Episode #30: What is the good fit to integrate reuse in shipping and delivery packaging systems?
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Episode #30: Podcast Show Notes
Introduction
How to create a lower-impact future for shipping and delivering goods?
In this episode, you will learn how Returnity ensures that reusable package is the right operational and economical fit for brands and retailers.
Yes, Returnity designs and manufactures reusable packaging. But, as Mike emphasized all through our conversation, the circular logistic SYSTEM implemented for reuse is THE overarching key to success!
Mike is sharing about many challenges his customers are facing such as:
How to build lean and efficient solutions?
What part should data play?
How to reach a high rate of return cycles?
How to embrace the current and coming packaging regulations?
And, who has to take responsibility for the end-of-life?
Returnity is Brooklyn-based and serves companies like Walmart, Estée Lauder, New Balance, PayPal, Rent the Runway, and others. But they also work for smaller circular brands like Tradle in Western Canada where I am based.
It was very interesting how Mike always cares for practicality, viability, and scalability.
Resources and examples mentioned in this episode
Happy Returns (a reverse logistics company that works with online merchants to handle product returns): https://happyreturns.com/.
Walmart InHome Grocery Delivery: see these links to learn more about this case: https://usplasticspact.org/case-study/returnity-2/ and https://www.cnbc.com/2022/02/15/walmarts-inhome-hunts-for-ways-to-ditch-single-use-plastics.html.
Tradle (a sustainable and circular baby clothing subscription in Western Canada): https://tradle.ca/pages/how-it-works.
The burning question formulated by Rosemary Cooper of Share Reuse Repair Initiative came from Episode #19: Sustainable packaging through the lens of the SHIFT marketing framework _ Part 2/2.
Mike suggested learning from supply chain websites.
Where to find Mike Newman and Returnity?
The website of Returnity: https://www.returnity.co/.
Mike’s LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/newmanmi/.
About Mike Newman from Returnity
Mike is a leading expert in transformational logistics platforms from single-use to circularity, reducing the mountains of plastics and corrugated cardboard entering our waste stream while saving millions in packaging expenses.
He received his MBA from the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan.
Over the last 20+ years he worked at the intersection of supply chain and sustainability, including directing the Sierra Club's political operations in 20 states and building e-waste programs for companies such as Verizon, Walmart and Best Buy as the Sales and Marketing Vice President for ReCellular.
Podcast music
Special thanks to Joachim Regout who made the jingle. Have a look at his work here.
I am happy to bring a sample of our strong bonds on these sound waves. Since I was a child, he made me discover a wide range of music of all kinds. I am also delighted he is a nature lover and shares the Look4Loops 'out of the box philosophy'. He is an inspiring source of creativity for me.