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:
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- 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:
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- 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