Strategic Focus: Redefining The Role Of Remanufacturing In The Circular Economy Through Innovation

Access this research

Access all ESG & Sustainability content with a strategic subscription or buy this single report

Buy Subscription

Need help or have a question about this report? Contact us for assistance

Executive Summary

Remanufacturing has been driven by established industries such as automotive and electronics for decades, but has recently experienced growth in emerging sectors such as renewable energy and semiconductor manufacturing. Advancements in technologies such as machine learning, additive manufacturing and robotics are enhancing profitability, efficiency and sustainability within the remanufacturing process. These innovations promise to reshape the industry landscape, offering opportunities for increased circularity, reduced environmental impact and improved resource utilization. This report examines the current state of remanufacturing, the industries driving it and the technologies that are reshaping it.

Table of contents

The case for remanufacturing in an evolving circular economy
Remanufacturing enables maximum value retention in the age of circularity
Remanufacturing offers a unique value proposition for manufacturers, dealers and customers
Remanufacturing still faces misconceptions and process inefficiencies
Innovation is helping to redefine the remanufacturing sector
New and growing markets are driving the adoption of remanufacturing
Remanufacturers can leverage technology to improve efficiency, increase profitability and strengthen sustainability

Table of figures

Figure 1. The remanufacturing process and key actors
Figure 2. Product life cycle and core differentiators between remanufactured and refurbished products
Figure 3. Tailwinds driving remanufacturing adoption and headwinds slowing further expansion 
Figure 4. Innovations in technology and software systems allow remanufacturers to optimize their operations

About the authors

Josh Graessle

Senior Analyst
Josh is a Senior Analyst in the Verdantix Industrial Transformation practice. Prior to joining Verdantix, Josh worked at Volvo Group, where he gained experience in factory support and implementation of industrial systems, industrial internet of things, digitalization, and data analytics. He holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering, as well as an MBA from the University of Delaware.

Guy Lewis

Industry Analyst
Guy is an Industry Analyst in the Verdantix ESG & Sustainability practice. He currently leads research on circular economy software and services and supports research across several other ESG and sustainability themes. Prior to joining Verdantix, Guy was an energy specialist helping to optimize member experience, through which he gained knowledge of both operations and smart technologies. Guy holds a BA in Geography from the University of Manchester, with a placement year at the University of Queensland.

Kim Knickle

Research Director, ESG & Sustainability
Kimberly Knickle is Research Director of the ESG & Sustainability practice at Verdantix. Her research areas encompass ESG regulations and reporting, ESG risk, supply chain sustainability, circular economy, social impact, and sustainable finance. Kim has worked for more than 20 years in the IT industry, providing research and analysis to help companies invest wisely in new technologies. Before joining the analyst industry, she held various roles in IT services, engineering and product safety testing, beginning her career at Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. Kim holds an MBA from Boston University and a BS in Electrical Engineering from Cornell.

Malavika Tohani

Research Director, Industrial Transformation
Malavika leads the Verdantix Industrial Transformation practice. Her current research agenda focuses on digital technologies for Operational Excellence including digital twins and software solutions for industrial risk and asset management. Malavika has over 15 years’ experience in research and strategy consulting. Malavika previously worked at Frost & Sullivan, managing and delivering advisory projects for clients involving expansion, acquisition, benchmarking and product development strategies. Malavika holds a MSc in Economics from Madras School of Economics.

Related Reports

Not a Verdantix client yet?

Register with Verdantix for authoritative data, analysis and advice to allow your business to succeed.