Remanufacturing workshops with professionals to overcome barriers – outcomes of two eu projects

Remanufacturing is seen as a key strategy as part of the transition towards a circular economy. Remanufacturers encounter various barriers in their operations, even after being applied in various for over decades. These barriers, along with propositions to overcome them, are discussed extensively in academic literature. This paper focuses on the process of translating the barriers found in literature and field studies into lifelong learning materials for remanufacturers. In this process, a workshop for remanufacturing entrepreneurs and practitioners was developed, aming to overcome the barriers identified in literature and in two European Union KIC EIT Raw Materials funded projects. More widely, the outcomes aim to foster the further development and exploitation of remanufacturing practice.
The workshop was based on literature and case studies that highlighted barriers to remanufacturing. The workshop exercises support participants in developing company specific solutions, and simultaneously provides a framework for discussion. Based on participants’ evaluations, exercises discussing product design, selecting a business model and planning reverse logistics were considered most insightful. Lower rated aspects, included offering more services around products and offering products as services.