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"Many committed remanufacturers are at the forefront of marketing
novel services with greater profit margins, and are more likely to employ
state-of-the-art processes such as lean manufacturing." 
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| Good as
new?: UK lags in remanufacturing, warns new report |
| British firms lag far behind their
American counterparts in remanufacturing end-of-life goods and
are missing out on significant opportunities for sustainable development.
That’s the conclusion of the first major report into remanufacturing
in the United Kingdom.
Our study shows how restoring goods to as-new condition at the
end of their normal working life can make a major contribution
to sustainable
consumption. Yet despite significant environmental benefits, remanufacturing
in the UK is an ‘unrecognised sector’ that appears
to be in decline. However in the USA the practice has been highlighted
for its contribution to the economy, as well as its potential to
contribute to a more sustainable future. |
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| Value
and benefits |
Remanufacturing is estimated to be
worth more than $50 billion a year in the United States, where
it is promoted
by government subsidies, compared with a UK figure of around £5
billion. Half a million people are directly employed, compared with
50,000 here.
Although the UK is falling behind, remanufacturing still makes
a major contribution to the economy, on a par with the recycling
industry,
and contributes to sustainable consumption. Around 270,000 tonnes
of materials are recovered here, with an equivalent carbon saving
of 800,000 tonnes of CO2. |
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| Creating
higher value services |
At present, UK remanufacturing is
strongest in high value or high technology areas such as aerospace,
military
and power turbines. Other major sectors include the automotive,
refrigeration, office equipment, aerospace and defence industries.
Most remanufacturing companies are small, engineering based companies.
Large-scale remanufactures include Vickers (specialist engines),
Weald stone (auto-engines), ATP (specialist transmissions) and
Selection (telecom ms equipment).
There are significant benefits for firms that are committed to
remanufacturing. Many are at the forefront of marketing novel services
with greater
profit margins. Leading edge remanufacturers are more likely
to employ state-of-the-art processes such as lean manufacturing,
and to be
committed to traceability of materials and investing in people.
Regional Development Agencies will be attracted by the relevance
to twin objectives
of employment and sustainability. |
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| In
the report |
The report identifies new measures
that could be taken to promote remanufacturing. These include active
support
by corporates and public purchasers and efforts to establish brand
credibility in selected markets. Other topics include:
• Sector
by sector review of activity
• Comparison to USA experience
• Areas of opportunity
• Recommendations for various stakeholders
• Case study interviews with leading practitioners |
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| Want
to read more? |
You need to be confident that the outside
help you call on is experienced, well qualified and can add value.
Our report is currently being printed. To register your interest
please notify us here.
For an informal discussion of remanufacturing contact David Parker
via our contact details.
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Our
report was financed by the Biffaward under the landfill Tax
Credit scheme, |
Our report was sponsored by SEEDA
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The project was administered by the Resource
Recovery Forum. |
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