Remanufacturing key to sustainable future, experts say
June 3, 2024
EU regulations and a skilled workforce are essential to advancing remanufacturing and reducing environmental impact.
At The Recycler Live in Brussels 2024, Karolina Wrze?niak-Cwyl, COO at Biuromax, highlighted the crucial role of remanufacturing in achieving sustainability goals. The presentation underscored the significant environmental and economic benefits of remanufacturing printer and copier consumables, which help mitigate landfill waste and reduce CO2 emissions. Wrze?niak-Cwyl explained that up to 80% of print cartridges end up in landfills, releasing toxic substances and consuming valuable resources. The industry can reduce landfill usage, soil contamination, air pollution, and associated health risks by embracing remanufacturing.
The presentation also detailed how EU regulations and initiatives, such as the Right to Repair directive and the Green Deal, are driving the remanufacturing agenda. The Right to Repair directive, adopted by the EU Parliament, mandates that manufacturers provide affordable spare parts and tools, thereby encouraging repair over replacement. The Green Deal aims for zero net greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, emphasising the need for durable, reusable, and easily repairable products. These regulatory measures are pivotal in promoting sustainable practices within the industry.
However, the remanufacturing sector faces significant challenges. Technological barriers, such as the overprotection of chip technology and complex material flows, hinder the process. Attracting and retaining skilled technicians is another major issue, with many new employees leaving due to the job’s complexity and demands. Furthermore, market dynamics, including OEM policies and consumer preferences, often make remanufactured products less competitive.
Wrze?niak-Cwyl emphasised the critical need for skilled technicians, noting that technological changes impact job availability, wages, and working conditions across various sectors. As production systems become more complex, the demand for skilled maintenance and repair technicians increases. She highlighted successful remanufacturing practices from companies like Caterpillar, which rebuilds and resells assemblies through certified dealers, and medical device companies that refurbish systems to as-new conditions under brands like GoldSeal, offering full warranties.
Looking ahead, the presentation identified several opportunities for the remanufacturing industry. Increasing education and awareness about the benefits of remanufacturing through strong employer branding and grassroots efforts is essential. Policy advocacy, including adapting pricing models to reflect the value of remanufactured products, can further promote the sector. Additionally, encouraging manufacturers to design products with remanufacturing in mind will facilitate more sustainable practices.
Looking forward, Biuromax highlighted the importance of remanufacturing in advancing sustainability goals. Supported by EU regulations and the need for a skilled workforce, the remanufacturing industry faces significant challenges but also presents substantial opportunities for growth and environmental impact reduction.
Categories : World Focus
Tags : Biuromax Remanufacturing Reuse Sustainability The Recycler Live
