The process of remanufacturing an engine, major assembly or components is that of returning the used product to its original state in accordance with the manufacturers’ specifications. Whereas re-use (repair) has limits in terms of life cycle, remanufacturing provides the product with a new life cycle with regard to performance, reliability and longevity.

Compared to recycling, which involves destroying the product to recover the materials for use in different products, remanufacturing tries to maintain the integrity of the product. Consequently, a large fraction of the input materials and energy is recovered.

In termes of waste management, remanufacturing is at the top of the waste hierarchy, as its processes not only give a second life to existing products but also save a very high amount of CO2 emissions which would have been necessary if the original product would have needed to be replaced with a totally new one.

The process of remanufacturing an engine, major assembly or components is that of returning the used product to its original state in accordance with the manufacturers’ specifications. Whereas re-use (repair) has limits in terms of life cycle, remanufacturing provides the product with a new life cycle with regard to performance, reliability and longevity.

Compared to recycling, which involves destroying the product to recover the materials for use in different products, remanufacturing tries to maintain the integrity of the product. Consequently, a large fraction of the input materials and energy is recovered.

In termes of waste management, remanufacturing is at the top of the waste hierarchy, as its processes not only give a second life to existing products but also save a very high amount of CO2 emissions which would have been necessary if the original product would have needed to be replaced with a totally new one.

DEFINITION for Remanufacturing *

A remanufactured part fulfills a similar function as the original part[1]. It is restored from an existing part (core[2]), using standardized industrial processes[3] in line with specific technical specifications[4]. A remanufactured part is given the same warranty as a new part[5] and it clearly identifies[6] the part as a remanufactured part and the remanufacturer.

*This is the common definition of APRA (Automotive Parts Remanufacturer Association in USA, Europe and ASIA), CLEPA (European Association of Automotive Suppliers), FIRM (International Federation of Engine Remanufacturers and Rebuilders, Europe), supported by MERA (Motor and Equipment Remanufacturers Association, USA) and RIC (Remanufacturing Industries Council, USA).

Footnotes:

[1] Original part, matching quality part

• BER 461/2010/EC Article 1, Para h) in connection with supplementary guidelines 2010/C 138/05, Para 19

• BER 461/2010/EC Article 1, Para h) in connection with supplementary guidelines 2010/C 138/05, Para 20

[2] Core

• A core is a used original or matching quality part which will be remanufactured

[3] Industrial processes

• An industrial process is an established process, which is fully documented.

• The size of the industrialized production batch is not limited; only one part could be remanufactured.

• In case of remanufacturing the minimum procedures used in the industrial process are: core management, core sorting, dismantling, cleaning of all internal and external components, replacement of all missing parts, restoration of all impaired, defective or substantially worn parts to a sound condition or replacement thereof, reworking, machining or performing such other operations as are necessary to put the part in original working condition or better, components assembly and final testing of each remanufactured part.

[4] Specific technical specifications

• Specific technical specifications, established by the remanufacturer and consistently applied

[5] Warranty as new part

• The remanufacturer must give a warranty for the remanufactured part which is the same as the warranty required by law for a “new part”, if one is required by law.

[6] Clearly Identifies

• A non-removable, sustainable and uncoded marking is put on each remanufactured part

If you wish to know more about engine remanufacturing or about FIRM, please download the leaflet here.