Integrating ReMake DPP and Remanufacturing Decision Engine to Enable the Next Wave of SME Remanufacturers

Abstract

Remanufacturing offers significant economic and environmental benefits, yet its widespread adoption, particularly among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), remains limited. Key barriers include insufficient access to comprehensive product information, operational inefficiencies, and constraints in finance, infrastructure, and skilled labour.

This paper addresses these challenges by integrating a ReMake Digital Product Passport (DPP) with a Remanufacturing Decision Engine (RDE). The DPP provides valuable end-of-life (EOL) product data, which is combined with company-specific information within the RDE to enhance remanufacturing decision-making and overall system performance.

This integrated approach reduces uncertainty in circular business models while improving efficiency and profitability for SMEs. The concept is evaluated through a conceptual case study with an SME remanufacturer and validated using discrete event simulation (DES).

The resulting open-source model follows a low-cost, low-infrastructure approach, making it accessible and scalable for SMEs globally. This work demonstrates strong potential to support the wider adoption of remanufacturing and enable the next generation of circular manufacturing businesses.

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Project

Remake Digital Product Passports

Partners

National Manufacturing Institute Scotland, University of Strathclyde

Publication

Procedia Computer Science, Volume 277, Pages 301–310 (2026)

Authors

Syed Awais H. Munawar, Moritz Hoffmann, Steffi Knorn, Scott Ronald Howie, Stephen Fitzpatrick