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Remanufacturing
A printer component, a server power supply, an entire device: instead of scrapping it, it is dismantled, tested part by part and rebuilt to as-new condition. That is remanufacturing. It goes further than the usual reconditioning of used devices.
In brief
Remanufacturing (German: industrielle Wiederaufarbeitung) is a process in which used products or components are completely dismantled, cleaned, tested, supplemented with new or reprocessed parts and rebuilt so that they meet the specification of a new product. The provider often gives a warranty as for new goods. In IT, remanufacturing stands alongside refurbishment as a way to keep hardware in the loop longer.
How remanufacturing works
- Take-back: Old parts or devices are collected, often through return or exchange programs.
- Complete disassembly: The product is dismantled into its components.
- Cleaning and testing: Every part is cleaned and tested against the original specification.
- Reprocessing or replacement: Wear parts are renewed, reusable parts are reprocessed.
- Reassembly and final inspection: The product is assembled and tested like a new product.
Typical examples are toner cartridges, printing units, engines and gearboxes in industry, as well as components such as power supplies or drives.
Remanufacturing and refurbishment compared
| Feature | Refurbishment | Remanufacturing |
|---|---|---|
| Goal | Functional, tested used device | Condition like a new product |
| Intervention | Test, clean, replace defective parts | Complete disassembly and testing of all parts |
| Visual condition | Signs of wear possible, classified through grading | Usually as new |
| Warranty | Depending on the provider | Often as for new goods |
| Typical players | ITAD service providers, refurbishers | Manufacturers or specialized reprocessors |
You can read more on the difference in the entry Refurbished.
Place in the circular economy
Remanufacturing keeps products and materials in the loop at a high value level. Compared with recycling, the energy contained in the manufacture and shaping of the components is preserved. In the Circular economy it therefore ranks ahead of material recovery. The EU Ecodesign Regulation also names remanufacturing as a goal that product requirements are meant to facilitate.
A related strategy is Spare parts acquisition: components from devices that can no longer be repaired are tested and reused in other devices. What such loops look like in IT is described in the article IT circular model.
Rule of thumb: Refurbishment makes devices usable again. Remanufacturing makes them as good as new again.
Significance for companies
For IT procurement, remanufactured components can be an alternative to new parts, for example for spare parts for older systems. When decommissioning, it is essential that data carriers are verifiably erased or destroyed before any reuse.
Remanufacturing and Second IT
Second IT relies on refurbishment and repair: diagnosis, replacement of defective components with tested spare parts, upgrades, cleaning and quality inspection. From devices whose repair is no longer worthwhile, Second IT recovers spare parts for future repairs. More on refurbishment of IT hardware.
Frequently asked questions about remanufacturing
What does "remanufactured" mean on a product?
That a used product has been industrially reprocessed and is meant to meet the specification of a new product. What exactly lies behind it should be stated by the provider in the description and warranty terms.
Is remanufacturing legally defined?
In Germany there is no general legal definition for IT products. The EU Ecodesign Regulation uses the term and defines it for its scope of application. In addition there are standards and industry standards.
Are remanufactured parts as good as new ones?
They are meant to meet the specification of a new part and are tested accordingly. An indication of quality is a warranty that corresponds to that for new parts.
Which products are available as "remanufactured"?
Typical examples are toner cartridges, printing units, engines and gearboxes in industry, as well as IT components such as power supplies or drives. Spare parts for older systems also come into question as an alternative to new parts.
Why does remanufacturing rank ahead of recycling?
Compared with recycling, the energy contained in the manufacture and shaping of the components is preserved. Remanufacturing keeps products and materials in the loop at a high value level. That is why it ranks ahead of material recovery in the circular economy.
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