Excellence Awards

The RLA Reverse Logistics Excellence Awards allows the Reverse Logistics Association (RLA) to honor those companies that are setting the standard for excellence in reverse logistics through their vision, innovation, focus and efficiency. The RLA is seeking nominations from companies and their partners to identify leaders in reverse logistics operational excellence, reverse logistics vendor solutions and sustainable reverse logistics practices. Companies recognized must be members of the RLA and only members of the RLA community may nominate.

Now Accepting 2022 Nominations thru Dec 30th. Please log in and then use the 2022 Nomination form at the bottom of the page to recognize leaders for the following awards.

2021 Award Winners were announced at our Feb 3 webinar! See the 2021 winners below. Congratulations to all!

Reverse Logistics Operational Excellence Award:

Awarded to the company that demonstrates leadership in the effective execution of reverse logistics. The winner will demonstrate:

Clear RL strategy, goals and metrics in alignment with the corporate strategy
Show measurable efficiencies gained through integration of technology, hardware and software solutions into RL operations
Seamless and visible RL operations across functional and organizational boundaries
Exceptional use of human capital, innovation, and continuous improvement

2021 Winner:

Innovation Solution Partner Award:

Awarded to the company that provides the most effective and innovative solutions and tools for supporting reverse execution. The winner will demonstrate:

Measurable improvements in efficiency and return on investment for customers
Support for RL best practices
Seamless integration with customers' technology infrastructure
Elegant, user-centric design and innovative use of technology

2021 Winner:

Green Reverse Logistics Award:

Awarded to the company that demonstrates leadership in sustainable reverse logistics operations. The winner will demonstrate:

Green RL initiatives that have resulted in measurable cost savings, business efficiencies and/or competitive advantage
A closed-loop with product design, manufacturing, and procurement to build better products with less waste and eco-impact
Public visibility of environmental impact regarding landfill, hazardous materials and carbon footprint as well as eco-impact goals that surpass mandated compliance levels
Innovative approaches to sustainability and commitment to continuously improving sustainability efforts

2021 Winner:

Reverse Logistics Education Award:

Awarded to the individual who has been an avid contributor to the teaching and promotion of courses with a focus on the various aspects of reverse logistics as a science.

Focuses on reverse logistics education as distinctly different courses separate from standard logistics or supply chain courses
Encompasses aspects of end to end reverse logistics including transportation, returns, repair, refurbishment, reselling, recycling, and all other aspects of reverse logistics.
Leads the academic community by evangelizing for reverse logistics training in all supply chain programs with written articles, interviews, or research
Makes significant, ongoing contribution to the best and newest practices for reverse logistics education

2021 Winner: Dr. Oliver Hedgepeth, Professor of Logistics

Lifetime Achievement Award:

Awarded to the individual that has led or inspired the advancement of reverse logistics over the past decade. The winner will demonstrate:

Setting the standard for excellence in reverse logistics through their vision, innovation, focus, and efficiency
Providing the most effective and innovative solutions and tools for supporting reverse execution
Leadership in sustainable reverse logistics operations
Overall continued excellence in leadership and service