Strategic design for remanufacturing

BoorsmaRemanufacturing is one of the product recovery approaches in a circular economy. In the remanufacturing production process, used products are returned to their original product specifications. When compared to original manufacturing, remanufacturing results in lower raw material consumption and reduces carbon emissions. Despite having been operative for decades, across multiple industries, remanufacturing remains a niche company activity. The engineering knowledge on how to design products to improve the fit with the remanufacturing process is widely reported in academic literature. This thesis explores the role of strategic design in the context of remanufacturing and aims to promote a wider implementation of remanufacturing in industry. Strategic design determines the extent to which a product meets market needs, what its functionality should be, and whether it supports the company’s long-term objectives.