All Things Circular

All Things Circular

All Things Circular is your go-to podcast for understanding the circular economy and its critical role in shaping a sustainable future. Each episode dives into practical strategies, expert insights, and thought-provoking discussions designed to help businesses build circular practices that work. Co-hosted by sustainability leaders Rich Bulger and Victoria D’Arcy our mission is to empower, inform, and inspire action. Have questions or want to be a guest on the podcast? Contact us at info@allthingscircular.com. Let’s build a circular future together!

  1. 2D AGO

    EP 53: Marketplaces, Multi-Channel Commerce & Resale Strategy Insights with Jordan Sielaff of Gierd

    In this episode of All Things Circular, host Rich Bulger sits down with Jordan Sielaff, CEO of Gierd, to explore how multi-platform ecommerce, marketplaces, and data-driven strategies are reshaping the future of retail, resale, and the circular economy.As more brands and retailers launch their own marketplaces, the traditional lines between direct-to-consumer, wholesale, and third-party platforms are beginning to blur. From companies like Walmart, Target, and Best Buy expanding their marketplace strategies to brands seeking more control over customer experience, pricing, and fulfillment, the conversation highlights a major shift in how products are bought and sold.Rich and Jordan break down the key differences between branded marketplaces and third-party platforms like Amazon and eBay, and why more companies are investing in owning their customer relationships. By reducing layers in the sales process, brands gain more control, faster feedback loops, and the ability to adapt quickly to changing demand, but they also take on added complexity in operations, customer service, and logistics.A central theme of the episode is the challenge of managing multi-channel commerce at scale. With different pricing structures, fee models, customer expectations, and levels of fraud across platforms, brands must rely on real-time data, automation, and dynamic pricing strategies to remain competitive and profitable. Jordan introduces the concept of “complete commerce,” a unified approach that connects pricing, supply and demand, customer experience, fraud management, and financial performance into a single decision-making framework.The conversation also explores how marketplaces are evolving beyond simple sales channels into powerful data engines that help brands better understand customer behavior, optimize inventory, and forecast future demand. In a world where pricing, demand, and competition are constantly shifting, companies that can react quickly and intelligently are the ones that win.Rich and Jordan also challenge a common misconception around the “gray market,” reframing it not as a risk, but as an opportunity. Rather than viewing secondary markets as separate or undesirable, the discussion highlights how they can serve as a testing ground for demand, pricing strategies, and new customer segments, ultimately becoming a fully integrated part of a brand’s overall commerce strategy.Whether you’re a brand, retailer, or operator navigating resale and reverse logistics, this episode offers a practical look at how marketplaces, data, and technology are converging to create a more connected and dynamic commerce ecosystem and why the future of selling is no longer linear, but fully circular.Visit our website to learn more:https://allthingscircular.comConnect with Rich: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rich-bulger-43b02112/Connect with Jordan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordansielaff/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!

    19 min
  2. APR 15

    EP 52: Fashion Returns, Recommerce & AI-Powered Resale with Patturn Founders Dennis & Davis Hoang

