Returns at a Crossroads: The State of Reverse Logistics & Circularity

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:

1. Connect with Scot Case: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scotcase/
2. Connect with Tony Sciarrotta: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-sciarrotta-235570/
3. Connect with Deborah Dull: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahdull/
4. Learn more about the National Retail Federation (NRF): https://nrf.com
5. Learn more about NRF Rev: https://nrfrev.com/
6. Learn more about Trillium Digital Services: https://trillium.digital/
7. Learn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/about
8. Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com
9. Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now
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This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and Deborah Dull and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/returns-crossroads-state-reverse-logistics-circularity-1550