Value assessment framework for incoming cores in remanufacturing systems : A case study at Inrego AB

Sammanfattning

The current push for circularity is influencing industry practices, and remanufacturing has become a more relevant activity to facilitate circular economy and resource efficiency; however, there is a lack of resources and standard methods to implement remanufacturing effectively. The main issue cited with remanufacturing is the high variability of incoming cores (used products and their parts), which influences the process needed to remanufacture, so a more comprehensive evaluation of cores is necessary to reduce energy, resources, and waste, extend product lifetimes, and avoid new manufacturing of products. This thesis aims to advance remanufacturers’ assessment of cores by providing a review of the factors influencing product value as well as recommended methods to assess these factors to improve the efficiency of the remanufacturing process. To facilitate improved remanufacturing process efficiency through structured core value assessment, a literature review along with a case study with interviews and observations at Inrego AB, a certified IT remanufacturer, and expert interviews with researchers working in remanufacturing were conducted. Through these methods, twenty core value factors were identified and organized into three dimensions: use and information, quality, and market demand. Methods, techniques and information sources were identified to evaluate each core value factor, and this was compared with the practical knowledge gained from Inrego’s operations and expert interview perspectives. This thesis merges technological and economic influences to develop a multi-dimensional core value framework, providing support to the further development of remanufacturing guidance and more broadly, the circular economy.