    In this episode of All Things Circular, host Peter Evans sits down with Dennis and Davis, co-founders of Patturn, to explore how technology is transforming one of the most complex challenges in retail: fashion returns. Patturn has built a recommerce operating system designed specifically for apparel, footwear, and accessories, helping brands and retailers process, grade, and resell returned inventory at scale. From receiving and inspection to pricing and multi-channel resale, their platform tackles the full lifecycle of returned fashion products, turning what is often seen as a loss into a recoverable revenue stream. The conversation dives into the reality of modern e-commerce returns, where most items come back in near-new condition due to sizing issues or customer preference rather than damage. Instead of sending these products to liquidation or landfill, Patturn focuses on maximizing value through recommerce, leveraging marketplaces like eBay, Poshmark, and Depop to move inventory quickly and efficiently. A key theme of the episode is the complexity of what the team calls “single-SKU logistics.” Unlike traditional retail, where products are sold in bulk quantities, returned fashion items are often one-of-one unique in size, condition, and style. Patturn’s system is built to handle this level of granularity, effectively serializing inventory and distributing it across multiple marketplaces in real time to maximize sell-through and pricing. The episode also explores how AI is beginning to reshape recommerce, from automated pricing and listing optimization to the future potential of AI-driven shopping agents that could source secondhand products on behalf of consumers. As resale continues to grow, the ability to intelligently match supply with demand across fragmented marketplaces is becoming a critical advantage. Dennis and Davis also pull back the curtain on a common misconception in the industry: that buying return pallets is an easy path to profit. In reality, extracting value from returned goods requires infrastructure, technology, and expertise, something most first-time buyers quickly discover the hard way. Whether you’re a retailer looking to improve return recovery, a reseller navigating secondary markets, or simply interested in the future of fashion recommerce, this episode offers a practical look at how technology, marketplaces, and operations are converging to unlock value after first use. Visit our website to learn more:https://allthingscircular.com Connect with Peter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-c-evans-phd-217b8/ Connect with Dennis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dennis-hoang1/ Connect with Davis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davis-hoang-mba-079a8932/ 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!

    27 min
  3. APR 8

    EP 51: Liquidation, Relationships & WHSL Market with Rich Bulger & Matt Leavell of BuyLow Warehouse

    In this episode of All Things Circular, host Rich Bulger sits down with Matt Leavell, CEO of BuyLow Warehouse and founder of WHSL Market, to unpack the realities of the liquidation industry and why relationships, speed, and adaptability define success in the secondary supply chain. Matt shares his journey from entrepreneurship across multiple industries into liquidation, where he quickly learned that unlike traditional business models, this space is constantly shifting. Contracts change, supply disappears, pricing fluctuates, and the strategies that work today may not work tomorrow. Instead of relying on rigid systems, success in liquidation often comes down to recognizing opportunity in real time and executing quickly while maintaining trust and integrity. The conversation dives into the fundamentals of liquidation and why it plays such a critical role in the circular economy. From returns and overstock to undeliverable inventory and shelf pulls, Matt breaks down how products enter the secondary market and why retailers and brands rely on partners to extract value from inventory they can no longer sell through traditional channels. A key theme throughout the episode is the lack of formal education in reverse logistics and liquidation. Most operators in the space are self-taught problem solvers, learning through experience, relationships, and hard-earned lessons. This gap in education is one of the driving forces behind WHSL Market, a conference designed to bring together small to mid-sized liquidators for networking, learning, and real-world insight that can’t be found in textbooks. Matt also shares the vision behind WHSL Market, including its focus on integrity, transparency, and connection. From the implementation of a morals and ethics pledge to curated education and high-value networking opportunities, the event is built to help operators grow their businesses while building trust in an industry that has historically struggled with inconsistency. The episode also tackles a common misconception in the industry: that brokers don’t add value. Matt explains the difference between transactional “couch brokers” and professional brokers who create real value by building relationships, reducing risk, and helping buyers navigate an unpredictable marketplace. Whether you’re new to liquidation or deep in the secondary market, this episode offers a practical look at how products move after first use, why relationships matter more than ever, and how operators can position themselves to win in an industry defined by constant change. If you’re planning to attend WHSL Market, don’t miss the All Things Circular Masterclass, a hands-on session designed to help you better understand reverse logistics, the secondary supply chain, and how to unlock more value from returned and excess inventory. Register for the masterclass here: https://whslmarket2026.eventify.io/t2/tickets/A58A85 Visit our website to learn more:https://allthingscircular.com Connect with Rich: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rich-bulger/ Connect with Matt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewleavell/ 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!

