With reverse logistics costs amounting to nearly 60% of the original sales price, retailers face significant losses unless they can reduce costs and recover profits from those items.

Managing returns is driving up costs and becoming a growing concern for business leaders. As such, it’s never been more important for retailers to solve the reverse logistics puzzle. 

Intel has undertaken an ambitious program to eliminate waste from its manufacturing process, and prevent all used and returned materials from ending up in landfill.

Ann-Marie Daugherty, senior vice president and general manager of supply chain with Inmar Intelligence, explains the complexities of the returns process for items purchased online — one that requires multiple partners in an efficient “ecosystem.”

Many businesses don’t realize that up to 40% of their trash — from post-consumer plastics such as hangers and water bottles, to metals, fibers, and even food grease — can be diverted from landfill to generate income.