By: Rank Rocket SEO
Businesses in the retail, brick-and-mortar, and e-commerce industries often encounter the challenge of customers returning products. It’s so common that many people consider it an inevitable part of doing business in these industries, and statistics support this view. In 2024, for example, merchandise returns reached a substantial $890 billion, according to the National Retail Federation—a figure that has generally increased over time. A McKinsey report suggests that return rates for online purchases have increased by nearly 30% over the past five years.
The reasons behind these large numbers are not hard to understand—product returns are commonly seen as part of the freedom of choice for customers. However, the situation is more complex than it might first appear. Shipping products back and forth can contribute to unnecessary greenhouse gas emissions. For instance, Inside Ecology reported that in 2022 alone, retailers sent over 9.5 billion pounds (approximately 4.3 million metric tons) of returned products to landfills, since reselling was often considered too costly. Furthermore, only 54% of all packaging is recycled, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
In addition to the environmental impact and the loss of potential profits, a wasteful returns process can negatively affect brand image. Retailers like H&M and Nike have faced backlash after reports that they burned unsold or returned clothing instead of donating or reselling it. Thus, businesses are increasingly seeking ways to manage the waste generated by product returns more effectively.
Fortunately, they have a partner in CheckSammy, a leader in sustainable waste solutions that is helping companies rethink their approach to returns.
Zero Point Returns
Many consumers may not realize that a significant portion of returned items ends up in landfills. However, as demand for more sustainable business model grows, it’s becoming likely that companies with inefficient or environmentally harmful product returns processes will face greater scrutiny. CheckSammy is tackling this issue with its Zero Point Returns solution—a strategy designed to reduce landfill waste, protect brand integrity, and find new value in excess materials.
Through its advanced logistics tech stack, data-driven transparency, and a nationwide network of sustainability hubs, CheckSammy is aiming to redefine how retailers handle product returns. As Sam Scoten, CEO and cofounder of CheckSammy, notes, “as brands and businesses become more focused on sustainability, they are seeking solutions that not only address excess materials but do so in a way that aligns with their environmental and social responsibility goals.” He adds, “CheckSammy’s Zero Point Returns solution ensures that returned products are not simply discarded but are repurposed, recycled, or processed sustainably.”
A New Standard for Sustainable Returns
Traditional product return logistics often involve inefficiencies, particularly because many retailers lack the infrastructure to properly sort, separate, and aggregate returned materials for recycling or repurposing. One major challenge has been collecting enough material to make recycling efforts economically viable.
The good news is that CheckSammy’s Zero Point Facilities aim to solve this problem by centralizing returned materials, enabling them to be processed at scale. By utilizing strategically placed sustainability hubs across the country, CheckSammy provides retailers with a more efficient and customizable solution. These hubs are designed to quickly sort materials, ensuring reusable and recyclable materials are identified and processed promptly. Moreover, CheckSammy safeguards brand integrity by ensuring that returned goods do not enter unauthorized secondary markets.
A key advantage of the Zero Point Facilities is the extensive reporting and data transparency they offer. Retailers can gain detailed insights into how their returned products are being managed in real time. The system also includes carbon accounting and scope 3 reporting, helping retailers track, reduce, and report their carbon footprint—valuable for Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting.
“Zero Point Facilities create the missing link between retailers and sustainable end-of-life product management,” explains Scoten. “We don’t just collect and transport returned goods—we integrate them into a system that helps them reach their maximum potential, whether that means recycling, repurposing, or responsibly deconstructing materials.”
Data-Driven Sustainability: Tracking Every Product’s Journey
One of CheckSammy’s distinguishing features is its commitment to data transparency and sustainability analytics. The company’s Track & Trace system ensures that every item processed through a Zero Point Facility is sorted, weighed, and categorized, offering retailers real-time insights into the lifecycle of their returned products.
By integrating seamlessly with ESG tech platforms, CheckSammy enables businesses to track their progress in reducing waste and improving sustainability. The platform also supports the creation of carbon offset credits and carbon inset efforts. Additionally, through the aggregation of material data, businesses can optimize their return logistics, helping to reduce overall waste.
“Data is at the heart of what we do,” says Scoten. “Retailers can no longer afford to operate without clear visibility into their sustainability efforts. Our platform enables businesses to evaluate their current impact and measure progress toward waste reduction and carbon neutrality.”
While product returns will continue to be a part of retail, they do not have to overwhelm businesses or put them at risk of ESG non-compliance. By partnering with CheckSammy, companies can manage returns in a more sustainable and economically viable way. As Scoten emphasizes, “businesses that succeed in their sustainability journey are those that reduce waste, recover value, and rethink the returns process.”
Disclaimer: The information presented in this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. While the data and claims are based on available reports and industry trends, outcomes may vary depending on individual business circumstances and market conditions. CheckSammy’s services and solutions are described as one potential approach to managing product returns and sustainability; businesses should consider their specific needs and consult with relevant professionals before implementing any new strategies. CheckSammy makes no guarantees regarding the specific outcomes or results for any business adopting these practices.
Published by Jeremy S.