    39 min
  4. APR 1

    Ep 50: All Things Circular Podcast - Circular Sales, Data & Connected Living Evolution w/ Biju Nair

    In this milestone 50th episode of All Things Circular, host Rich Bulger sits down in Chicago with longtime friend, mentor, and industry leader Biju Nair, EVP & President of Global Connected Devices and International at Assurant. Together, they reflect on more than 15 years of collaboration and explore how circular sales, data, and reverse logistics reshaped the global device ecosystem. Rich and Biju trace the early evolution of device trade-in programs, unpacking how incentivized returns transformed what was once considered waste into a powerful driver of customer retention, revenue growth, and global connectivity. They discuss how smartphones have quietly become one of the world’s largest circular economies, rivaling housing and the automotive sector, by harnessing residual value and extending devices into second, third, and fourth lives. The conversation dives deep into the role of data in circular systems, from early pricing catalogs to predictive analytics platforms like Device IQ. Biju explains why collecting data at every step of the device lifecycle is essential, not just for valuation, but also for informed decision-making regarding upgrade cycles, customer affordability, repairability, and long-term asset resilience. Rich and Biju also explore how automation, robotics, machine vision, and AI are transforming device care centers, improving speed, consistency, and value recovery at scale. They examine shifting consumer behavior, particularly among Gen Z and Millennials, who increasingly view devices as assets rather than disposable purchases, and how this mindset is accelerating adoption of certified pre-owned devices across global markets. In one of the episode’s most important moments, Biju challenges the persistent myth that circularity cannibalizes new device sales, explaining why strong secondary markets actually fuel ecosystem growth, customer loyalty, and faster adoption of next-generation technology. By the end of this conversation, listeners gain a clear understanding of how circular sales models, data-driven insights, and connected living strategies are shaping the future of mobility, sustainability, and global technology and why circularity is no longer optional, but foundational to modern business. Visit our website to learn more: allthingscircular.com Connect with Rich: linkedin.com/in/rich-bulger-43b02112 Connect with Biju: linkedin.com/in/bijunair2000 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!

    1h 1m
  5. MAR 18

    EP 49: E-Waste, Microfactories & Circular Plastics Innovation with James Lancaster of Renew IT

    In this episode of All Things Circular, hosts Rich Bulger and Victoria D’Arcy sit down with James Lancaster, CEO and founder of Renew IT, to explore one of the most overlooked challenges in the circular economy: what happens to the plastics inside our electronic waste. James shares the story behind Renew IT, an Australia-based company that began processing returned IT equipment, laptops, servers, hard drives, and networking gear and has since evolved into a circular innovation platform focused on extracting new value from e-waste materials. At the center of the conversation is Renew IT’s groundbreaking microfactory model, developed in partnership with the University of New South Wales. These microfactories convert waste ABS plastics from electronics into high-quality 3D printing filament, transforming discarded materials from printers, monitors, and servers into usable manufacturing inputs. Instead of creating more virgin plastic, the technology focuses on repurposing the valuable materials that already exist in the global waste stream. The episode dives into the scale of the plastic problem and the opportunity that comes with solving it. With massive volumes of e-waste plastics currently ending up in landfills and oceans, Renew IT’s approach demonstrates how localized circular manufacturing can create new products, new revenue streams, and new jobs while keeping valuable materials in circulation. Rich, Vic, and James also explore the role universities and research institutions can play in advancing the circular economy. Through hands-on collaboration with students, research labs, and STEM education programs, Renew IT is helping bridge the gap between academic research and real-world commercialization, turning sustainability ideas into scalable industry solutions. The conversation also tackles a persistent myth around sustainability and innovation: that research and development is simply a cost center. James argues that when done correctly, R&D is one of the most powerful investments companies can make, unlocking entirely new markets and business models in the circular economy. Whether you're working in reverse logistics, sustainability, manufacturing, or resale, this episode offers a fascinating look at how waste materials can become the feedstock for the next generation of circular products and why the future of manufacturing may be smaller, smarter, and far more circular. Visit our website to learn more:https://allthingscircular.com Connect with Rich: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rich-bulger/ Connect with Vic: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-d-arcy-aa84b51/ Connect with James: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prof-james-lancaster-6924156/ 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!

