how to spot fraud, improve your packaging, and use data to make better business choices. He also reveals how to turn a bad customer experience into a win for your brand.Topics discussed in this episode: How brands turn returns into a revenue recovery channel.What really happens to products after a customer return.Why half of unsellable returns are actually brand new.How to identify and fight fraudulent Amazon returns.What data can be used to improve product manufacturing.Why proper packaging seals prevent used item resales.How to use secondary channels like eBay for recovery.What role automated grading plays in scaling operations.Why manifested disposal protects your brand reputation.How to recover revenue through Amazon reimbursement claims.Links & ResourcesWebsite: https://axiomreturnsolutions.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jd-sass-427961135/Get access to more free resources by visiting the show notes at https://tinyurl.com/5n6rwzhmI'd love your feedback. Tap the the link to send me a text. ______________________________________________________LOVE THE SHOW? HERE ARE THE NEXT STEPS!Follow the podcast to get every bonus episode. Tap follow now and don't miss out! Rate & Review: Help others discover the show by rating the show on Apple Podcasts at https://tinyurl.com/ecb-apple-podcasts Join our Free Newsletter: https://newsletter.ecommercecoffeebreak.com/ Support The Show On Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/EcommerceCoffeeBreak Partner with us: https://ecommercecoffeebreak.com/partner-with-us/
In this episode of the Global eCommerce Leaders Podcast, hosts Michael LeBlanc and Jim Okamura welcome Jes Crownover, Vice President, e-Commerce & Digital Solutions, to discuss the rapidly changing world of cross-border e-commerce. From tariffs and customs compliance to de minimis, data readiness, AI, and reverse logistics, this episode offers a masterclass for brands navigating global trade disruption. With 25 years of experience across UPS, FedEx, customs brokerage, and global trade management, Jess describes her career path from UPS operations to advising brands on complex international commerce. She illustrates Livingston International's Canadian roots, global reach, and capabilities in customs brokerage, trade consulting, freight, and technology-enabled solutions around the world. A major theme of the episode is how much global e-commerce has changed since 2020. Jes explains that the pandemic permanently accelerated online shopping behaviour and cross-border demand, while 2025 has emerged as another turning point due to tariffs, shifting sourcing strategies, and the end of de minimis advantages in key markets. For brands, that means rethinking supply chains, market participation, warehousing, returns, and cost structures. She notes that not every company will survive the next 12 to 18 months unchanged, and those that do will be the ones willing to adapt quickly and strategically. The episode zeroes in on a central theme in global commerce: the critical role of data. Jes emphasizes that accurate, complete, usable product and shipment data are the key to success in customs, compliance, and technology. She notes that marketing descriptions aren't customs descriptions, and brands unaware of this distinction risk delays, penalties, or extra costs. Good data, she adds, is the foundation for AI, automation, and scalable border clearance. Michael, Jim, and Jes focus on the importance of partnerships, regulatory expertise, and reverse logistics in global trade. Jes emphasizes that strong partners are vital in an unpredictable landscape driven by tariffs, evolving regulations, and consumer demands for transparency and speed. She issues a direct warning and call to action: brands must immediately understand their goods, data, and cross-border operations to prepare for ongoing disruption. This episode is essential for anyone selling internationally. About:Michael LeBlanc is a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and media entrepreneur. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions hosted senior retail executive on-stage in 1:1 interviews worldwide. Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including The Remarkable Retail Podcast, The Voice of Retail The Food Professor, The FEED powered by Loblaw and the Global eCommerce Leaders podcast. He has been recognized by the NRF as a global Top Retail Voice for 2025 and 2025 and continues to be a ReThink Retail Top Retail Expert for the fifth year in a row.
How can a 100+ year old linear company transform its processes to make circularity commercially irresistible? In this episode, Patrick Lerou, Global Lead for Circularity, and co-host Florian Witt, Director of Technology at INDEED Innovation, discuss how Philips built a circular system for high-value medical equipment that turns trade-ins into revenue, parts harvesting into supply chain resilience, and refurbishment into a competitive advantage. What you'll hear in this episode: • How Philips uses a three-tier triage system to maximize value from returned equipment through resale, parts harvesting, or certified recycling. • Why "seeing is believing" works as a sales strategy, with factory tours convincing procurement directors and even governments of refurbishment quality. • How the Suez Canal crisis revealed circularity's hidden benefit: supply chain resilience through self-sourced components. This episode covers the operational mechanics and commercial logic behind enterprise-scale circularity, including how to navigate fragmented global regulations and connect data points. This is the fourth episode in the series Irresistible Circular Business, sponsored by INDEED Innovation, the global design and innovation firm pioneering the Circular Economy. The series showcases business practices that deliver irresistible commercial and circular results, with examples from different industries across different R-strategies.
Disney Petit, founder of Liquid Donate, discusses her passion for sustainability and the innovative solutions her company provides for donating excess inventory and bulky items. She explains the matching algorithm that connects retailers with nonprofits, the impact of their work on reducing waste, and the future trends in sustainability, including Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). The discussion also touches on the growing focus on sustainability among retailers and the importance of community engagement in donation efforts.TakeawaysLiquid Donate helps retailers donate excess inventory to nonprofits.The company has developed a matching algorithm for donations.Over 12 million items have been donated to date.Sustainability is becoming a priority for retailers.EPR legislation will shift responsibility to producers.Community engagement is key in donation efforts.Logistics for bulky donations are complex but manageable.Reducing transit distance by 90% is a significant achievement.Retailers are increasingly focused on sustainability initiatives.Asking friends for excess items can foster community support.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Liquid Donate and Passion for Sustainability02:37 Innovative Solutions for Bulky Donations05:32 The Matching Algorithm and Logistics Coordination08:25 Expanding Donation Opportunities for Retailers11:18 Impact on Sustainability and Environmental Statistics13:57 Future Trends in Sustainability and EPR Legislation16:36 Retailer Trends and the Influence of Tariffs19:31 Closing Thoughts and Community Engagement
How can take-back programs move beyond compliance to become a primary sales driver and scaling mechanism? In this episode, Daniel Unger, Environmental Sustainability Manager at Johnson & Johnson MedTech Germany, and Michael Leitl, Executive Director at Indeed Innovation, discuss how J&J's collection system solves a core operational problem for its customers: the waste management costs for hospitals. The conversation explores how their take-back program functions as a crucial sales and commercial lever. What you'll hear in this episode: • The function of the take-back program as a Unique Selling Proposition that secures sales and influences procurement. • The major regulatory barriers that block cross-border logistics and the strategic decisions that facilitate rapid market scaling and partner adoption. • The long-term business case and vision for industry-wide collaboration This episode covers the practical trade-offs and operational shifts required to build a financially and environmentally viable take-back business model, despite regulatory and cost constraints. This is the second episode in the series Irresistible Circular Business, sponsored by Indeed Innovation, the global design and innovation firm pioneering the Circular Economy. The series showcases business practices that deliver irresistible commercial and circular results, with examples from different industries across different R-strategies.
