Return Phase is a framework developed by ResoField to encourage organizations to consider the full lifecycle of products, packaging, and materials.

The program focuses on what happens after a product is used, including repair, reuse, resale, recovery, recycling, regeneration, and responsible return.

Many systems are designed around extraction, production, sale, and consumption.

Return Phase asks an additional question:

What happens next?

By considering the return phase of products and materials, organizations can reduce waste, improve resource stewardship, and create more complete and responsible material cycles.

Return Phase is open to organizations of all sizes, including:

• Small businesses
• Manufacturers
• Retailers
• Service providers
• Nonprofits
• Product designers
• Packaging companies

Organizations do not need to be large or fully optimized to participate.

No.

Return Phase is designed to encourage progress, not perfection.

Organizations are evaluated based on awareness, effort, implementation, and continuous improvement.

Return Phase Levels recognize where an organization is in its return-phase journey.

Levels currently include:

• Seed
• Growth
• Regenerative
• Pioneer

The goal is to support continuous improvement rather than create pass-or-fail outcomes.

Return Phase is a stewardship and improvement framework.

Organizations may receive recognition based on their demonstrated efforts, practices, and progress.

The focus is on transparency, accountability, and ongoing improvement.

Return Phase reviews may consider:

• Material sourcing
• Product longevity
• Repairability
• Packaging design
• Unsold inventory practices
• Reuse and resale pathways
• Recovery and recycling pathways
• End-of-life planning
• Continuous improvement efforts

A Point of Loss is a place where materials, products, or resources leave the intended cycle and become waste.

Examples may include:

• Product destruction
• Unrecoverable packaging
• Lack of repair options
• Lack of recovery pathways
• Excess inventory disposal

Identifying Points of Loss helps organizations improve their systems over time.

Depending on the application, organizations may be asked to provide supporting information such as:

• Policies
• Process descriptions
• Photographs
• Reports
• Partner information
• Recovery or donation documentation

The purpose is to support transparency and ensure the accuracy of published information.

Review schedules may vary based on participation level and program development.

Organizations are encouraged to update their information as improvements are made.

Organizations interested in participating may submit an application through the Return Phase program.

Pilot participation opportunities may be available as the program develops.

The long-term vision includes helping organizations identify Points of Loss, improve recovery pathways, support repair and reuse networks, increase transparency, and encourage more regenerative material systems.