EP 58: Circular Supply Chains, Critical Minerals & Reverse Logistics Growth with David Watson

EP 58: Circular Supply Chains, Critical Minerals & Reverse Logistics Growth with David Watson

In this episode of All Things Circular, hosts and welcome back returning guest for a wide-ranging discussion on the rapid evolution of circularity, reverse logistics, ITAD, and the growing importance of critical material recovery in global supply chains.Since first appearing on Episode 4, David has expanded Circular Connect from a simple newsletter into a growing global directory and networking platform focused on connecting businesses across the circular economy landscape. The conversation explores how fragmented and difficult the industry still is to navigate, why visibility and collaboration matter, and how Circular Connect is helping organizations discover new partners, services, and opportunities within the reverse supply chain ecosystem.The group also examines the growing professionalization of the reverse logistics and ITAD industries, including the shift away from purely transactional models toward integrated service offerings that include asset tracking, traceability, reporting, and strategic partnerships. As more OEMs, retailers, and enterprise organizations begin embracing circularity as both a customer retention and revenue generation tool, the discussion highlights how circular business models are becoming increasingly tied to broader commercial strategy.A major focus throughout the episode is the growing global urgency around critical minerals, supply chain resilience, and urban mining. From copper shortages and rare earth elements to data center decommissioning and battery material recovery, the conversation unpacks how geopolitical instability, AI infrastructure growth, and resource scarcity are pushing circular supply chains into the center of economic and national security conversations.The episode also explores the launch of new reverse logistics and ITAD associations, the importance of collaboration and standards across the industry, and why better data collection and shared visibility are essential for scaling circularity globally. The group discusses increasing M&A activity, private equity investment, and the accelerating demand for IT asset disposition and lifecycle management services as circularity continues evolving from a sustainability initiative into a major commercial growth driver.Whether you work in reverse logistics, ITAD, circular commerce, supply chain strategy, or sustainability, this episode offers a practical look at where the industry is heading next—and why circularity is rapidly becoming one of the most strategically important forces shaping the future economy.Visit our website to learn more:https://allthingscircular.comConnect with Peter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-c-evans-phd-217b8/Connect with Vic: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-d-arcy-aa84b51/Connect with David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dwatsonrl/SUBSCRIBE AND FOLLOW ALONG!Our podcast focuses mostly on:Circular Economy, Sustainable Living, Sustainability, Eco-Friendly, Recycling, Zero Waste, Environmentalism, Green Economy, Climate Change, Business Sustainability, Waste Management, Renewable Resources, Eco-Innovation, Supply Chain, Business, Circularity, Environmental Impact, Life Cycle Assessment, Upcycling, Downcycling, Closed Loop System, Sustainable Practices, Resource Recovery, Circular Strategies, Podcast, Alternative Materials, Reverse Logistics, ITAD, Lifecycle Services, Product Sourcing, and more!

EP 57: Reverse Logistics Education, Circularity & Supply Chain Transformation with Deborah Dull

In this episode of All Things Circular, hosts Rich Bulger and Peter Evans are joined by returning guest Deborah Dull for a deep discussion on the future of reverse logistics, circular supply chains, remanufacturing, and the growing need to professionalize the after-sales economy.The conversation explores the major shifts happening across the reverse logistics industry following the transition from the Reverse Logistics Association to new industry initiatives like the Global Reverse Logistics Alliance (GRLA). The group examines why reverse logistics has historically lacked formal education, standards, and industry-wide professional development despite supporting hundreds of thousands of workers globally.Deborah shares her perspective on why circularity should not be viewed solely as a sustainability initiative, but as a critical operational and risk mitigation strategy tied directly to material scarcity, supply chain resilience, and long-term economic stability. The discussion also dives into remanufacturing, material harvesting, repair ecosystems, circular finance, and the growing importance of building localized and more resilient supply chains.Rich and Peter unpack the massive opportunity emerging within secondary markets, reverse logistics platforms, and circular business models, highlighting how industries are beginning to recognize the economic value hidden inside returned, surplus, and used products. The episode also explores why education, data collection, industry collaboration, and shared standards are essential for scaling the next generation of circular commerce.From reverse logistics associations and trade policy to AI infrastructure, material shortages, and “Remade in America” supply chains, this episode offers a practical and thought-provoking look at where the circular economy is heading next, and why reverse logistics is becoming one of the most strategically important functions in global business.Visit our website to learn more:https://allthingscircular.comConnect with Rich: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rich-bulger-43b02112/Connect with Peter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-c-evans-phd-217b8/Connect with Deborah: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahdull/SUBSCRIBE AND FOLLOW ALONG!Our podcast focuses mostly on:Circular Economy, Sustainable Living, Sustainability, Eco-Friendly, Recycling, Zero Waste, Environmentalism, Green Economy, Climate Change, Business Sustainability, Waste Management, Renewable Resources, Eco-Innovation, Supply Chain, Business, Circularity, Environmental Impact, Life Cycle Assessment, Upcycling, Downcycling, Closed Loop System, Sustainable Practices, Resource Recovery, Circular Strategies, Podcast, Alternative Materials, Reverse Logistics, ITAD, Lifecycle Services, Product Sourcing, and more!