Returns are no longer just a headache, they're a strategic opportunity. As the circular economy gains momentum, reverse logistics is quickly becoming one of the most important levers in modern supply chains.In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott W. Luton and Deborah Dull are joined by Scot Case, Vice President of Sustainability at the National Retail Federation (NRF), and Tony Sciarrotta, Senior Director of Reverse Logistics and Circularity at NRF, to share key insights from the NRF Rev event and discuss why reverse logistics deserves a seat at the strategy table.The conversation explores how resale, repair, and recycling are moving into the mainstream, and why returns should no longer be treated as a cost center. From the surge in e-commerce returns to increasing legislative pressure through extended producer responsibility, the group breaks down how these forces are changing retail and supply chain operations.Deborah adds perspective on how technology improves visibility and accountability across the returns process. Together, the guests outline practical ways companies can turn reverse logistics into a competitive advantage while improving customer experience and advancing sustainability goals.Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Intro(02:31) Meet the guests: Scot Case and Tony Sciarrotta(06:31) NRF's sustainability mission: Business value meets reverse logistics(10:46) RLA + NRF: Bringing returns out of the “dark side”(15:22) Macro trends shaping reverse logistics: Reuse, resale, repair & more(20:40) Tariffs, EPR laws & the circular economy's next push(24:52) Inside NRF Rev: The reverse logistics & revenue “revolution” event(26:05) NRF Rev: Bringing reverse logistics into the spotlight(27:32) Why retailers are the center of the returns universe(28:18) Refurbished products mindset shift: The ‘restaurant fork' story(29:24) Deborah's practitioner lens: Why this conference matters(31:00) Key takeaways: Collaboration, EPR, and no single silver bullet(34:04) Urban mining & the resale economy (and why brands must engage)(36:32) What's next: NRF working groups, global scale, and policy influence(40:16) Remade in America: A story-driven podcast on ‘where returns go'Additional Links & Resources:Connect with Scot Case: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scotcase/Connect with Tony Sciarrotta: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-sciarrotta-235570/Connect with Deborah Dull: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahdull/Learn more about the National Retail Federation (NRF): https://nrf.comLearn more about NRF Rev:
In a special podcast recorded at ITEXPO / MSP EXPO, Doug Green, Publisher of Technology Reseller News, spoke with Shawn Stockman, Vice President of Sustainability Solutions at Onepak, about the evolving role of reverse logistics and IT asset disposition (ITAD). The conversation was recorded as part of ASCDI programming, reflecting Onepak's active involvement in the ITAD community as an ASCDI member. Stockman explained that modern ITAD is no longer just about recycling hardware, but about managing a complex reverse-logistics ecosystem that connects enterprises, ITAD providers, remarketers, recyclers, and leasing companies. He emphasized that enterprise customers—particularly large organizations—expect ITAD partners to integrate seamlessly into their existing systems and workflows. “If you're giving enterprises spreadsheets that don't fit into their asset management platforms, you're making it hard to work with you,” Stockman said. “That can be an easy way to lose a large account or miss the opportunity to scale.” The discussion also focused on sustainability and the growing importance of the circular economy in IT. Stockman noted that ITAD providers play a critical role in extending the life of technology assets through resale, refurbishment, parts harvesting, and, when necessary, responsible recycling. “ITAD is what makes the circular economy possible in the electronics industry,” he explained, highlighting concepts such as “urban mining,” where valuable materials are recovered from existing devices rather than newly extracted from the earth. Stockman concluded by encouraging MSPs, enterprises, and ITAD providers to rethink reverse logistics as a strategic capability rather than a back-end function. By aligning sustainability goals, enterprise expectations, and scalable logistics processes, ITAD organizations can unlock new business opportunities while reducing environmental impact and supporting long-term technology reuse. Visit https://www.onepak.com/
Can recycled technical plastics meet quality, performance, and price requirements at the same time? In this episode, Isabelle Gola from Bosch Power Tools explains how Bosch developed a closed-loop pilot for power tools using recycled technical plastics while maintaining the same quality and performance standards, at the same price point for the end consumer. What you'll hear in this episode: • How recycled technical plastics were tested against existing quality and performance specifications. • How communication, certification, and transparency shaped internal alignment and customer response. • How Bosch defined success in the pilot, with feedback, learning, and data as central KPIs. The episode also looks at practical challenges behind the closed-loop approach, including reverse logistics considerations, sourcing sufficient volumes, and using disassembly data to inform eco-design and future product development. This episode is part of the “Recycled Plastics form Premium Brands” series, sponsored by HolyPoly.
In this episode of the Shift AI Podcast, Yash Wagh, Co-Founder and CEO of Gone, joins host Boaz Ashkenazy to explore how reverse logistics and AI are transforming the secondhand goods market into a sustainable circular economy. With a background as a rocket engineer, supply chain leadership at Amazon and A.T. Kearney, and a passion for sustainability, Yosh is building autonomous local commerce infrastructure that keeps valuable goods out of landfills and in circulation.From his journey as a mechanical engineer designing rocket propulsion systems to pioneering AI-powered reverse logistics, Yosh shares how Gone is solving the complex challenges of secondhand commerce. The conversation explores the business economics of circular economies, the role of AI in automating pickups and pricing, and a bold vision for a future where autonomous systems connect millions of households through local meshes of commerce. If you're interested in climate-conscious innovation, AI-powered logistics, sustainable consumerism, and the future of work in an AI-driven world, this episode offers invaluable insights from an entrepreneur building the infrastructure of tomorrow's circular economy.Chapters[00:00] Introduction and Welcome[03:15] From Rocket Science to Reverse Logistics[06:30] First Jobs and Career Journey[10:45] What is Gone - Reverse Amazon Explained[16:20] The Problem with Current Donation Models[19:40] Business Economics and Unit Economics[24:15] AI Technology and Automation in Action[29:50] The Entrepreneurial Journey and Challenges[35:10] Negotiating the Gone.com Domain Name[37:45] The Future of Autonomous Local Commerce[43:20] How to Connect with GoneConnect with Yash WaghLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yashwagh/ Website: https://gone.com Shop: https://shop.gone.com Connect with Boaz AshkenazyLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/boazashkenazy Email: info@shiftai.fm
In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton and special guest host Claudia Freed, President & CEO of EALGreen, welcome Chuck Johnston, Chief Strategy Officer at ReturnPro, for a deep dive into the “dark side” of supply chain: reverse logistics and returns management. They unpack why returns are a nearly trillion-dollar challenge in the U.S., how BORIS (buy online, return in store) strains store operations, and why many retailers still under-invest: leaders often can't see the full cost across functions or make the ROI case for what's treated as a cost center.Chuck shares how the space has evolved from yellow notepads to data-driven decisioning, highlighting intelligent algorithms that route items at the customer's first return click, fraud mitigation with imaging and behavior signals, and how third-party innovation is compressing software build times. Claudia adds a nonprofit and circularity lens: donation channels, extended tax credits, and AI pilots (computer vision + MCP agents) that identify item condition and slotting in real time. Together, they explore where to start, why cross-functional “ambassadors” matter, and how partnerships across retailers, manufacturers, nonprofits, and 3PLs can turn returns from margin erosion into measurable value and social impact.Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Intro(04:03) Warm-up questions and fun facts(05:54) Chuck Johnston's career journey(13:53) Challenges and opportunities in returns management(21:47) Technological innovations in returns management(29:50) AI solutions in inventory management(30:26) Tax benefits and opportunities for companies(31:06) The golden age of supply chain tech(31:44) AI's impact on fraud management(34:44) The debate on more returns vs. fewer returns(37:08) The EU Circular Economy Act(39:18) Returns fraud and data analytics(47:00) The importance of education and ambassadors(49:45) Connecting with industry leaders(52:01) Resources and upcoming eventsResourcesConnect with Chuck Johnston: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuck-johnston-b07b3b4/ Connect with Claudia Freed: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claudiafreed/ Connect with Scott Luton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottwindonluton/Learn more about ReturnPro: https://www.returnpro.comDownload a copy of the Returns Report: 2025 Holiday Edition by ReturnPro: https://www.returnpro.com/resources/blog/returns-report-2025-holiday-edition Learn more about EALGreen: https://www.ealgreen.org Register for The Optimized Digital Transformer: Key Concepts for Enhancing Modern Leadership and other upcoming webinars: https://supplychainnow.com/upcoming-live-programming/ Learn more about...