    20 min
  6. MAR 11

    EP 48: ASD Market Week, Reverse Logistics, Circular Supply Chains & Secondary Markets w/ Stephanie B

    In this episode of All Things Circular, host Rich Bulger sits down with Stephanie Beringhele, VIP Buyer Relations Director at ASD Market Week, to explore how one of the largest retail trade shows in the world is becoming a powerful hub for the circular economy, liquidation, and secondary supply chains. Stephanie shares the story behind ASD’s evolution from a surplus show founded in 1961 to a massive marketplace connecting more than 30,000 buyers, sellers, and entrepreneurs across retail, wholesale, liquidation, and reverse logistics. The conversation dives into why events like ASD bring together the people who actually move products in the secondary supply chain, from retailers and brands to liquidators, bin store operators, and resale entrepreneurs. Rich and Stephanie also break down the growing importance of what Rich calls “circular logistics,” the full lifecycle of a product after first use. As returns, excess inventory, and secondary markets continue to grow, understanding how products move through resale, liquidation, and redistribution channels is becoming a major competitive advantage for retailers and entrepreneurs alike. The episode also highlights the upcoming All Things Circular masterclass at ASD Market Week, a hands-on educational experience designed to help operators better understand reverse logistics, resale strategy, and inventory monetization. Through expert panels, interactive discussion, and a guided walk of the show floor, attendees will see how circular supply chains work in the real world and how to apply those lessons directly to their businesses. ASD Market Week takes place March 17–19 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, bringing together thousands of buyers, suppliers, retailers, and secondary market operators for three days of networking, sourcing, and education. Whether you're looking to grow your resale business, source new inventory, or better understand how reverse logistics fits into modern retail, ASD offers a unique opportunity to learn directly from the people shaping the industry. If you’re attending ASD Market Week in Las Vegas, be sure to check out the All Things Circular panel and masterclass and connect with the community that is redefining how products move after first use. Visit our website to learn more: https://allthingscircular.com Connect with Rich: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rich-bulger/ Connect with Steph: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-beringhele-5403a863/ 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!

    31 min
  7. MAR 4

    EP 47: Live from NRF Rev- Reverse Logistics, Liquidation & Secondary Market Strategy Insights

    In this episode of All Things Circular, hosts Rich Bulger and Damian Polak come to you live from NRF Rev in New York City for a fast-paced, on-the-ground recap of one of retail’s most important reverse logistics gatherings. Joined by leaders from the liquidation and bin store world, including Tom Schultz of Liquidation Motivation and Ben Davis of Bin Mania, the conversation unpacks what really happens when returns, excess inventory, and secondary supply chains collide with technology, retail, and opportunity. Broadcasting straight from the show floor, the group reflects on why NRF Rev matters for anyone operating in resale, liquidation, or reverse logistics. From networking with retailers and tech providers to understanding how major brands think about returns, the episode highlights how being “in the right room” can completely change the trajectory of a business. In an industry with no formal degree path in reverse logistics, events like this become the classroom, where operators trade insights, share hard-earned lessons, and sharpen their strategies. Rich breaks down one of the core themes of the discussion: the difference between the linear supply chain and the secondary supply chain. While traditional retail follows a make, distribute, sell model, reverse logistics operates under entirely different pressures, incentives, and value drivers. The group explores tiered return streams, the economics of large-lot versus small-lot sales, brand protection concerns, distributor realities, and the strategic decisions that determine where and how returned product ultimately lands. For liquidators and resale entrepreneurs, understanding these tiers is the key to unlocking reliable supply and long-term profitability. The episode also tackles a persistent myth in the industry: that buying through liquidation or secondary channels automatically results in a poor customer experience. Drawing from real-world bin store operations, the conversation emphasizes that customer delight, operational discipline, and brand identity matter just as much in discount retail as they do in traditional storefronts. From front-line staff culture to repeat foot traffic strategy, the panel shows how resale businesses can compete and win by delivering memorable, positive experiences. By the end of the episode, listeners gain a clearer understanding of how reverse logistics education, strategic networking, and a deeper grasp of secondary market dynamics can transform liquidation from a hustle into a scalable business model. Whether you’re a retailer, brand, tech provider, or resale operator, this live NRF Rev recap offers practical insight into how inventory moves after first use and why mastering that movement creates real competitive advantage. Visit our website to learn more: https://allthingscircular.com Connect with Rich: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rich-bulger/ Connect with Damian: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damianpolak/ Connect with Tom: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-shultz-mba-a1a8b378/ Connect with Ben: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-davis-172047188/ 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!

