The study addresses the issue of remanufacturing and carries out a comparative ecological and economic assessment of a remanufactured product to a new one. The results of the study are to be used to support large companies (OEMs) and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to make decisions about the significant product and process-related changes.
The ecological assessment is conducted in accordance with the standards DIN EN ISO 14040/44 and the guidelines VDI 4600 and VDI 4800 Part 1 and Part 2. The consumptions of materials, energy, water and land use over the entire life cycle are examined. The results are evaluated with a focus on greenhouse gas emissions in CO2 equivalents. A raw material criticality analysis according to VDI 4800 Part 2 is also carried out for the dimension of supply risk. An assessment of production cost is conducted as part of the comparative economic evaluation.
Additionally, the study includes developing a new evaluation method to select the product groups suitable for remanufacturing. Using the new method, eight product groups were evaluated for remanufacturing. Within the framework of the study, drivers and barriers for remanufacturing are explained and assessed.
The study concludes with recommendations for the assessment of the potential of circular business models and their implementation.
The target groups of the study are product users, machine and plant manufacturers (SMEs and non-SMEs), consultants and research institutions. The findings from the study are considered a source of information for initiatives and associations as well as federal and state institutions and their representatives.
Please note: this report is in German.