System handles 12m returns per year

The solution integrates multiple technologies, including a mechanised sortation system, to handle throughput of up to 12 million returned products per year.

Returns management is a fast-growing area of outsourced logistics in the e-commerce and omnichannel sectors. XPO customises solutions to each customer's requirements; in this instance, eight automated sorting lines for apparel and one line for shoes are integrated with touchless scanner technology. 

The computerized scanners use machine vision to read colour codes instead of bar codes, accelerating the routing of sorted products on conveyors according to condition: ready for inspection, damaged or return to retail.

To manage cardboard waste, XPO has deployed an industrial baling press to compact used cartons.