Published March 2015
A joint report from the Carbon Trust, Knowledge Transfer Network, High Speed Sustainable Manufacturing Institute, Centre for Remanufacturing and Reuse, and Coventry University on the UK remanufacturing industry.
Remanufacturing refers to manufacturing where parts or products at the end of their useful life are returned to like-new or better condition, with their quality supported by a warranty. These activities currently contribute around £2.4 billion to the British economy. However, with appropriate support this could be increased to £5.6 billion and create thousands of new skilled jobs.
A number of countries around the world – including the USA, China, Japan and Germany – have established centres of excellence or have strong policies specifically to support the growth of remanufacturing. However no equivalent framework of support exists across the UK.
This report provides a synthesis of stakeholder dialogue between industry, leading academics and supporting organisations, presenting a common understanding of drivers and critical barriers to remanufacturing, and identifying potential solutions. The report is intended to inform industry and government efforts to realise the opportunity that remanufacturing represents for the UK.