In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton sits down with two leaders shaping the future of reverse logistics from the floor to the classroom: Troy Campbell, Director of Reverse Logistics Centers at The Home Depot, and Dr. Glenn Richey, Jr., Harbert Eminent Scholar in Supply Chain Management at Auburn University.Troy opens the doors to Home Depot's four Reverse Logistics Centers: Phoenix, Pittston (PA), McDonough (GA), and Indianapolis, showing why a people-first culture remains the operating system for returns at scale. He gets real about “automation when the box isn't a box,” how rethinking inbound flows through 3PLs reduces touches and transportation cost, and why simple vendor conversations (like consolidating daily pallets into a single weekly load) can unlock outsized impact. His north star: make associates' days easier, and the entire reverse network improves.Glenn zooms out to the macro shifts: the move from minimizing returns to maximizing returns within a circular economy, generative AI for scenario planning and real-time decision support, and reverse logistics as the operational backbone of sustainability. He maps the skills the next workforce will need, calls for clearer industry coding to separate reverse data from forward logistics, and outlines how universities can build dedicated reverse tracks. Together, Troy and Glenn offer a practical, research-backed playbook for turning returns into speed, value, and advantage without losing the human element that makes it work.Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Intro(01:17) Interview with Troy Campbell from Home Depot(04:20) Challenges and innovations in reverse logistics(08:49) Networking opportunities and industry insights(17:20) Interview with Glenn Richey from Auburn University(19:30) About Auburn's supply chain management program(20:52) Maximizing returns in a circular economy(23:29) Role of generative AI within supply chain operations(28:34) Reverse logistics and sustainability practices explained(32:26) The next generation of logistics skills(34:55) Engaging students in reverse logistics educationResources:Connect with Troy Campbell: https://www.linkedin.com/in/troy-campbell-6321a31/ Connect with Dr. Glenn Richey: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glennrichey/ Learn more about The Home Depot: https://www.homedepot.com/ Learn more about The Harbert College of Business at Auburn University: https://harbert.auburn.edu/index.html Learn more about the Reverse Logistics Association: https://rla.org/ Connect with Scott Luton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottwindonluton/Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here:
Today we're discussing the top news in workforce development in manufacturing, reverse logistics, and circular economy. Welcome to The Buzz powered by AutoScheduler!Hosts Scott Luton and Kim Reuter, along with Founder & Chief Circularity Officer with All Things Circular, guest Rich Bulger, explore:The implications of large-scale investment announcements in U.S. manufacturing, such as Intel's $28 billion project in OhioThe potential delays and challenges posed by the U.S. government shutdownThe importance of workforce development in manufacturing, emphasizing the need for skilled trades and educationInsights on the reverse logistics and circular economy, advocating for more returns in certain contexts to drive profitability and sustainabilityOrchestration in supply chains, showcasing platforms that streamline processes and enhance efficiency. Join us for this episode with expert perspectives and actionable insights, offering valuable guidance for navigating the complexities of modern supply chains.Additional Links & Resources:Connect with Rich: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rich-bulger-43b02112/Check out All Things Circular: https://allthingscircular.com/Supply Chain and Logistics Summit: https://bit.ly/4q9yeBECheck out AutoScheduler's new Warehouse Decision Agent: https://autoscheduler.ai/agent-gate/Learn more about AutoScheduler: https://autoscheduler.ai/How Intel's $28 Billion Pledge Left an Ohio Town in Limbo: https://bit.ly/48iVgPUU.S. Government Shutdown: How Will it Impact the Global Supply Chain? https://bit.ly/48iVgPUWorkforce Development and Vocational Training: https://www.manufacturingdive.com/news/workforce-development-vocational-training-kellanova-pella/761262/Complete Protection for Every Shipment with EasyPost: https://get.easypost.com/guardQ2 2025 U.S. Bank Freight Payment Index: bit.ly/scn-us-bankRich's vlog about orchestration: https://bit.ly/4o70UcqLearn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.comWatch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-nowSubscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/joinWork with us! Download Supply Chain Now's NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVkWEBINAR- The Power of Partnership: Building Long-Term Success with Automation Integrators:
In this episode of Supply Chain Now, host Scott Luton sits down with two industry leaders shaping the future of reverse logistics and circular supply chains. Joining the conversation are Sean Cleland, Vice President of Mobility and Asset Recovery at B-Stock, and Rich Bulger, Founder and Chief Circularity Officer at All Things Circular.Sean shares how B-Stock has pioneered the secondary market for retailers and brands, using data and AI to transform returns from a tactical afterthought into a strategic advantage. He explores how mobile technology sets the pace for the broader supply chain, why retailers like Best Buy are rethinking refurbished and resale programs, and how companies are shifting toward proactive planning and insourcing to better manage reverse flows.Rich reflects on his journey from building billion-dollar trade-in programs at Verizon and Cisco to launching All Things Circular, a platform dedicated to education, collaboration, and innovation in reverse logistics. He highlights the evolution of returns as a revenue driver, the urgent need for new training and curricula, and the importance of circular thinking in addressing a $1.6 trillion challenge.Together, Sean and Rich offer a candid look at where reverse logistics is headed, the role of AI in predicting value and shaping contracts, and how leaders can rethink returns as an opportunity for growth, sustainability, and impact. Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Intro(01:38) Interview with Sean Cleland from B-Stock(02:55) B-Stock's role in reverse logistics(04:02) Trends in mobile tech and returns management(08:15) The importance of data and AI(11:52) Interview with Rich Bulger from All Things Circular(13:13) Rich Bulger's journey and insights(21:56) Introduction to circular platforms(25:05) The evolution of Going Circular(27:46) Viewing feedback as blessings for improvement(31:01) The importance of reverse logistics education(35:35) Impact of returns and circular logisticsResources:Connect with Sean Cleland: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanrcleland/ Connect with Rich Bulger: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rich-bulger-43b02112/ Learn more about All Things Circular: https://allthingscircular.com/ Learn more about B-Stock: https://bstock.com/ Connect with Scott Luton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottwindonluton/Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join Work with us!...
Returns are a constant challenge for retailers, but Happy Returns is proving the technology that can transform the experience for both customers and merchants. In this episode of The New Warehouse Podcast, Kevin chats with Tim Fehr, Chief Operations Officer at Happy Returns. The company facilitates in-person returns of online purchases at more than 8,000 drop-off points across the U.S., enabling box-free, label-free returns with instant refunds. Tim shares how Happy Returns has scaled rapidly, integrating robotics and automation, and is pushing forward with AI and computer vision to build the warehouse of the future.Find EPG at IntraLogistex Miami in September! Get better visibility with Surgere. Follow us on LinkedIn and YouTube.Support the show
Can robotics make large-scale disassembly a reality for the circular economy? Automated disassembly is emerging as a key enabler for circular strategies such as repair, remanufacturing, and high-quality recycling. But turning this vision into scalable practice requires technical integration, economic viability, and alignment across industries. In this episode, speakers from robotics, recycling, and research explore how automation technologies can extend product lifecycles, reduce waste, and unlock new efficiencies in resource use. Recorded live at the CIRCULAR REPUBLIC FESTIVAL 2025, the panel brought together Fridolin Franke from SOLAR MATERIALS, Rebecca Zhu from Circu Li-ion, Tobias Ortmaier from voraus robotik, and José Saenz from Fraunhofer IFF to discuss the role of robotics in enabling circularity through disassembly. This episode is part of our CIRCULAR REPUBLIC FESTIVAL 2025 series, created in partnership with CIRCULAR REPUBLIC to bring you the key debates and insights from this year's festival.
What does it really take to build a successful textile recommerce model? Product lifetime extension and recommerce are widely seen as pillars of a circular economy, but moving beyond pilot projects requires more than ambition. Brands must confront operational, financial, and customer-facing challenges to scale recommerce in a way that delivers both impact and profit. In this episode, speakers from fashion, outdoor gear, and platform services share practical insights on what works, what stalls, and what it takes to grow textile recommerce models at scale. Recorded live at the CIRCULAR REPUBLIC FESTIVAL 2025, the panel brought together Christina Rosenberg from HUGO BOSS, Carl Warkentin from CIRCULAR REPUBLIC, Jens Oellrich from Bergzeit, Matt Peterson from Gore, and Max Grosse Lutermann from Trove to explore the barriers and enablers of circular resale strategies. This episode is part of our CIRCULAR REPUBLIC FESTIVAL 2025 series, created in partnership with CIRCULAR REPUBLIC to bring you the key debates and insights from this year's festival.
Welcome back to HappyPorch Radio: the circular economy technology podcast!In this episode our hosts Barry O'Kane and Tandi Tuakli are joined by Katie Hanton-Parr, the visionary founder of Baboodle - a circular rental platform specifically designed for baby equipment.Katie's story is one of passion, perseverance, and innovation—born out of her own experience as a parent grappling with the challenges of accessing safe, high-quality baby gear without the waste and cost of traditional ownership.Throughout the episode Katie talks about the many layers involved in running a circular rental business in such a sensitive and highly regulated space. From managing rigorous safety and hygiene standards to the complexities of reverse logistics, Katie explains what it takes to keep every item in Baboodle's inventory reliable and ready for the next family. One of the key themes is repairability: ensuring products can be fixed and maintained rather than discarded, which is vital to the sustainability mission but often tricky in practice.We also delve into the technology that underpins Baboodle's operations. Katie shares how the team integrates specialised circular economy software for handling rental logistics, inventory management, and refurbishment workflows. She gives examples of crucial tools for digital subscriptions and recurring billing, combined with seamless warehouse and fulfillment operations. This tech stack allows Baboodle to handle complex customer journeys, whether it's a simple rental, a rent-to-own arrangement, or a resale option, all while maintaining transparency and control over each product's lifecycle. Katie emphasizes how crucial it is to have a system built specifically for circularity—not just repurposed e-commerce tech—so that the platform can scale and adapt.Tune in to hear more about Katie's blend of practical wisdom, innovative use of technology, and genuine care for families and the environment that makes this episode truly inspiring!This podcast is brought to you by HappyPorch. We specialise in technology and software development for Circular Economy minded purpose-driven businesses. Our podcast focuses mostly on: Circular Economy, Digital Enablers, Technology, Software, Circular Solutions, Fashion & Textiles, Circular Strategies, Digital, Reuse, Circular Design, Circularity, Systems Thinking, Economics, Data, Platforms, Degrowth, Policy & Regulation, Collaboration, Materials, Supply Chain, Biological Cycles, Materials, Food Waste, Biomimicry, Construction, Modular Design, Culture & Language, Zero Waste, Digital Passports, Life Cycle Assessment, Recycling, Reverse Logistics, Materials, Sharing Economy, Manufacturing, Efficiency, Environmental Impact and much more!
