I had the privilege of speaking at Manifest 2025 in Las Vegas, a premier gathering of supply chain and logistics innovators. With thousands of industry leaders in attendance, the conference focused on the latest advancements in AI, automation, and sustainability. Our mission at Manifest was clear: to shine a light on how businesses can turn excess inventory into an opportunity for charity, sustainability, and social good—all while reducing waste and cutting costs.

‍

Rethinking Retail Waste: Giving Excess A Purpose

‍

At LiquiDonate, we believe that perfectly good products should never go to waste. Whether it’s overstock, returns, or unsellable-but-usable items, these goods don’t belong in landfills—they belong in communities in need. That was the heart of my presentation: how companies can easily donate excess inventory instead of discarding it, creating a seamless way to help nonprofits, schools, and communities while also reducing waste disposal costs and optimizing supply chain processes.

‍

I walked the audience through how LiquiDonate connects businesses with nonprofits in real-time, making donation just as easy as disposal. By leveraging existing logistics and supply chain networks for good, we’re helping companies of all sizes make sustainability and social responsibility a built-in part of their operations - without added complexity.

‍

Manifest 2025 Insights: Sustainability, AI, and the Future of Supply Chains

While AI, automation, and last-mile delivery were major topics at Manifest 2025, we were thrilled to see sustainability and social impact take center stage this year. Here are some of the key takeaways that directly align with LiquiDonate's mission:

• Sustainability & ESG: Companies are under increasing pressure to meet environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals. LiquiDonate offers a measurable, immediate solution by reducing waste and increasing donations to local communities.

• Resilience & Circular Economy: Supply chains are evolving to be more resilient, and that includes rethinking unproductive inventory. Instead of treating surplus as a problem, retailers are exploring circular solutions to turn excess into opportunity and social good—a vision LiquiDonate helps bring to life.

• Technology for Good: Many sessions at Manifest 2025 focused on how AI and automation can streamline supply chain operations.  LiquiDonate harnesses technology to streamline donations andensure that goods get to the right people at the right time, rather than sitting in warehouses or heading to landfills.

• Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI): We loved seeing so many discussions about making supply chains more inclusive. LiquiDonate prioritizes partnering with small, local nonprofits—especially those serving underrepresented communities—to ensure that charitable giving has real, targeted impact.

‍

The Path Forward: Rethinking Waste and Maximizing Impact

‍

Manifest 2025 reinforced what we already know: businesses have the power to make a massive difference by rethinking waste and prioritizing sustainability, circular solutions, and social impact. By choosing to donate instead of discard, companies can cut costs, reduce environmental harm, and support local communities - turning excess inventory into a force for good.

I left the conference more inspired than ever to continue growing LiquiDonate’s mission - helping businesses seamlessly reroute excess inventory to nonprofits, upcyclers, and resale partners. If your company has excess inventory– and we know everyone does– let’s connect.  

Together, we can build a world where nothing good goes to waste and create real impact in the process.

A huge shoutout to our friends at Loop Returns, ReturnGO, TrackStar, Two Boxes, Bungii, Ryder, Resale.com, and Fun Delivered, among others, for the incredible conversations and collaboration. Looking forward to what’s ahead!

‍