EP 56: Retail AI, Resale, Digital Product Passports & Omnichannel Retail with Chase Binnie

In this episode of All Things Circular, hosts Rich Bulger and Peter Evans sit down with Chase Binnie, CEO of RetailWire, for a deep dive into the rapidly evolving retail landscape and the growing intersection of AI, reverse logistics, resale, and circular commerce.The conversation explores how shopping behavior has fundamentally changed over the last five years, accelerating the shift toward omnichannel retail, unified commerce, and platform-driven checkout experiences. From TikTok Shop and Instagram commerce to AI-powered shopping assistants and marketplace ecosystems, retailers are racing to understand how to keep customers engaged across an increasingly fragmented digital environment.A major theme throughout the episode is the importance of clean product data and the growing push toward traceability. Chase shares insights from NRF around RFID adoption, AI-enabled commerce systems, and emerging frameworks like digital product passports, which are quickly becoming central to how brands track products across their lifecycle. The discussion also examines how European regulations around sustainability, resale, and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) are influencing global retail strategy.Rich and Peter also unpack the explosive growth of the secondary market and why brands are beginning to think differently about ownership, returns, and resale. From Patagonia integrating resale directly into their primary ecommerce experience to luxury brands embedding NFC chips for authentication and instant resale, the conversation highlights how circularity is moving from niche concept to mainstream retail strategy.The episode also dives into changing consumer behavior across generations, including the rise of live shopping platforms like Whatnot and the growing preference among Gen Z shoppers for interactive, entertainment-driven commerce experiences. As resale, liquidation, and social commerce continue to converge, the group explores what these shifts mean for retailers, brands, and operators trying to adapt to the next generation of buying behavior.Whether you’re in retail, ecommerce, reverse logistics, or the circular economy, this episode offers a practical look at where commerce is heading, why returns and resale are becoming core business functions, and how data, AI, and ecosystem thinking are reshaping the future of retail.Visit our website to learn more:https://allthingscircular.comConnect with Rich: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rich-bulger-43b02112/Connect with Peter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-c-evans-phd-217b8/Connect with Chase: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chasebinnie/SUBSCRIBE AND FOLLOW ALONG!Our podcast focuses mostly on:Circular Economy, Sustainable Living, Sustainability, Eco-Friendly, Recycling, Zero Waste, Environmentalism, Green Economy, Climate Change, Business Sustainability, Waste Management, Renewable Resources, Eco-Innovation, Supply Chain, Business, Circularity, Environmental Impact, Life Cycle Assessment, Upcycling, Downcycling, Closed Loop System, Sustainable Practices, Resource Recovery, Circular Strategies, Podcast, Alternative Materials, Reverse Logistics, ITAD, Lifecycle Services, Product Sourcing, and more!

EP 55: Returns Strategy, Fraud Myths & Circular Profit with Antonio Colicchio “The Returns Guy”

