2024 RTIH Innovation Awards winner ReBound teams with ESO RECYCLING for circular footwear returns

ReBound Returns has announced a partnership with ESO RECYCLING.

This will see retailers tapping its omnichannel returns management solutions utilise ESO RECYCLING's services to produce new materials from footwear items which can’t be resold.

ReBound handles over 100 million return transactions annually for various brands, combining intelligent technology and logistics capabilities to enable retailers to manage and monitor the full returns lifecycle.

ESO RECYCLING specialises in material recovery and recycling to transform waste into a resource. The company collects and recycles materials from the sports, fashion, and PPE industries, giving them a second life by diverting them from landfill.

Working with ESO RECYCLING has added non-resellable footwear to the list of items that ReBound can recycle. For example, when sports shoes are returned that cannot be resold, ESO RECYCLING transforms them into materials for projects that benefit society, such as shock absorbing playground surfaces or athletics tracks. The service is available throughout Europe.

Nicolas Meletiou, Founder and Managing Director at ESO RECYCLING, says: “We believe that no material should go to waste. Our partnership with ReBound marks a significant step toward making this vision a reality for the footwear industry. Through our scientifically proven processes and proprietary technologies, developed in collaboration with universities and research partners."

"We transform non-resellable returns into high value secondary materials, giving them new life in sustainable applications, from sports surfaces to urban development projects. Since 2009, with our esosport brand, we have demonstrated how sports waste can be effectively recycled.”

“Now, by joining forces with ReBound, we are expanding this proven approach to help retailers close the loop on sustainability, delivering tangible benefits to businesses while creating a positive impact on communities and the environment."

Jelle Schoenmaker, ReBound Managing Director, says: “We are committed to driving innovation in returns management to enhance efficiencies, reduce waste and support sustainability. Our partnership with ESO RECYCLING is an exciting step forward and we’re looking forward to working together to close the loop on returns and recycling."

“By ensuring that even non-resellable and non-reusable items are given a second life, we are providing more sustainable solutions for the retail industry and supporting a truly circular economy.” 

2024 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

ReBound was among the winners at the sixth edition of the RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards, sponsored by Vista Technology Support, Scala, CADS, 3D Cloud, Brightpearl by Sage’s Lightning 50, Business France, and Retail Technology Show 2025, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”

He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”

“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”

Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended last week’s gathering.