Welcome back to HappyPorch Radio: the circular economy technology podcast!In this episode our hosts Barry O'Kane and Jo Weston are joined by Yann Toutant, CEO and Co-founder of Black Winch who are the world's exclusive authority in Product-As-A-Service (PaaS) solutions. At the beginning of the conversation Yann explains Black Winch's work and how they engage, inspire and empower intrapreneurs to achieve their PaaS ambitions by building and scaling their in-house recurring revenue models. Drawing on his experience guiding manufacturers through the transition to outcome-based services, Yann offers a deep dive into both the opportunities and the operational realities of implementing PaaS and discusses the importance of a long-term thinking strategy to make PaaS successful in any business.Yann also highlights key differences between B2B and B2C adoption of as-a-service models and talks about how technology plays a critical role in enabling these models. He outlines the importance of asset tracking, consumption data, billing complexity management, and reverse logistics—all underpinned by flexible tech stacks that evolve as the business scales. Looking ahead, Yann envisions that manufacturers will want to retain ownership of raw materials and explains how urban mining and material recovery will become strategic advantages.Tune in to learn about how new generations of data-driven leaders will continue to accelerate the shift towards PaaS and much more!This podcast is brought to you by HappyPorch. We specialise in technology and software development for Circular Economy minded purpose-driven businesses. Our podcast focuses mostly on: Circular Economy, Digital Enablers, Technology, Software, Circular Solutions, Fashion & Textiles, Circular Strategies, Digital, Reuse, Circular Design, Circularity, Systems Thinking, Economics, Data, Platforms, Degrowth, Policy & Regulation, Collaboration, Materials, Supply Chain, Biological Cycles, Materials, Food Waste, Biomimicry, Construction, Modular Design, Culture & Language, Zero Waste, Digital Passports, Life Cycle Assessment, Recycling, Reverse Logistics, Materials, Sharing Economy, Manufacturing, Efficiency, Environmental Impact and much more!
In the latest episode of Remarkable Retail, Michael LeBlanc and Steve Dennis return with a their hot takes on the week's top retail headlines.The duo begins with a macroeconomic update, including political gridlock in the U.S. over the "Big Beautiful Bill," the Fed's inflation outlook, and uncertainty surrounding consumer spending. They then break down TikTok's extended 90-day reprieve, speculate on Amazon's motivation behind extending Prime Day to four days, and assess the e-commerce giant's recent shift in tone regarding AI impacts on future hiring needs The hosts also spotlight Walmart's surprising 23% growth in online apparel sales, consider the luxury sector's first contraction in 15 years, and dig into a new Profitero study that reveals digital channels now influence 64% of retail transactions—emphasizing the needs to break down silos and implement a harmonized shopping experience.Then it's over to this week's featured guest: Mark Irvin, Best Buy's Executive Vice President and Chief Supply Chain Officer. With more than 12 years at the retailer and a deep background in logistics, Irvin pulls back the curtain on what it takes to operate one of the world's largest and most complex retail supply chains. From visibility and speed to adaptability, Irvin outlines the three pillars of Best Buy's evolving logistics strategy. He explains how they leverage AI-driven sourcing to reduce delivery errors, digital twins to simulate future supply networks, and a growing control tower to dynamically reroute inventory in response to global disruptions—like the Panama Canal's low water levels or shifting geopolitical challenges.He also details Best Buy's commitment to sustainability, including partnerships for electrified freight and aggressive reverse logistics programs to refurbish or responsibly dispose of aging tech. The conversation wraps with a preview of his upcoming keynote at NRF's Big Show Europe in Paris, September 16-18., where he'll explore the future of retail supply chains and what it takes to deliver exceptional customer experiences by 2030. About UsSteve Dennis is a strategic advisor and keynote speaker focused on growth and innovation, who has also been named one of the world's top retail influencers. He is the bestselling authro of two books: Leaders Leap: Transforming Your Company at the Speed of Disruption and Remarkable Retail: How To Win & Keep Customers in the Age of Disruption. Steve regularly shares his insights in his role as a Forbes senior retail contributor and on social media.Michael LeBlanc is the president and founder of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc, a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and now, media entrepreneur. He has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions and participated worldwide in thought leadership panels, most recently on the main stage in Toronto at Retail Council of Canada's Retail Marketing conference with leaders from Walmart & Google. He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience with Levi's, Black & Decker, Hudson's Bay, CanWest Media, Pandora Jewellery, The Shopping Channel and Retail Council of Canada to his advisory, speaking and media practice.Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including the award-winning No.1 independent retail industry podcast in America, Remarkable Retail with his partner, Dallas-based best-selling author Steve Dennis; Canada's top retail industry podcast The Voice of Retail and Canada's top food industry and one of the top Canadian-produced management independent podcasts in the country, The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University in Halifax.Rethink Retail has recognized Michael as one of the top global retail experts for the fourth year in a row, Thinkers 360 has named him on of the Top 50 global thought leaders in retail, RTIH has named him a top 100 global though leader in retail technology and Coresight Research has named Michael a Retail AI Influencer. If you are a BBQ fan, you can tune into Michael's cooking show, Last Request BBQ, on YouTube, Instagram, X and yes, TikTok.Michael is available for keynote presentations helping retailers, brands and retail industry insiders explaining the current state and future of the retail industry in North America and around the world.
What will it take to recover more critical materials when demand is growing and recovery systems aren't keeping up? With the growing deployment of solar panels, wind turbines, electric vehicles, and data centers, demand for metals and minerals is rising fast. But current systems for recovering and reusing these materials are limited, inefficient, or missing entirely. In this episode, Aly Bryan, Senior Member of the investment team at Closed Loop Partners' Venture Group, explains why critical materials have become a central topic in the circular economy. She introduces the concepts of small-loop and large-loop circularity, discusses the role of modular recovery infrastructure, and shares why relying on large, centralized processing facilities may no longer be the most effective approach. Aly also explores how circular startups can work within existing supply chains and why reverse logistics is essential to making recovery work at scale. This episode is part of VC for Circularity - the Venture Capital Perspective on Circular Economy Startups.
Welcome back to HappyPorch Radio: the circular economy technology podcast!In this episode our hosts Barry O'Kane and Tandi Tuakli are joined by Ryan Atkins, the co-founder and CEO of Supercycle - a circular commerce platform that enables rental and resale natively in Shopify.Ryan explains that scaling circular business models depends on overcoming integration challenges between physical product flows (repair, refurbishment, cleaning) and digital commerce (Shopify, customer experience). In this conversation we learn that while platforms like Supercycle can provide the core technology and integration "pipes," each brand has unique requirements in logistics, customer experience, product flows, and back office systems.Ryan also discusses collaborations with specialist partners, from 3PLs that can handle circular operations to integration and professional services partners that allow brands to tailor and scale their circular offerings. Without this ecosystem of enablers, it would be impossible to support the variety of customer journeys that circular models demand. Tune in to learn more about how circularity is reshaping e-commerce, the technology driving it, and why strong partnerships are the foundation of successful circular systems!This podcast is brought to you by HappyPorch. We specialise in technology and software development for Circular Economy minded purpose-driven businesses. Our podcast focuses mostly on: Circular Economy, Digital Enablers, Technology, Software, Circular Solutions, Fashion & Textiles, Circular Strategies, Digital, Reuse, Circular Design, Circularity, Systems Thinking, Economics, Data, Platforms, Degrowth, Policy & Regulation, Collaboration, Materials, Supply Chain, Biological Cycles, Materials, Food Waste, Biomimicry, Construction, Modular Design, Culture & Language, Zero Waste, Digital Passports, Life Cycle Assessment, Recycling, Reverse Logistics, Materials, Sharing Economy, Manufacturing, Efficiency, Environmental Impact and much more!
