What is Reverse Logistics?

Components of the Reverse Logistics Ecosystem

RETURNS MANAGEMENT: CORNERSTONE OF THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY

	RETURN: Initializing the Process The returns process begins with customer support. Warranty management and product support are often outsourced. Contracts for asset transportation are often managed by this group that manages product returns. Throughout the reverse logistics cycle, an asset may be moved more than seven times—sometimes overseas and back in containers.
	RETURN: Dispositioning The review process begins with triage. It is generally performed at the point of return—though it may be outsourced. While also performed in triage, general practice is to inspect the product. Triage options may include: repair and return to user; return to stock—no issue found; repair and refurbish or send to salvage. Each of these options may involve different service providers and practices.
	Repair/Refurbish Depending on the product category, certifications, authentication, test equipment, and trained staff may be required. In some cases, products may be cycled into remanufacturing.
	Repackage This task may be performed either by the repair facility or the reseller as per contract. It may require special equipment including labeling processes. Different packaging requirements are set for assets to be resold and those assets that are moved in bulk. Often, they are re-kitted to add value for resale.
	Resell Different channels for the secondary market exist for B2C, B2B, Brick & Mortar, and ecommerce outlets. Some primary vendors also resell refurbished goods. The secondary channel may be responsible for product support and warranty on refurbished products. Liquidators often act as intermediaries. These are key components of the circular economy.
	Reuse At the end-of-life, an asset can be harvested or re-purposed. Salvage value can be significant. For some products, there are a returned-goods market, e.g. cell phones, while others may be upcycled for creative reuse.
	Recycle The industry goal is to eliminate landfills. Some manufacturers claim landfill usage is as low as 1% of product weight. Recycling often requires shredding or other processes to certify destruction and/or create raw materials.

The RLA Directory

Executive Council

The Executive Council is comprised of member companies that have a global reach of products and services, and who have been in the RLA for at least 1 year. Executive Council companies provide senior level company representatives who are active with the RLA in multiple capacities such as Committees, research, speaking roles, sponsorships, etc. Executive Council members support and participate in RLA events around the world and support RLA membership. Executive Council members serve for a 3-year term and can be re-elected to the board by the member companies.

Tony Sciarrotta

Executive Director & Publisher RL Magazine
Reverse Logistics Association

Tony Sciarrotta, Executive Director of the RLA, states that the increasing rates of returns and reverse logistics are not sustainable for most companies, or long term for the planet. Consumer surveys of those who returned products previously identified as much as 75% were because “product did not meet expectations”, and very few returns were for actual defects. With the growth in e-commerce, returns and reverse logistics costs are significantly growing as hassle-free and freight-free processes are mandatory to sell goods online. Manufacturers and retailers must find ways to reverse this trend. The Reverse Logistics Associations provides members with best practices and ideas to reduce that increase, as well a growing number of service solutions providers to help implement new program to reduce returns and increase asset recovery.

Lars Dzedek

Global Head of Returns & Circularity
DHL

Brad Harris

Sr. Director Reverse Network | Circular Commerce
Walmart

Chuck Johnston

Chief Strategy Officer
ReturnPro

Jason MacIver

Vice President, Services Procurement at Dell
Dell Technologies

Sean Magann

Chief Commercial Officer
Sims Lifecycle Services

Dr. Pinar Martin

Head of Planning and Analytics, Reverse Logistics
Amazon

Daniel O'Neill

Vice President, Client Solutions
Liquidity Services

Dr. Glenn Richey

Harbert Eminent Scholar in Supply Chain Management
Auburn University

Julie Ryan

Sr. Manager NA Returns & Remanufacturing
HP Inc

Kendra Welter

Reverse Supply Chain
Nordstrom

Our Team

Each member of our RLA team is a specialist in the returns and reverse logistics industries. We are committed to educating and bringing together individuals and organizations to address their reverse logistics needs.

Tony Sciarrotta

Executive Director & Publisher RL Magazine

Brandy Aslanian

Membership and Event Support

Michael Campbell

Director of Operations

Mark Erickson

RLA Advisor

Lori Ficik

Accounting Manager/Operations Admin

Ruth Hinds

Editorial Assistant

Lea Kerns

Speaker Content Manager

Kathy Murphy

RLA Advisor

Felecia Przybyla

Director of Media & RL Magazine Editor

Nelly Ramirez

RLA Advisor

Cathy Roberson

Research Manager

History

Our first market research on founding the Reverse Logistics Association was started in July 2002. Actual incorporation of the company occurred on October 28, 2002. Initial analysis was conducted primarily with three major Manufacturers and two Third Party Service Providers (3PSPs).

After the early studies were completed, it was determined that more than $750 billion was being spent annually on the Reverse Logistics Processes in North America alone.

Our research discovered that there were thousands of 3PSPs worldwide that were providing support services to OEMs, ODMs, Branded and Retail companies! Today the Reverse Logistics processes represent 3-15% of the Gross Domestic Product, which is estimated between $360 billion and $1.8 trillion (based on 2017 data).

Our research also showed that there wasn’t any common thread between any of the 3PSPs other than competition. The OEMs, ODMs, Branded and Retail companies had no platform for discussing “best practices.”

We also could not find any tradeshows, magazines or trade associations that existed to support this growing segment of the Aftermarket Supply Chain, or as we call it today, Reverse Logistics.

The National Retail Federation acquired the Reverse Logistics Association, a global trade association for the retail returns and reverse logistics industry, in September 2023. The acquisition ensures members and the industry will continue to receive the most forward thinking, real world and actionable innovations, research and information to drive the evolution of the world’s supply chain.

Milestones

2002	Association established in June 2002
2004	First trade show, February 2004, Las Vegas, Amsterdam and Singapore. Request for Information (RFI) program established and working since early in October, 2004
2005	Regional seminars began in May 2005
2006	Magazine established and published in January, 2006
2010	RLA Digital Magazine launched on June 2010. RLA Conference & Expo adds Latin America show in Brazil in April 2010
2011	2011 - 2015: RLA events took place in India, France, and Italy
2016	In 2016, Tony Sciarrotta became the Executive Director of the RLA after years of active involvement on the Executive Council and various RL committees.
2017	The SmartBrief newsletter was created for membership distribution
2018	RLA membership exceeded 150 companies
2019	RLA 2.0 re-launch with a retooled web site
2023	Acquisition by the National Retail Federation

The National Retail Federation acquired the Reverse Logistics Association, a global trade association for the retail returns and reverse logistics industry, in September 2023.

The acquisition ensures members and the industry will continue to receive the most forward thinking, real world and actionable innovations, research and information to drive the evolution of the world’s supply chain.

What is Reverse Logistics?

Components of the Reverse Logistics Ecosystem

RETURNS MANAGEMENT: CORNERSTONE OF THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY

RETURN: Initializing the Process

RETURN: Dispositioning

Repair/Refurbish

Repackage

Resell

Reuse

Recycle

Executive Council

Our Team

Contact Us

Address

History

Milestones