    16 min
  8. FEB 25

    EP 46: AI, Reverse Logistics, Fashion Resale & Digital Product Passports with Melissa McDermott

    In this episode of All Things Circular, hosts Rich Bulger and Vic D’Arcy sit down with Melissa McDermott, founder of Reclaim, to explore how AI, resale, and digital product passports are transforming the fashion industry from the inside out. Melissa brings more than 20 years of experience across luxury, high street, and fast fashion, with leadership roles spanning the US and Europe at brands like Gap Inc., Abercrombie & Fitch, and major European fashion houses. After witnessing firsthand the inefficiencies, overproduction, and mounting return volumes inside global fashion supply chains, she shifted into technology, launching early blockchain and digital product passport initiatives before founding Reclaim, an AI-powered operating system designed to extend product lifecycles through intelligent resale, reuse, and recycling. The conversation dives deep into the cultural and economic shifts reshaping fashion. Melissa unpacks the stark differences between U.S. and European resale adoption, the growing influence of Gen Z and millennial consumers who buy with intent to resell, and the powerful statistic that 70% of secondary market buyers are new customers to a brand. Together, they examine how resale is no longer a threat to brand equity but a strategic lever to reduce customer acquisition costs, increase lifetime value, and unlock new revenue streams. Rich and Vic also explore the surge in returns, reaching as high as 40% in some cases during the e-commerce boom and the hidden downstream costs that brands must now manage. Melissa explains how Reclaim bridges supply and demand by aggregating fragmented data, dynamically valuing garments based on condition, brand perception, and market trends, and enabling consumers to see resale or take-back value at the point of purchase. A major focus of the episode centers on digital product passports, what they are, what they are not, and how they must evolve beyond compliance tools into practical enablers of authentication, resale, repair, and recycling. Melissa shares candid insights into the operational complexity of implementing traceability across global fashion supply chains and why true circularity requires ecosystem-wide collaboration. Finally, Melissa busts one of the biggest myths in circularity: that it isn’t profitable. She argues that circular models are not only viable, but increasingly essential and that AI-driven data aggregation is the missing link to making circular strategies both financially and environmentally sustainable By the end of this episode, listeners will gain a clearer understanding of how resale technology, reverse logistics optimization, and digital product intelligence can help brands turn regulatory pressure, shifting consumer behavior, and supply chain inefficiencies into strategic opportunity. Visit our website to learn more:https://allthingscircular.com Connect with Vic: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-d-arcy-aa84b51/ Connect with Rich: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rich-bulger/ Connect with Melissa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissamcdermott/ 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!

    37 min

About

All Things Circular is your go-to podcast for understanding the circular economy and its critical role in shaping a sustainable future. Each episode dives into practical strategies, expert insights, and thought-provoking discussions designed to help businesses build circular practices that work. Co-hosted by sustainability leaders Rich Bulger and Victoria D’Arcy our mission is to empower, inform, and inspire action. Have questions or want to be a guest on the podcast? Contact us at info@allthingscircular.com. Let’s build a circular future together!

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