Send me a messageIn this episode of the Sustainable Supply Chain podcast, I had a cracking chat with René Schrama, Chief Commercial Officer at Peak Technologies. We dug into the evolving landscape of supply chain automation and what it truly means to “leverage automation intelligently” today.René shared how supply chain leaders are moving beyond full-scale automation projects and instead focusing on targeted improvements that actually matter. We explored why finding even six seconds to save in a warehouse process can add up to real gains, and how the Kaizen approach remains a solid guiding principle for continuous improvement.We didn't shy away from the challenges, either. René highlighted the impact of geopolitical disruptions like tariffs and shifting trade policies, and why adapting supply chain strategies has become more critical than ever.A big takeaway for me? Automation isn't about replacing people, it's about striking the right balance between human creativity and machine precision. We also discussed the importance of designing out waste, re-harvesting resources, and why open systems, not closed silos, are key to future-proofing operations.If you're in supply chain, sustainability, or digital transformation, this one's worth a listen. Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!Listen to the full episode wherever you get your podcasts, or on my website at https://www.sustainablesupplychainpodcast.com/#SupplyChain #Sustainability #Automation #Kaizen #IntelligentAutomation #PodcastElevate your brand with the ‘Sustainable Supply Chain' podcast, the voice of supply chain sustainability.Last year, this podcast's episodes were downloaded over 113,000 times by senior supply chain executives around the world.Become a sponsor. Lead the conversation.Contact me for sponsorship opportunities and turn downloads into dialogues.Act today. Influence the future.Support the showPodcast supportersI'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's generous supporters: Alicia Farag Kieran Ognev And remember you too can Support the Podcast - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent episodes like this one.Podcast Sponsorship Opportunities:If you/your organisation is interested in sponsoring this podcast - I have several options available. Let's talk!FinallyIf you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - feel free to just send me a direct message on LinkedIn, or send me a text message using this link.If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover it. Thanks for listening.
Welcome back to HappyPorch Radio: the circular economy technology podcast!Our hosts are joined by Lucy Wishart, lecturer in Circular Economy and Sustainable Transformations at the University of Edinburgh. In this episode they explore how rental models fit into academic, practical, and social aspects of circularity.From the idea of “consumption work” (and how rental reduces it) to what makes circular systems messy by nature, this conversation is packed with insight.Lucy explains how rental plays a key role in circular economy frameworks like the Nine R's and Product-Service Systems, offering an alternative to ownership-based consumption.The discussion explores both the potential and pitfalls of rental - from shifting consumption habits to labor and logistical challenges. "There's a distinction between circularity and the circular economy. Circularity can be quite small scale and local… but the circular economy requires more than one product, more than one organisation — it's collective. It requires us to work together."This podcast is brought to you by HappyPorch. We specialise in technology and software development for Circular Economy minded purpose-driven businesses. Our podcast focuses mostly on: Circular Economy, Digital Enablers, Technology, Software, Circular Solutions, Fashion & Textiles, Circular Strategies, Digital, Reuse, Circular Design, Circularity, Systems Thinking, Economics, Data, Platforms, Degrowth, Policy & Regulation, Collaboration, Materials, Supply Chain, Biological Cycles, Materials, Food Waste, Biomimicry, Construction, Modular Design, Culture & Language, Zero Waste, Digital Passports, Life Cycle Assessment, Recycling, Reverse Logistics, Materials, Sharing Economy, Manufacturing, Efficiency, Environmental Impact and much more!
Welcome back to HappyPorch Radio: the circular economy technology podcast!In this episode, our hosts Tandi Tuakli and Barry O'Kane had a fascinating conversation with Leah Pollen, a specialist in profitability and circular strategies within the used electronics market, particularly mobile devices. Leah shares deep insights into how the mobile phone industry's leasing and trade-in programs—especially driven by OEMs like Apple and Samsung—created what she calls “accidental circularity.” Leah also explains the business case for phone rental models, including calculations around device depreciation, residual value, repair logistics, and customer return behaviors.One of the biggest barriers Leah identifies is mindset. Many organisations are still entrenched in linear thinking—focusing on sales volume, product obsolescence, and short-term wins. She stresses the importance of redefining what product success looks like in a circular model.Our hosts and Leah draw parallels between mobile phones and other sectors like fashion, luxury goods, and homeware—discussing where circular lessons could be applied and where challenges persist due to differing value chains and consumer behaviors.This podcast is brought to you by HappyPorch. We specialise in technology and software development for Circular Economy minded purpose-driven businesses. Our podcast focuses mostly on: Circular Economy, Digital Enablers, Technology, Software, Circular Solutions, Fashion & Textiles, Circular Strategies, Digital, Reuse, Circular Design, Circularity, Systems Thinking, Economics, Data, Platforms, Degrowth, Policy & Regulation, Collaboration, Materials, Supply Chain, Biological Cycles, Materials, Food Waste, Biomimicry, Construction, Modular Design, Culture & Language, Zero Waste, Digital Passports, Life Cycle Assessment, Recycling, Reverse Logistics, Materials, Sharing Economy, Manufacturing, Efficiency, Environmental Impact and much more!
Welcome back to HappyPorch Radio: the circular economy technology podcast!In this special episode our host Barry O'Kane is joined by Charlotte Morley, CEO of thelittleloop, and Ryan Atkins, CEO of Supercycle, to discuss the ripple effects of - ongoing and very fluid - changes to US tariffs and De Minimis import rules on the circular economy in the UK, EU, and US. The conversation, which originated from a passionate exchange on LinkedIn, explores both the opportunities and challenges these potential policy changes present for circularity-focused businesses. The discussion ranges widely from there, covering everything from policy to the importance of smaller, ethical brands to circularity.We discussed how reduced ease of importing low-cost new goods could boost demand for resale and second-hand markets, potentially benefiting the circular economy. While acknowledging the long-term benefits, our guests explained that many small ethical and sustainable brands are already overwhelmed by rising costs, market saturation from fast-fashion giants like Shein and Temu, and how, potentially, additional pressure from tariffs could undermine the "feedstock" of quality products essential for a thriving circular economy.Both guests stress the importance of empathy and support for brands navigating these tough times. They discuss how circularity enablers like their own companies must make circular business models (like takeback and resale programs) as frictionless and financially viable as possible. They also touch on the slow progress of legislation and the need for government mandates and funding to truly shift the industry toward reuse, not just recycling.The conversation concludes with a call to action for both policy involvement and practical support to ensure circularity is not just a long-term goal, but a near-term strategic advantage for businesses.Tune in to learn about how there is, despite current difficulties, a sense of cautious optimism: more brands are beginning to prioritise circularity, although slowly.This podcast is brought to you by HappyPorch. We specialise in technology and software development for Circular Economy minded purpose-driven businesses. Our podcast focuses mostly on: Circular Economy, Digital Enablers, Technology, Software, Circular Solutions, Fashion & Textiles, Circular Strategies, Digital, Reuse, Circular Design, Circularity, Systems Thinking, Economics, Data, Platforms, Degrowth, Policy & Regulation, Collaboration, Materials, Supply Chain, Biological Cycles, Materials, Food Waste, Biomimicry, Construction, Modular Design, Culture & Language, Zero Waste, Digital Passports, Life Cycle Assessment, Recycling, Reverse Logistics, Materials, Sharing Economy, Manufacturing, Efficiency, Environmental Impact and much more!
Join us today as we discuss the pressing issue of returns management within the realm of global supply chains, emphasizing the necessity for businesses to prioritize this area as we approach 2025. Welcome to The Buzz!This week, Scott Luton and special guest host Tony Sciarrotta, Executive Director of the Reverse Logistics Association (RLA) welcome Lars Dzedek, the Global Head of Returns & Circularity at DHL Supply Chain to the show, who shares insights on sustainable and circular logistics, including DHL's commitment to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Listen in to learn more about:The staggering $890 billion in product returns in 2024The need for improved returns management to enhance customer loyalty and reduce costsInnovative strategies such as AI-powered return forecasting and shared infrastructure to optimize returns processing and protect product valueAnd more!Listen in and discover the critical role of leadership and education in advancing circularity and sustainability in global supply chains.Additional Links & Resources:With That Said: https://bit.ly/4jqpYJn Why Reverse Logistics Needs to Be a Priority in 2025: https://bit.ly/436mRAAConnect with Lars on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larsrdzedek/Learn more about DHL: www.dhl.comConnect with Tony on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-sciarrotta-235570/Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.comWatch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-nowSubscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/joinWork with us! Download Supply Chain Now's NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVkWEBINAR- Plug the Leaks: Where You're Losing Money in Shipping (and How to Fix It): https://bit.ly/42iFW0ZWEBINAR- Altium 365: Integrated Supply Chain Management Across the Product: https://bit.ly/4bWSLmaWEBINAR- Cleared for Takeoff: Workforce Development in the Aviation Industry: https://bit.ly/42X4deyThis episode is hosted by Scott Luton and Tony Sciarrotta produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/buzz-circularity-returns-management-reverse-logistics-1424
Returns are costing retailers nearly $900 billion annually—and the problem is accelerating.In this episode, Sender Shamiss, CEO and co-founder of ReturnPro, joins The Retail Podcast to expose the operational chaos, financial impact, and future-facing solutions around retail returns.We explore why returns are no longer a back-office issue—but a strategic lever that can drive or destroy margin. From brand protection and machine learning to reverse logistics and customer trust algorithms, Shamiss offers a blueprint for how retailers can take control of the returns crisis.Key topics include:Why bracketing and e-commerce are fueling unsustainable return ratesHow forward-thinking brands are reducing return fraudWhat every retail exec should know about post-purchase operationsThe rise of trusted customer algorithms and “keep-it” logicWhy returns policy now dictates customer loyaltyThe coming rise of the Chief Returns OfficerKey topics include:Why apparel and e-commerce are fueling a returns crisisHow retailers can shift from defense to offense on returnsThe role of machine learning in solving returns complexityThe hidden cost of return fraud—and how to fight backWhy clear returns policies are now a key sales driverVisions of a future Chief Returns OfficerEnjoying the conversation?Follow The Retail Podcast and leave a five-star review if you believe smarter retail is the future.