In this episode of All Things Circular, hosts Rich Bulger and Victoria D’Arcy sit down with Antonio Colicchio, known as “The Returns Guy” to break down one of the most misunderstood and underutilized areas in retail: returns.Drawing from decades of experience across major global brands like Abercrombie & Fitch, Victoria’s Secret, and DSW, Antonio shares how returns are not just a reverse logistics function but a critical feedback loop that impacts product, customer experience, and operations.The conversation challenges common assumptions around returns, including the belief that customers are the primary cause. Instead, Antonio outlines how most returns are driven by factors within a retailer’s control, from product quality and sizing to digital experience and how items are represented online.A key theme of the episode is rethinking returns as a strategic function rather than a cost center. Antonio introduces his framework of reduce, profit, and delight, emphasizing that winning retailers will focus on reducing unnecessary returns, maximizing value from the ones they receive, and delivering seamless customer experiences.The episode also dives into the complexities of returns fraud and abuse, separating myth from reality. While many believe fraud makes up a large portion of returns, Antonio explains why the true number is significantly lower, and why mislabeling behaviors like “bracketing” can lead to flawed strategies.Looking ahead, the discussion explores the future of returns, including the shift toward personalized return policies and the growing role of data and AI in understanding customer behavior, reducing return rates, and improving overall performance.Whether you’re a retailer, brand, or operator in the circular economy, this episode offers a practical and strategic look at how returns can move from a cost burden to a competitive advantage.Visit our website to learn more:https://allthingscircular.comConnect with Rich: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rich-bulger-43b02112/Connect with Vic: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-d-arcy-aa84b51/Connect with Antonio: https://www.linkedin.com/in/antonio-colicchio-9469661/SUBSCRIBE AND FOLLOW ALONG!Our podcast focuses mostly on:Circular Economy, Sustainable Living, Sustainability, Eco-Friendly, Recycling, Zero Waste, Environmentalism, Green Economy, Climate Change, Business Sustainability, Waste Management, Renewable Resources, Eco-Innovation, Supply Chain, Business, Circularity, Environmental Impact, Life Cycle Assessment, Upcycling, Downcycling, Closed Loop System, Sustainable Practices, Resource Recovery, Circular Strategies, Podcast, Alternative Materials, Reverse Logistics, ITAD, Lifecycle Services, Product Sourcing, and more!

EP 54: Mobile Disrupt, Circular Economy & Resale Growth with Bob Lafon in the Mobility Market

In this episode of All Things Circular, host Rich Bulger sits down with Bob Lafon, founder of Mobile Disrupt, to explore the evolution of the secondary mobile device market and the growing importance of circularity in the mobility ecosystem.With more than 40 years of experience in the wireless industry, Bob shares his journey from corporate leadership roles to entrepreneurship, driven by a relentless focus on problem-solving and a willingness to take risks. His path ultimately led to the creation of Mobile Disrupt, a conference built to serve a part of the industry that was often overlooked and undervalued.The conversation dives into the early days of Mobile Disrupt and the gap Bob recognized in the market. While attending industry events, he noticed that companies operating in the secondary mobile space resale, refurbishment, and reuse were often marginalized, despite playing a critical role in both environmental sustainability and economic value creation. This realization sparked the idea for a conference designed to bring visibility, respect, and opportunity to the entire ecosystem.Rich and Bob also explore the rapid growth of the used mobile device market, expected to reach significant scale in the coming years, and the operational challenges that come with it. From inconsistent grading standards to global fragmentation across regions, the industry is still working toward greater alignment and efficiency. The discussion highlights how emerging technologies like AI, robotics, and automation are beginning to solve these challenges by driving consistency and improving outcomes across the supply chain.A key theme throughout the episode is differentiation. Bob emphasizes the importance of building a unique value proposition in a crowded and competitive market, warning against common pitfalls like competing solely on price or making unprovable claims around service quality. Instead, success comes from identifying real problems, solving them effectively, and continuously evolving to stay relevant.The episode also offers practical advice for those entering the industry or attending trade shows for the first time. From planning meetings in advance to focusing on meaningful conversations rather than transactional interactions, Rich and Bob share strategies for maximizing value and building lasting relationships in a fast-moving space.Whether you’re new to the circular economy or deeply embedded in reverse logistics and resale, this episode provides valuable insight into how the mobility market is evolving, why the secondary supply chain matters, and what it takes to succeed in an increasingly competitive global landscape.Visit our website to learn more:https://allthingscircular.comConnect with Rich: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rich-bulger-43b02112/Connect with Bob: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-lafon/SUBSCRIBE AND FOLLOW ALONG!Our podcast focuses mostly on:Circular Economy, Sustainable Living, Sustainability, Eco-Friendly, Recycling, Zero Waste, Environmentalism, Green Economy, Climate Change, Business Sustainability, Waste Management, Renewable Resources, Eco-Innovation, Supply Chain, Business, Circularity, Environmental Impact, Life Cycle Assessment, Upcycling, Downcycling, Closed Loop System, Sustainable Practices, Resource Recovery, Circular Strategies, Podcast, Alternative Materials, Reverse Logistics, ITAD, Lifecycle Services, Product Sourcing, and more!