• Energy Research

There is plenty of research describing remanufacturing (reman) as the ultimate form of recycling. However, few studies have shown how standards that provide universally accepted definitions and practices can shift towards digitization and how digital technology can act as a catalyst for digital reman. Furthermore, there is no clear direction as to why and how standards and digital technology should work together in reman. Only minimal research (one article from the SCOPUS database) has explored the intersection of these three areas: reman challenges, standards, and digital technology. Many challenges that reman companies face prevent them from successfully transitioning to sustainable production methods. The challenges include high cost of resources, complex parts design, limited core availability, lack of internationally accepted definitions and protocols, poor design of reverse logistics networks, and poor consumer perceptions. On the other hand, digital technology can act as an enabler fueling environmental resilience through innovation. This paper studies how standards can play a role in helping digital technology solve reman challenges, thereby achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal and providing significant opportunities for innovation for small and large enterprises transitioning towards digital reman. The current study is validated by highly experienced reman professionals using the analytical hierarchical process. It is intended to help practitioners assess their organization’s current manufacturing practices and improve resource productivity and business growth using the identified standards and technologies. Three-dimensional printing was found to have the most potential in solving reman challenges. Surprisingly, the Internet of Things ranked low despite lacking information on used products or cores being a significant challenge for suppliers.

There is plenty of research describing remanufacturing (reman) as the ultimate form of recycling. However, few studies have shown how standards that provide universally accepted definitions and practices can shift towards digitization and how digital technology can act as a catalyst for digital reman. Furthermore, there is no clear direction as to why and how standards and digital technology should work together in reman. Only minimal research (one article from the SCOPUS database) has explored the intersection of these three areas: reman challenges, standards, and digital technology. Many challenges that reman companies face prevent them from successfully transitioning to sustainable production methods. The challenges include high cost of resources, complex parts design, limited core availability, lack of internationally accepted definitions and protocols, poor design of reverse logistics networks, and poor consumer perceptions. On the other hand, digital technology can act as an enabler fueling environmental resilience through innovation. This paper studies how standards can play a role in helping digital technology solve reman challenges, thereby achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal and providing significant opportunities for innovation for small and large enterprises transitioning towards digital reman. The current study is validated by highly experienced reman professionals using the analytical hierarchical process. It is intended to help practitioners assess their organization’s current manufacturing practices and improve resource productivity and business growth using the identified standards and technologies. Three-dimensional printing was found to have the most potential in solving reman challenges. Surprisingly, the Internet of Things ranked low despite lacking information on used products or cores being a significant challenge for suppliers.

Abstract Closed-Loop Supply Chain (CLSC) focuses on acquiring the cores/product returns from consumers, recovering their residual value, and remarketing them. Extant literature on core acquisition management suggests that researchers have not considered behavioral aspect of consumers. On the other hand, marketing literature suggests that researchers neglected technical issues related to core acquisition in a CLSC while discussing consumers' disposition behaviors. We propose a conceptual framework that extends the existing CLSC setting by introducing consumers’ disposition behavior. We develop eleven research propositions based on which we design a survey. The survey was sent to decision making executives of different remanufacturing industries to solicit their perception. Participants were also asked to make paired comparisons using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), based on which an action oriented framework is developed. Firms that have CLSC operation can use our framework to ensure enhanced quality product returns which in turn increase profitability. Finally, possible future extensions are discussed.

Abstract Closed-Loop Supply Chain (CLSC) focuses on acquiring the cores/product returns from consumers, recovering their residual value, and remarketing them. Extant literature on core acquisition management suggests that researchers have not considered behavioral aspect of consumers. On the other hand, marketing literature suggests that researchers neglected technical issues related to core acquisition in a CLSC while discussing consumers' disposition behaviors. We propose a conceptual framework that extends the existing CLSC setting by introducing consumers’ disposition behavior. We develop eleven research propositions based on which we design a survey. The survey was sent to decision making executives of different remanufacturing industries to solicit their perception. Participants were also asked to make paired comparisons using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), based on which an action oriented framework is developed. Firms that have CLSC operation can use our framework to ensure enhanced quality product returns which in turn increase profitability. Finally, possible future extensions are discussed.