Send me a messageThe sustainability of IT infrastructure is often overlooked, yet it plays a crucial role in reducing corporate carbon footprints. In this episode, I sit down with Shannon Payne, SVP of Supply Chain Solutions at MDSi, to explore how organisations can optimise reverse logistics, extend asset lifecycles, and reduce emissions in their IT operations.Shannon explains why many large enterprises have well-defined procurement processes but lack structured methodologies for managing IT asset decommissioning, reuse, and recycling. She shares insights into how companies can reduce waste, lower costs, and maximise value from legacy equipment through certified pre-owned IT solutions, which can cut emissions by up to 80% compared to new hardware.We also discuss the growing energy demand of AI, expected to surge by 160% by 2030, and how businesses can balance technology refresh cycles with sustainability goals. Shannon outlines key supply chain challenges, including tracking stranded assets, reducing unnecessary purchases, and optimising forward and reverse logistics for minimal environmental impact.Key Takeaways:The role of IT infrastructure in corporate sustainability and carbon reductionHow AI is reshaping supply chain efficiencies—and increasing energy demandThe business case for refurbished IT assets and the cost savings they offerWhy reverse logistics is often overlooked and how to make it more effectiveEssential KPIs for tracking sustainability progress in supply chain management
Our guest on this week's episode is Matt Wicks, senior director of robotics automation at Zebra Technologies. Robotics are rapidly gaining acceptance in distribution operations. They can work 24/7 with a high degree of uptime and accuracy. Our guest shares in which areas of warehouse operations robotics are proving to be the most useful, trends that are leading to their adoption, and what might be hindering robotic deployments in some cases.During this first month of the new administration in Washington, we have seen a shift away from support of electric vehicles, including electric trucks that serve our supply chain operations. As a result, California has responded with adjustments to its electric vehicle mandates. In this segment, we discuss other trends and hindrances towards electric vehicle adoption, as well as an innovative technology that is being piloted for long-haul trucks in Europe.Supply chains continue to deal with a growing volume of returns following holiday peak, and 2024 was no exception. Recent survey data from technology company Akeneo showed that 65% of shoppers made holiday returns this year, with most reporting that their online experience played a large role in their reason for doing so. We look at how the returns season went this year and what practices retailers can implement to decrease the number of product returns.Supply Chain Xchange also offers a podcast series called Supply Chain in the Fast Lane. It is co-produced with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals. A series of ten episodes is now available on the "State of Logistics." The episodes provide in-depth looks into the current states of key transportation modes, such as trucking, rail, air, and ocean. It also looks at inventory management, 3PLs and more. All ten episodes are available to stream now. Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe and to listen to past and future episodes. The podcast is also available at www.thescxchange.com.Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:Zebra TechnologiesDHL tests electric truck with on-board generatorJD Power says that EV growth will stagnate in 2025 due to federal policiesReport reveals that 65% of consumers made holiday returns this yearVisit Supply Chain XchangeListen to CSCMP and Supply Chain Xchange's Supply Chain in the Fast Lane podcastSend feedback about this podcast to podcast@agilebme.comPodcast is sponsored by: Zebra Robotics AutomationOther linksAbout DC VELOCITYSubscribe to DC VELOCITYSign up for our FREE newslettersAdvertise with DC VELOCITY
Our guest on this week's episode is Jason Schenker, president of Prestige Economics. Schenker is one of the world's leading economists and he shares his insights into what happened in 2024 with the U.S. economy as well as predictions for 2025. Our discussion includes the economic outlook for supply chains and the material handling industry in particular, inflation, consumer prices, interest rates, employment, and looming tariffs One of the top themes we covered in the past year was the labor pool, and specifically how employers in the logistics sector have struggled to find either qualified employees for increasingly technical positions, or simple enough at all for even entry level positions for things like warehouse work and truck driving. This week a report was released that identified five workplace trends that are coming up in the new year, and methods for how employers can best adapt.With peak shipping season behind us, it's time to move on to peak returns season. We are now in the thick of it when it comes to reverse logistics, as retailers and e-commerce fulfillment companies deal with all those post-holiday gifts coming back. We preview a January story in DC Velocity that reveals that many retailers are rethinking their approaches when it comes to managing their returns processes. Supply Chain Xchange also offers a podcast series called Supply Chain in the Fast Lane. It is co-produced with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals. A series of ten episodes is now available on the "State of Logistics." The episodes provide in-depth looks into the current states of key transportation modes, such as trucking, rail, air, and ocean. It also looks at inventory management, 3PLs and more. All ten episodes are available to stream now. Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe and to listen to past and future episodes. The podcast is also available at www.thescxchange.com.Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:Prestige EconomicsWorkplace report finds 5 trends sweeping global labor poolVisit Supply Chain XchangeListen to CSCMP and Supply Chain Xchange's Supply Chain in the Fast Lane podcastSend feedback about this podcast to podcast@agilebme.comPodcast is sponsored by: Werner Premium ServicesOther linksAbout DC VELOCITYSubscribe to DC VELOCITYSign up for our FREE newslettersAdvertise with DC VELOCITYTop 10 Supply
In this episode, we break down some of the most common issue that come with reverse logistics and ecommerce returns. Our guest, Dan Spitale, Vice president of global sales from UPS Capital, dives into the rise of consumer choice and preferences and how shippers are having to manage a hefty returns logistics budget. For more information subscribe to Check Call the newsletter or the podcast. Follow the Check Call Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, we break down some of the most common issue that come with reverse logistics and ecommerce returns. Our guest, Dan Spitale, Vice president of global sales from UPS Capital, dives into the rise of consumer choice and preferences and how shippers are having to manage a hefty returns logistics budget. For more information subscribe to Check Call the newsletter or the podcast. Follow the Check Call Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
