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. 5D AGO

    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!

    35 min
  2. MAY 6

    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!

    1h 1m
  3. APR 29

    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!

    29 min
  4. APR 22

    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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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

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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