Mike Newman and Joe Lynch discuss sustainability and reusable packaging. Mike is the CEO of Returnity Innovations, a triple bottom line company dedicated to supporting its investors, the community, and the planet.


About Mike Newman

Mike Newman, the CEO of Returnity Innovations, is a recognized authority in the field of transformational logistics platforms, specializing in shifting from single-use to circularity through reusable packaging solutions for companies and organizations. With a strong commitment to reducing plastic and corrugated cardboard waste while achieving significant cost savings in packaging expenses, Mike has made substantial contributions to the industry. He holds an MBA from the prestigious Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan. Throughout his extensive career spanning over 20 years, Mike has been instrumental in merging supply chain and sustainability initiatives. Notably, he has served as the Sales and Marketing Vice President for ReCellular, where he developed e-waste programs for renowned companies like Verizon, Walmart, and Best Buy. Mike’s expertise has earned him speaking engagements at prominent events such as Shoptalk, NRF Big Show, Package Fulfillment, Logistics & Delivery EXPO, Home Delivery World, Pack EXPO, and Waste Expo.

About Returnity

Returnity, headquartered in Brooklyn, New York, is a triple bottom line company dedicated to supporting its investors, the community, and the planet. Specializing in reusable packaging solutions, Returnity offers a wide range of products to companies and organizations. Their offerings include consumer and B2B reusable bags, industrial/enterprise reusable solutions, and customizable options. With an extensive product lineup consisting of reusable shipping boxes, bags, envelopes, and shopping bags, Returnity caters to both enterprise and consumer needs. The company provides a comprehensive integration plan that encompasses cleaning, repair, and replacement services. Renowned clients such as Walmart, Estée Lauder, New Balance, and Rent the Runway rely on Returnity’s expertise in designing, manufacturing, and implementing reusable packaging and circular logistics systems. Impressively, their packaging solutions facilitate over 1 million shipments and deliveries per month, achieving an impressive return rate of 95.5% through their target of 20 customer shipment/delivery cycles (40 in total) per bag or box.

Key Takeaways: Sustainability and Reusable Packaging

  • Triple Bottom Line Approach: Returnity is a company committed to supporting investors, the community, and the planet.
  • Extensive Product Range: They offer a diverse selection of reusable packaging solutions, including consumer and B2B reusable bags, industrial/enterprise solutions, and customizable options.
  • Comprehensive Integration Plan: Returnity provides a full-service integration plan that covers cleaning, repair, and replacement services for their reusable packaging products.
  • Renowned Clientele: Returnity’s expertise is trusted by renowned clients such as Walmart, Estée Lauder, New Balance, and Rent the Runway.
  • Impressive Shipment and Delivery Volume: Their packaging solutions facilitate over 1 million shipments and deliveries per month.
  • High Return Rate: Returnity achieves a remarkable return rate of 95.5% through their target of 20 customer shipment/delivery cycles (40 in total) per bag or box.
  • Addressing the Packaging Problem: Returnity recognizes the challenges posed by excessive cardboard waste in the shipping and delivery industry.
  • Reusable Packaging Solution: They offer durable, customized, and reusable bags and boxes, along with supporting logistics systems.
  • Comprehensive Approach: Returnity follows a systematic approach, starting with a reusable packaging analysis, followed by a pilot program to measure performance and finally scaling up based on the learnings.
  • Circular Framework: Returnity embraces a circularity framework, allowing businesses to make the switch to reusables, thus reducing waste and promoting sustainability.

Learn More About Sustainability and Reusable Packaging

Mike on LinkedIn

Returnity on LinkedIn

Returnity website

Operations Partner – Beyond the Bag Consortium

The Last Box – Reducing Cardboard Waste

Finalist – 2023 Reusies

Packaging Europe – How to measure reusable packaging success

Retail Dive – The next frontier in e-commerce packaging

Episode Sponsor: TMSA

TMSA: 2023 ELEVATE Conference

The Logistics of Logistics Podcast