The Hidden Cost of Returns

The event will include 4 self-paced, themed stations:
1. The returns journey wall: A tactile info wheel simulates the journey of a returned item, from the customer to the warehouse, then on to resale or disposal. 
2. Your returns impact: This interactive poster station reveals the CO₂ emissions, consumer time spent, and cost to retailers associated with returns. ”
3. Dishonest returns & AI detection systems: This station highlights dishonest return practices and demonstrates how retailers are using AI-based detection systems to combat them. Brief cardboard displays (designed like cartons) will illustrate real-world cases. 
4. Reflection & pledge wall: Visitors are invited to reflect on their own return habits and share ideas for reducing waste. 

This drop-in public engagement event explores the environmental and human costs of product returns in fast fashion and e-commerce. While returns seem easy for consumers, they create hidden impacts, including CO₂ emissions, and time costs that ripple into our daily routines, from time lost navigating returns to the added workload for warehouse staff.
Grounded in research on reverse logistics, consumer behaviour, and return policies, this modular, interactive event invites visitors to reflect on how habits like over-ordering shape our working lives and the planet’s future.

Dr Danni Zhang, Lecurer in Logistics and Operations Management, Cardiff University

This event engages visitors of all ages and backgrounds. 

The general public