The Buzz: Tackling Returns and Sustainability

Join us for this week's episode of The Buzz, as we take a deep dive into the critical topic of returns management during the peak returns season, aptly dubbed "Returnuary."As retailers brace for an anticipated 17% return rate of all sales in 2024, equating to a staggering $890 billion in returns, the conversation highlights the operational, logistical, and financial challenges that come with managing these returns. In this episode, hosts Scott Luton and Sofia Rivas explore:The implications of stricter return policies, the rising trend of fraudulent returns, and the environmental impact of returns-related wasteThe current state of the manufacturing industry, which shows signs of growth despite concerns over tariffs and trade policies.Tech trends that could shape 2025Upcoming supply chain events in the new yearAnd much more!Join the conversation as we welcome the new year with a clean slate, even in the world of global supply chain. Additional Links & Resources:With That Said: https://bit.ly/3PpmucWThe State of Freight 2025: https://bit.ly/4a2C4ER‘Returnuary’ — after the peak shopping season comes the busiest return month of the year: https://bit.ly/4j0Fax7Narvar Interview: https://bit.ly/4gZt4TdReverse Logistics Association: https://bit.ly/3BSTJSRDemand ticks up as manufacturers pin hopes on Trump administration: PMI: https://bit.ly/40mgIz7Tech Trends That Could Shape 2025: https://bit.ly/4iXrwepManifest: https://bit.ly/4iDIYULGartner Supply Chain Symposium: https://bit.ly/403K83tSAPICS: https://bit.ly/40oGfYxSupply Chain Now en Espanol: https://bit.ly/3g9LtQcLearn 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- Breaking Through the Chaos: Supply Chain Maturity in an Age of Economic Volatility: https://bit.ly/49N8IKyThis episode is hosted by Scott Luton and Sofia Rivas and produced by Amanda Luton and Trisha Cordes. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/buzz-tackling-returns-sustainability-1376 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 [email protected]© 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.