In a recent Forbes article by Dennis Mitzner, industry leaders—including Renow CEO Kalle Koutajoki—discussed how AI is transforming e-commerce returns by optimizing reverse logistics, cutting costs, and improving efficiency.
We’re excited to share that Renow has been recognized as a leader in AI-powered recommerce, showcasing how our technology is reshaping the way retailers handle returns—turning a costly challenge into an opportunity for efficiency, sustainability, and revenue growth.
AI and the Future of E-Commerce Returns
Returns have long been a pain point for e-commerce, with over 4 billion parcels sent back annually. Traditionally, returns go through manual inspections, costly transportation, and slow processing times, adding inefficiencies and increasing costs for retailers. However, AI is revolutionizing this space by automating decision-making, optimizing logistics, and enabling faster turnaround times.
By analyzing images, purchase history, and return data, AI can instantly assess product conditions, reduce unnecessary shipments, and even route items directly to the next buyer—bypassing warehouses altogether. This lowers handling costs by 20% or more while making the return process faster and more sustainable.
Renow’s Role in AI-Powered Recommerce
In the article, Renow CEO and co-founder Kalle Koutajoki shares how our AI-driven recommerce platform is redefining reverse logistics, trade-in, and resale:
“We have created a combination of software and local warehouse partners, which gives retailers a turnkey solution for handling reverse logistics in a more efficient way. We utilize different AI algorithms in all the above scenarios: automated decision-making, routing, and AI agents assisting physical inspectors. This, coupled with a sales channel for products that cannot be sold as new, results in a better and more cost-effective model for reverse logistics.”
Why This Matters
The future of e-commerce isn’t just about selling—it’s about smart recommerce. AI is helping retailers move beyond reactive returns management to predictive and proactive strategies, ensuring:
1. Fewer unnecessary returns through better product data
2. Optimized logistics to reduce costs and carbon footprint
3. Faster resale of returned items, maximizing revenue potential
With AI at the core of Renow’s operations, we are pioneering a more efficient, sustainable, and profitable way to handle returns.
🔗 Read the full Forbes article here
Source:
Mitzner, Dennis. “How AI Is Transforming E-Commerce Returns, Cutting Costs And Improving Efficiency.” Forbes, February 11, 2025.
