Development of remanufacturing systems at original equipment remanufacturers

Abstract

Remanufacturing is a strategy for advancing the circular economy, enabling the restoration of used products to meet or exceed original specifications. This study explores the challenges and enablers OERs (Original Equipment Remanufacturers) face in developing remanufacturing systems at their production sites. By adopting a system-oriented perspective, the paper contributes to understanding remanufacturing as a transformation system involving human, technical, informational, management and goal systems. It bridges gaps in existing research on hybrid systems capable of handling both new and remanufactured products. Through two case studies conducted at OERs in Sweden, the research identifies challenges such as dependence on manual labour, equipment limitations, variability in core quality, and inefficiencies in information systems. Enablers like hands-on training, ERP system adaptations, strategic outsourcing, and cross-functional collaboration are also highlighted. The study presents a unified framework with actionable insights to guide OERs in the early stages of developing remanufacturing processes into their operations.