Login for members – logging in gives you access to the ReOpT tool and enhanced directory searching for public sector users.
Don't have a log-in?
Register Now
Forgotten your password?
Click here for a reminder
Close- USA - remanufacturing hit as defense contract work slows as Iraq, Afghanistan missions shift
- USA - Mack Trucks tours mobile training centre
- Remanufacturing Global Assembly to take place in China
- US Navy launches C-2A aircraft remanufacture study
- USA - ABCO forms remanufacturing business for vehicle components
- World - WTO industrial goods talks inch forward on non-tariff barriers
- UK - CRR on expert panel of WTO Reman seminar
- USA - is printer ink a "consumer rip-off"?
Remanufacturing & Reuse
What is remanufacturing?
"A series of manufacturing steps acting on an end-of-life part or product in order to return it to like-new or better performance, with warranty to match."
Remanufacturing versus recycling
Remanufacturing is different from recycling because, as with all product reuse options, it involves preserving the whole form of things. In contrast, recycling activities require the destruction of the product to its component materials so they can be melted, smelted or reprocessed into new forms. These could be the same products (called closed loop recycling) or into new ones (open loop recycling).
Remanufacturing & Reuse
In our book, reuse encompasses a range of activities where whole products (or whole parts of products) are used again in one piece. This includes:
- Straight reuse (probably by someone else!), possibly in a different way.
- Refurbishment – cleaning, lubricating or other improvement.
- Repair – rectifying a fault.
- Redeployment & cannibalisation – using working parts elsewhere.
Remanufacturing is the only option that requires a full treatment process – like new manufacture – to guarantee the performance of the finished object. As such it necessarily involves more effort, time and cost – but you do get the quality guarantee.
Find out more background to remanufacturing and what the benefits are.
Reuse, repair or recycle?
Remanufacturing is good and at the top of the so-called "waste hierarchy", but it’s not necessarily the most appropriate End-of-Use choice. Cost is an issue. If you’re a commercial operator you may want to visit our Remanufacturing pages and perhaps use the ReOpt tool to check the suitability of your products for remanufacture.
Or perhaps you are wondering what to do with your products that you don’t need any more, or that have stopped working. Visit our Reuse Options pages to find responsible ways to recycle, return for remanufacture or even repair products.
Learning zone
Do you want to learn more about the "waste hierarchy"? You can also find out about our remanufacturing courses and our research archive in the Tools & Assistance section.