Product returns are inevitable. Annually, more than 120 million product units — exceeding $13 billion in value — move through the reverse distribution process. Produced in collaboration with Kindler & Crimmins Associations, LLC, and Bradford Rx Solutions, LLC, The Role of Reverse Distribution describes the differing types of product returns — including delivery damages and mis-shipments, saleable, unsaleable, recalled product and consumer-initiated returns — while illustrating the corresponding reverse distribution process and key stakeholders involved. Based on industry interviews, as well as a survey of reverse logistics providers, the report highlights opportunities to enhance the returns process and future considerations.