Skip to main content

Remanufacturing: A Basic Overview

Remanufacturing is the process of disassembly and recovery at the module and component level. It requires the repair or replacement of worn out, obsolete, and/or known high failure components. True Remanufacturing differs from other recovery (e.g. recycled) systems because the goal for any sophisticated remanufactured is to match the quality, reliability, and end use of the original part. Through a series of processes which can vary by product and environment, a core is completely disassembled and the useable parts are cleaned, refurbished, and placed into the inventory system. When ready, a product is reassembled from the old parts (and where necessary, new parts) to produce an equivalent and/or better product. Remanufacturing requires a more complex governing structure, because it involves a fundamental business change from an ordinary manufacturing process. However when done correctly , it offers significant upside in environmental sustainability and added bottom line profit and increased customer satisfaction.

- Flight Systems Automotive, GroupJoint Venture Partner White Paper

As part of SJMConsults effort to review and understand sustainability minded concepts, I've gathered a collection of reports, articles and media that aim to explain "Remanufacturing" in the context of Circular Procurement. This list is by no means comprehensive, I've only included what I believe are the most thought provoking efforts that can stand for themselves and that do not over reference or rely on the traction from other reports. I do my best to keep this info relative to the purpose of the Circular Procurement Workshop and the current marketplace. In no particular order here is a continually updated list of resources regarding Remanufacturing in practice, regulations, it's use in the context of circular procurement and examples of products:

Remanufacturing, Definitions and Basic Studies

The manufacturer's value chain as a service - the case of remanufacturing, David Opresnik* and Marco Taisch, Journal of Remanufacturing

Revenue and Cost Management for Remanufactured Products, Anton Ovchinnikov, Darden School of Business, University of Virginia
This paper studies joint pricing and remanufacturing strategy of a firm that decides to offer both new and remanufactured versions of its product in the market.

Core Acquisitions Planning in the Automotive Parts Remanufacturing Industry, Toyin Clottey, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Supply Chain Management, Iowa State University-College of Business

Designing Products for Extended Life Spans and Multiple Profit Cycles - Georgia Institute of Technology, Systems Realization Laboratory
   


Remanufacturing and Sustainability/Circularity

Introduction: Refurbish/Remanufacture, Circular Economy Tool Kit

Enhancing remanufacturing – studying networks and sustainability to support Finnish industry, Iris Karvonen*, Kim Jansson, Hannele Tonteri, Saija Vatanen and Mikko Uoti, Journal of Remanufacturing

Circular Economy Evidence Building Programme, Remanufacturing Study, Full Report, Zero Waste Scotland

Remanufacturing and the move towards a circular economy, The Manufacturer

Remanufacturing: The Ultimate Form of Recycling, Rolf Steinhilper

In the book Remanufacturing, remanufacturing is promoted as the "ultimate form of recycling" to all sectors of the general population.
Remanufacturing: The Ultimate form of Recycling / Part I
Remanufacturing: The Ultimate form of Recycling / Part II
Remanufacturing: The Ultimate form of Recycling / Part III
Remanufacturing: The Ultimate form of Recycling / Part IV

Lifecycle Assessment of the Environmental Benefits of Remanufactured Product within a "Green" Supply Chain, Charles L. Goldey, Ernst-Ulrich Kuester, Renee Mummert, Thomas A. Okrasinski, P.E., Donald Olson, and William J. Schaeffer, Sr., P.E.

GHGs, Carbon Footprints and the Remanufacturing Industry: Capitalizing on a Sustainable Advantage, Michael J. Readey, Aeris Analytics, LLC


Collection and Reverse Logistics

The Effect of Competition on Recovery Strategies (ed.3) - Ferguson, Mark E. ; Toktay, L. Beril

Offering branded remanufactured/recycled products: at what price? Leila Hamzaoui-Essoussi and Jonathan D Linton

Chapter 9 Product Take-Back Legislation and Its Impacton Recycling and Remanufacturing Industries Gökçe Esenduran, Eda Kemahlıo˘glu-Ziya and Jayashankar M. Swaminathan

Reverse Logistics: a review of case studies Marisa P. de Brito* Econometric Institute Erasmus University Rotterdam




Examples (focus on sustainability and circularity)
Caterpillar Case Study from the Refurbish/Remanufactured Case Study Index of the Ellen McArthur Foundation

LEAN MANUFACTURING AND REMANUFACTURINGIMPLEMENTATION TOOLS, John S. W. Fargher, Jr., Ph.D., Director Missouri Enterprise, University of Missouri - Rolla Rolla, MO

FUJI XEROX, Corporate societal responsibility: knowledge learning through sustainable global supply chain management
Labels:

Popular posts from this blog

B Corp at Beau's

As the closest of the BCorp breweries to my house (a swift 6 hrs), I was excited to speak with the "Not-so-Corporate Communications & Media Relations" coordinator Jen Beauchesne about Beau's efforts and dive into what has gained the reputation as a progressive environmental and social leader in the industry.

I’m a customer that just came in for a tour, “What is B Corp?” and “Why did you choose to become involved?”
A B-Corp is a Benefit Corporation, meaning a business that chooses to act as a force for good in the world. As a Certified B-Corporation, Beau’s meets higher standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. We chose to become a B Corp for a number of reasons – to set an achievable example for other businesses, to give our customers the assurance of a third-party endorsement of our commitment to social good and the environment, and to help us build a roadmap for sustainable growth as a brewery.



As the B Corp Certification is …
Post a Comment
I WANT TO KEEP READING »

ONTARIEAU - Voluntary Bottle Return and Reuse Program

As part of my efforts to find the most progressive solutions to our waste problems, I've been visiting innovators to learn how they've identified opportunities to replace waste.


Yesterday, I was honored for the opportunity to meet and speak with Thomas Plewman of Deluge Water Inc about their brand ONTARIEAU. Thomas and business partner Adam Kagan created ONTARIEAU, the only brand of sparkling natural spring water with a voluntary bottle reuse program in Canada.


Plewman explained that his restaurant clients prefer the bottle reuse program, “Owners and managers like their restaurants to have a lighter environmental impact, and this product not only meets that requirement but is also stylish and a high-quality water”.


The process is pretty simple, first restaurants and cafes use and then save the bottles in the provided boxes or reusable crates.


These bottles are then collected by Plewman or his staff when full bottles are delivered. The bottles are then cleaned and refilled wit…
Post a Comment
I WANT TO KEEP READING »

TRUE Zero Waste Certification

GBCI’s TRUE Zero Waste certification program is used by facilities to define, pursue and achieve their Zero Waste goals, cutting their carbon footprint, supporting public health and reducing operational costs.

The certification goes beyond diversion numbers and focuses on the upstream policies and practices that make Zero Waste successful in any organization and beyond. TRUE certified spaces are environmentally responsible, more resource efficient and help turn waste into savings and additional income streams.

LEARN MORE ABOUT SJMC'S TRUE SERVICE PACKAGES

Benefits? TRUE certified facilities: Save money - Waste is a sign of inefficiency and the reduction of waste reduces costs.Progress faster - A zero waste strategy improves upon production processes and environmental prevention strategies, which can lead to larger, more innovative steps.Support sustainability - A zero waste strategy supports the three P’s – people, planet and profit.Improve material flows - A zero waste strategy us…
I WANT TO KEEP READING »