ABOUT THE GUESTJonathan Poma is the Co-founder and Executive Director of the Board of Loop, a leading returns management platform for Shopify merchants. With over 13 years of experience in e-commerce, Jonathan has a deep understanding of the complexities of returns and reverse logistics. Under his leadership, Loop facilitates 2.5 million returns monthly and works with over 4,000 merchants, helping them optimize their reverse logistics and boost profitability. Jonathan has been instrumental in building Loop from a simple project for Chubbies into a major player in the Shopify ecosystem, handling returns for some of the world's fastest-growing brands.HIGHLIGHTS[00:03:00] From Idea to Reality: The Birth of Loop Returns[00:07:30] The Importance of Returns in E-Commerce[00:17:30] The Shift to Paid Returns: Why 72% of Merchants Now Charge[00:22:00] Rethinking Reverse Logistics: A New Frontier[00:29:00] Data and Personalization in ReturnsQUOTES[00:01:30] "Let's start with solving problems and then figure out how to make money, not try to make money and figure out if there's a problem to solve." - Jonathan Poma[00:07:00] "When capital was cheap, returns didn't seem like a big deal, but now, optimizing reverse logistics can make or break profitability." - Jonathan Poma[00:08:30] "Returns are the last rock to turn over in finding profits in e-commerce today." - Jonathan Poma[00:11:30] "Amazon has mastered returns because they know everything about every customer—they hold accountability like no one else." - Jonathan Poma[00:14:30] "It now comes down to personalization. There is a difference between a top buyer, but is that top buyer also the top returner? There's a correlation between the two." - Ninaad Acharya[00:17:00] "Free returns aren't sustainable for most brands anymore, and that's a massive shift we're seeing across e-commerce." - Jonathan Poma[00:20:00] "Logistics is somehow driven by commerce's decisions rather than working hand in hand... I want to see the world actually change where commerce and logistics get much closer from a data perspective." - Ninaad AcharyaFIND MORE ABOUT OUR GUESTWebsite: Loop ReturnsLinkedIn: Jonathan PomaTwitter: @PomaJP
ABOUT THE GUEST:Kyle Bertin is the co-founder and CEO of Two Boxes. Prior to founding Two Boxes in 2022, Kyle held senior roles at Outrider, Flexport, DeepScale (acquired by Tesla), and Deloitte. His extensive experience in logistics and strategy, combined with a passion for operational efficiency, has positioned Kyle as an innovator in the supply chain and returns management space. Kyle holds a BA in Economics from Northwestern University and an MBA from UC Berkeley's Haas School of Business.HIGHLIGHTS:[00:01:50] – Kyle's journey and the founding of Two Boxes.[00:04:20] – The rising complexity of returns in e-commerce.[00:05:30] – The explosion of online returns.[00:06:50] – Automation and smart systems to streamline returns processes in warehouses.[00:20:00] – Challenge of fraud in returns and how technology can help mitigate this growing issue.[00:26:00] – Collaboration between brands, 3PLs, and logistics tech providers to combat returns fraud.QUOTES:[00:05:10] – "It's never been easier for a consumer to return an item, but it's never been harder for a warehouse to handle those returns." – Kyle Bertin[00:06:00] – "Online return volumes in the U.S. have increased eightfold in just five years, creating huge challenges for warehouses and 3PLs." – Kyle Bertin[00:15:26] – "In an e-commerce warehouse, thousands of people interact with screen flows daily, yet no one cared about the user experience. Just improving that one aspect can massively boost efficiency." – Ninaad Acharya[00:23:50] – "Roughly 10 to 15% of returns we see have clear evidence of fraud or abuse, from empty boxes to swapped items." – Kyle Bertin[00:28:00] – "The future of reverse logistics is collaboration—logistics providers, retailers, and tech companies need to work together to reduce fraud and improve efficiency." – Kyle BertinFind More About the GuestWebsite: Two BoxesLinkedIn: Kyle Bertin on LinkedInTwo Boxes LinkedIn: Two Boxes LinkedIn Page
ABOUT THE GUESTAmena Ali is the CEO of Optoro, a leader in reverse logistics technology. With a career that spans over 25 years, she has held pivotal roles in companies like MCI, Bain & Company, and several software firms. At Optoro, Amena leads the charge in tackling the multi-billion-dollar returns problem, working with major retailers such as Gap and Best Buy. Her expertise in product marketing, finance, and business development makes her a thought leader in logistics innovation, helping retailers and brands optimize their return management systems for better customer experiences and sustainability.HIGHLIGHTS[00:01:30] – Growing returns problem and its environmental impact.[00:02:30] – The surge in return rates since the pandemic and the need for retailers to adapt.[00:04:00] – Amena's career journey.[00:08:47] – Returns Management System (RMS).[00:14:58] – The "art and science of dispositioning".[00:27:30] – The role of AI, robotics, and data science in reducing return processing costs.[00:36:30] – Addressing fraud and authenticity with data capture and blockchain technology.QUOTES:[00:01:31] – "The trends are pretty stark since the pandemic. Returns are up 3.5x, with rates as high as 30% for some goods. It's a monumental problem that's not going away." – Amena Ali[00:02:30] – "We need to come up with a win-win-win solution: a win for shoppers, retailers, and the environment." – Amena Ali[00:06:09] – "Work-life balance isn't the goal anymore; it's about finding a sustainable work-life integration." – Amena Ali[00:14:58] – "Returns are two to three times more labor-intensive than forward logistics. The longer it takes to process, the more you lose in recovery." – Amena Ali[00:36:37] – "You need data to spot who's a trustworthy shopper and who isn't." – Amena Ali FIND MORE ABOUT THE GUEST:Website: OptoroLinkedIn: Amena AliWhite Paper: WMS vs RMS: A Guide to Return Management
ABOUT THE GUESTSAmena Ali, CEO of Optoro, has 15+ years of experience in returns and reverse logistics. Optoro provides a complete returns management platform, helping major brands manage returns more efficiently, focusing on sustainability and circularity.Jonathan Poma, Co-founder and CEO of Loop, leads a platform that handles return management for Shopify merchants, processing millions of returns every month and routing products back into resale channels.Gayle Tate, Former CEO of Trove, drives innovation in the resale space by enabling brands to power trade-in and resale programs, helping them recapture value from returned items and reduce environmental impact.Kyle Bertin, Co-founder and CEO of Two Boxes, focuses on improving return processing in warehouses through advanced, agnostic technology, optimizing efficiency and sustainability for brands across North America.Julian Mitchell, Co-founder and CIO of G2 Reverse Logistics, brings a deep focus on using data analytics and AI to help brands optimize returns processes, reduce costs, and re-commerce products.HIGHLIGHTS[00:06:00] Gayle Tate highlights the revenue potential of resale programs.[00:12:00] Ninaad Acharya expands on the multi-layered nature of reverse logistics.[00:24:00] Gayle Tate discusses the importance of data-driven decision-making.[00:32:00] Jonathan Poma discusses the growing challenge of returns fraud in ecommerce.[00:41:00] Julian Mitchell points out the hidden costs of “free” returns for retailers.QUOTES:[00:07:00] – "Recommerce captures new customers by reselling returned items at a lower price, adding value for brands." – Gayle Tate[00:25:00] – "We need a flexible platform that integrates across WMS, TMS, and other logistics systems to truly optimize reverse logistics." – Amena Ali[00:32:00] – "Returns fraud and returns abuse is like a hundred-billion-dollar problem in the US." – Jonathan Poma[00:33:00] – "Automation creates new fraud vectors, but we can use AI and data analytics to predict and prevent these frauds." – Jonathan Poma[00:40:00] – "There are bad actors not just on the consumer side, but within warehouses, and brands need more data to detect and prevent fraud at every level." – Kyle BertinFind More About the Guest Panelists:Amena AliLinkedIn: Amena AliWebsite: Optoro.comJonathan PomaLinkedIn: Jonathan PomaWebsite: LoopReturns.comGayle TateLinkedIn: Gayle TateWebsite: Trove.comKyle BertinLinkedIn: Kyle BertinWebsite: TwoBoxes.comJulian MitchellLinkedIn: Julian MitchellWebsite: G2RL.com
Send us a Text Message.Welcome to The New Warehouse Podcast. Today, Rich Bulger, the author of Going Circular: The Evolution of Reverse Logistics into a Competitive Weapon joins the show. Rich has recently earned a master's degree in reverse logistics, a field he is deeply passionate about. His extensive background includes a 17-year career at Verizon Wireless, where he pioneered innovative reverse logistics programs. In this episode, Rich shares insights on reverse logistics, its transformative potential for businesses, and how it can be leveraged as a competitive advantage.Trade in your forklift for a $2,500 rebate here. Sign up for Warehouse Wisdom Wednesdays right here. Follow us on LinkedIn and YouTube.Support the Show.
