Takeaways from the 21st Annual RLA Conf & Expo Las Vegas 2025
After spending a few days at the Reverse Logistics Association conference in Las Vegas, one thing is clear: reverse logistics is no longer a niche function—it’s quickly becoming a central part of how modern businesses operate. And yet, many organizations are still trying to figure it out.
Here are some of the biggest trends and takeaways we heard, plus a look at how companies like ours are stepping in to support this transformation.
The Market Is Massive—and Getting Bigger
The reverse logistics market is projected to grow from $625.7 billion in 2023 to $947.4 billion by 2032, according to Fortune Business Insights. That growth is driven by several factors:
- The sheer size of the U.S. retail economy
- The rising volume and cost of unwanted returns
- Increased demand for used and refurbished products
- Supply chain pressures that require more efficient, closed-loop systems
It’s not just retail, either—major growth is coming from e-commerce, automotive, pharmaceuticals, and consumer electronics.
The Secondary Market Is Booming
Consumer behavior is shifting fast. In Europe, 43% of smartphone users now own a secondhand device, according to Counterpoint Research. That number is only expected to grow as trade-in programs, affordability, and sustainability all influence buying decisions.
What’s more, the average amount of time before a used device is returned is shrinking. Devices are cycling through the market faster, and businesses are under pressure to manage that flow efficiently—and profitably.
The Circular Economy Isn’t Just a Trend
A recurring theme throughout the conference was the shift from linear to circular models. In a traditional sales cycle, the focus is getting a customer from product one to product two. In a circular model, the goal is to get product one from consumer one to consumer two—and maybe beyond.
This model doesn’t just reduce waste. It also:
- Diversifies revenue streams
- Lowers costs
- Mitigates supply chain risks
- Improves environmental outcomes
- Strengthens brand trust
The companies succeeding in this space are what some call “Frontier Firms”—organizations that combine efficient forward logistics with robust reverse logistics and reuse strategies.
The Talent Gap Is Real
Despite the opportunity, there’s a real shortage of trained professionals in reverse logistics. It’s a field that demands operational expertise, regulatory fluency, data security, and market awareness. Many companies are just starting to build this internal knowledge—or are struggling to scale it.
So… How Do We Move Forward?
The future of reverse logistics is complex, fast-moving, and full of potential—but only if organizations are ready to meet it head-on.
At Dynamic Lifecycle Innovations, we’ve spent nearly two decades helping companies do exactly that. Here’s how we fit into this evolving landscape:
- End-to-end solutions: From pickup to final disposition, everything is handled in-house through our vertically integrated model
- Value recovery: Our global remarketing network helps extract maximum value from used assets
- Data & brand protection: Certified destruction, secure chain of custody, and full transparency are built in
- Sustainability tools: ESG-aligned reporting and our proprietary carbon calculator help businesses track real impact
- Compliance expertise: We stay on top of ever-changing regulations, so you don’t have to
We’re here to help you find confidence in the complicated—and turn reverse logistics into a competitive advantage. Contact us today to get the conversation started.
