Reuse

If you have got this far you will appreciate that reuse – meaning the reuse of whole products, not broken down to materials, in the same or different applications – also includes remanufacturing. Remanufacturing is very much at the “engineering” end of the spectrum, mostly invisible to the public, but very important between businesses. Examples include overhaul of jet engines and the like as well as heavy machinery, pumps, compressors and large IT and office equipment.

As a consumer, the closest you get to truly remanufactured products is probably warranty components for your car, toner cartridges for your printer or remould tyres, all of which are guaranteed by the retailer. The “non engineering” end includes reconditioned goods such as PCs and laptops that may have limited warranties; or even refurbished goods such as furniture. Ebay has opened up a whole new world for reuse, but it’s a long way from the business-to-business end: You buy at your own risk, and you may not have any guarantees!

Your local Freecycle network is also good place to exchange goods you don’t want – for free. Look out for new commercial developments in the resale of other goods, in particular, construction products.

In reuse, you can help by selling on or donating things you don’t need rather than hoarding them in your cupboards and lofts. There’s a lot of evidence that products such as electronics decline in value – financial and technical – much quicker than you think. So get selling!

Are you looking to buy remanufactured or used products? Visit our Purchasing section.

Are you looking to pass on your used goods, or perhaps try to repair them? Visit our Reuse Options section.

 

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• info@remanufacturing.org.uk
• +44 (0)1296 337165