In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton and special guest host Claudia Freed, President & CEO of EALGreen, welcome Chuck Johnston, Chief Strategy Officer at ReturnPro, for a deep dive into the “dark side” of supply chain: reverse logistics and returns management. They unpack why returns are a nearly trillion-dollar challenge in the U.S., how BORIS (buy online, return in store) strains store operations, and why many retailers still under-invest: leaders often can’t see the full cost across functions or make the ROI case for what’s treated as a cost center. Chuck shares how the space has evolved from yellow notepads to data-driven decisioning, highlighting intelligent algorithms that route items at the customer’s first return click, fraud mitigation with imaging and behavior signals, and how third-party innovation is compressing software build times. Claudia adds a nonprofit and circularity lens: donation channels, extended tax credits, and AI pilots (computer vision + MCP agents) that identify item condition and slotting in real time. Together, they explore where to start, why cross-functional “ambassadors” matter, and how partnerships across retailers, manufacturers, nonprofits, and 3PLs can turn returns from margin erosion into measurable value and social impact.   This episode is hosted by…

In this new episode of Whiteboard Wisdom on Supply Chain Now, host Scott Luton and special guest Patrick Van Hull dive into the critical topic of supply chain risk management. They explore three essential capabilities to optimize risk management strategies: due diligence, continuous monitoring, and executive reporting. Summary: Listen in as Patrick emphasizes the importance of understanding and preparing for various risks, including geopolitical, cyber, and environmental factors, and shares insights from industry surveys highlighting the significant financial impacts of supply chain disruptions. The discussion also covers the necessity of building risk intelligence and operational resilience to ensure business continuity in the face of adverse events. This episode is a must-watch for supply chain professionals looking to enhance their risk management practices and drive competitive advantage.