In this episode, I tap into John Lee's decades of reverse retail logistics experience. He discusses the importance of a seamless customer returns process, reasons for cart abandonment due to unclear return methods, and strategies using data analytics and personalization to reduce returns. We also explore managing high return rates, innovative solutions for non-restockable items, challenges in store handling of returns, best practices in reverse logistics, and leveraging returns for environmental stewardship. About JohnPresident / COO / Board member / Advisor, John is a change and growth leader with extensive Canadian and international experience in retail/eCommerce, supply chain & logistics, express and transportation, and also providing executive strategy and systems consulting in these disciplines. A brand ambassador, participative leader and coach, encouraging curiosity, learning and honesty, coaching and driving teams to approach their transformation agendas with courage, passion and open, transparent communications to achieve superior performance.He has launched and scaled-up new businesses, and led transformations and integration of acquisitions in others, working in Canada the United States, and globally in over 30 countries. In recent years John has been an industry leader in reverse logistics for retail and other industries. He has worked with several global retailers to design, implement and refine their customer returns, reverse logistics and merchandise liquidation operations in executive leadership roles as:President, Channel Control Merchants Canada – the country's largest reverse logistics provider and operator of extreme value retail stores;US-based VP Business Development & Client Services for goTRG, the North American industry leader in data-driven reverse logistics, returns management, and online merchandise liquidation;VP & General Manager – Canada for Liquidity Services, a publicly traded (NASDAQ: LQDT) company and the world's leading provider of online liquidation marketplaces for retail merchandise, government surplus and industrial capital assets.In these roles, John worked with 7 of the top 10 US and global retailers, and many other major retailers and brands to build and operate processes that met the client's objectives for both positive financial performance and auditable sustainability / environmental stewardship results. He says that he has had “the rare privilege to learn how to help organizations deliver great financial performance and achieve crucial and auditable environmental sustainability results at the same time”.John is an alumni of Harvard Business School's Advanced Management Program and has served as Chair, Vice-Chair and Director on the Board of Directors of an international charity / research organization. About MichaelMichael is the president and founder of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc, a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and media entrepreneur. He has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career. He has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions and participated worldwide in thought leadership panels, most recently on the main stage in Toronto at Retail Council of Canada's Retail Secure conference with leaders from The Gap and Kroger talking about violence in retail stores, keynotes on the state & future of retail in Orlando and Halifax, and at the 2023 Canadian GroceryConnex conference, hosting the CEOs of Walmart Canada, Longo's and Save-On-Foods Canada. Michael brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience with Levi's, Black & Decker, Hudson's Bay, Pandora Jewellery, The Shopping Channel and Retail Council of Canada to his advisory, speaking and media practice.Michael also produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including the award-winning No.1 independent retail industry podcast in North America, Remarkable Retail, Canada's top retail industry podcast; the Voice of Retail; Canada's top food industry and the top Canadian-produced management independent podcasts in the country, The Food Professor, with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois. Rethink Retail has recognized Michael as one of the top global retail influencers for the fourth year in a row, Coresight Research has named Michael a Retail AI Influencer, and you can tune into Michael's cooking show, Last Request BBQ, on YouTube, Instagram, X and yes, TikTok.Available for keynote presentations helping retailers, brands and retail industry insiders explaining the current state of the retail industry in Canada and the U.S., and the future of retail.
When to DNU brokers and carriers; why flatbed is king; reverse logistics | WHAT THE TRUCK?!? On Episode 693 of WHAT THE TRUCK?!?, Dooner is talking to Ship Happens' Jennifer Morris about putting a carrier in do-not-use status. When is it OK to issue FreightGuards and pull carriers from your network? Morris advises. Fillogic CEO Bill Thayer tells us why omnichannel is dead, shares how holiday returns went, updates us on the state of reverse logistics and tells us why 2024 is the year of partnerships. FreightWaves' Thomas Wasson is crunching the numbers in SONAR to tell us about what the market is looking like right now. Is flatbed really king? Plus, Easterflation; a new toilet paper crisis; a fiery rate the strap work; and what to do when your spouse damages your car. Watch on YouTube Subscribe to the WTT newsletter Apple Podcasts Spotify More FreightWaves Podcasts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On Episode 693 of WHAT THE TRUCK?!?, Dooner is talking to Ship Happens' Jennifer Morris about putting a carrier in do-not-use status. When is it OK to issue FreightGuards and pull carriers from your network? Morris advises. Fillogic CEO Bill Thayer tells us why omnichannel is dead, shares how holiday returns went, updates us on the state of reverse logistics and tells us why 2024 is the year of partnerships. FreightWaves' Thomas Wasson is crunching the numbers in SONAR to tell us about what the market is looking like right now. Is flatbed really king? Plus, Easterflation; a new toilet paper crisis; a fiery rate the strap work; and what to do when your spouse damages your car. Watch on YouTube Subscribe to the WTT newsletter Apple Podcasts Spotify More FreightWaves Podcasts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Listen in as we deep dive into the importance of reverse logistics in our highly consumerized world. Powered by Atlanta Dispatch LLC Dispatching Services: www.atlantadispatch.org Podcast Website: transportationandlogistics.club Physical Book Copy: transportationandlogistics.club/amazon eBook: https://books2read.com/u/4jqlzX Stay updated with our happenings: https://linktr.ee/transportationandlogistics?utm_source=linktree_profile_share Hashtags: #transportationandlogisticsclubhouse #freightbroker #hotshot #flatbed #dispatcher #boxtruck #logistics #opendeck #broker #freight #freightforwarding #carrier #trucking #supplychain #warehousing #storageyard #freightmanagement #Reefer #drayage #refrigeratedfreight #trucking #dedicatedfreight #dat #containers #chassis #networking Intro/Outro Music Shoutout: Positive Hip-Hop by MaxKoMusic | https://maxkomusic.com/ Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/
Early in 2023, the Reverse Logistics Association held its 19th Annual Conference & Expo in Las Vegas, Nevada. It was their biggest event yet, with over 350 member companies and over 800 people registered for the event, which featured a pitch competition, awards ceremony, top notch content, and – of course – plenty of networking time.Tony Sciarrotta has been the Executive Director of the Reverse Logistics Association since 2016 and is a return guest and co-host in the Supply Chain Now Reverse Logistics Series. Tony has also held a variety of sales and marketing positions in the consumer electronics industry, including President of Reverse IT Sales & Consulting and 25 years at Philips Consumer Lifestyle.In this classic Supply Chain Now episode, Tony joins host Scott Luton to share his main takeaways from the event and to shine the spotlight on top trends in reverse logistics:• How new software is automating the business decisions about whether each return should be liquidated, resold into the secondary market, or sold via a special business channel• Why he is challenging business leaders to prioritize reverse logistics by appointing someone at the VP or even the C-level to own their management• What he is doing – and who the RLA is partnering with - to increase the reverse talent pipelineAdditional Links & Resources:Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.comWEBINAR- AI-based forecast automation dreams do come true at Danone: https://bit.ly/3RRcMRjWEBINAR- Inflation & SMBs: Unlocking Cash Tied up in Inventory: https://bit.ly/48BIUzNWEBINAR- Achieving the Next-Gen Control Tower in 2024: Lessons Learned from the High-Tech Industry: https://bit.ly/3Syzrn1WEBINAR- Data Driven Decision Making in Logistics: https://bit.ly/49lt102This episode is hosted by Scott Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/supply-chain-now-classic-business-case-prioritizing-reverse-logistics-1234
Wayne Resnick is in today for The Bill Handel Show. KFI's own Tech Reporter Rich DeMuro joins the program for 'Tech Tuesday'! Rich talks about Google losing the antitrust case brought by Epic Games, why the latest software update for iPhone is actually worth it, and new TSA screenings coming soon. The world of reverse logistics. Discord leaks get spanked.
Retail Gets Real episode 324: Tony Sciarrotta, executive director of the Reverse Logistics Association, talks about where our returns go, how reverse logistics fits into the circular economy, and what retailers need to know about this increasingly important area of retail. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.
Reverse logistics teams always have an important role to play in a company, but at Intel, they are uniquely well-positioned for impact. They truly have an opportunity to manage the entire product lifecycle, from planning to design through sales, warranty, and return.Greg Skrovan is the Global Director of Reverse Logistics for Intel Corporation. He has over 30 years of international supply chain experience in multiple industries, and he regularly shares his insights and expertise on supply chain and sustainability. In fact, growing awareness about supply chain's role in the sustainability movement is a primary motivator for him, stressing the need for good business decisions to also be good for the planet.In this episode, Greg joins hosts Scott Luton and Tony Sciarrotta, Executive Director of the Reverse Logistics Association, to share:• The mission, objectives, and outcomes associated with Intel's Global Circular Economy Program• The critical role that data and analytics play in both product circularity and supply chain sustainability• How his work in reverse logistics affects his decisions as a consumer – and vice versaAdditional Links & Resources:Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.comCheck out our new Supply Chain Now Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3emdLcKSubscribe to Supply Chain Now and all other Supply Chain Now programs: https://supplychainnow.com/subscribeJoin the NOW Community: http://bit.ly/41kpUSO2023 Q1 U.S. Bank Freight Payment Index: https://bit.ly/3VuwnIkWEBINAR- “Decoding Digital Transformation” – Charting a path forward: https://bit.ly/3VvVc6VWEBINAR- 5 Reasons Network Design is Essential to Supply Chain Resiliency: https://bit.ly/3MxcCNsWEBINAR- Feeling the squeeze? How to Meet OTIF Targets in an Uncertain World: https://bit.ly/42eMZFZWEBINAR- The Power of Spend Visibility: A Roadmap for Success: https://bit.ly/3WToUU5WEBINAR- 5 Ways the Right TMS & ERP Integrations Streamline & Simplify Shipping: https://bit.ly/3CjWWYaThis episode is hosted by Scott Luton and Tomy Sciarrotta. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/good-business-should-good-environment-intel-1131