Remanufacturing for the Circular Economy

Remanufacturing is a comprehensive and rigorous industrial process by which a previously sold, worn, or non-functional product or component is returned to a “like-new” or “better-than-new” condition with a warranty that guarantees a level of performance and quality.

Remanufacturing is not the same as “recycling” or “repairing”. A lack of awareness of remanufacturing and its benefits by dealers, customers and policymakers remains a major obstacle to growth of the industry.

Some of the benefits of remanufacturing include:

• • Conservation of materials (of increasing importance as raw materials become scarcer and more expensive)
  • Reduced energy consumption during manufacturing
  • Reduced waste (and associated disposal costs)
  • Lower price for comparable quality

Some of the most commonly remanufactured product categories are:

• • Aircraft components
  • Automotive parts
  • Electrical and electronic equipment
  • Engines and components
  • Medical equipment
  • Office furniture
  • Printing equipment
  • Restaurant and food-service equipment

Remanufacturing is an important component of a resource-efficient manufacturing industry. By keeping components and their embodied material in use for longer, significant energy use and CO₂ emissions to air and water can be reduced. In addition to improving resource management, remanufacturing provides opportunities for the creation of highly skilled jobs and economic growth.

Benefits of Remanufacturing

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References

Partial text:  Remanufacturing Industries Council

Benefits of Remanufacturing images: European Remanufacturing Network