Remanufacturing Industry Agrees On Terminology
The remanufacturing industry came to a consensus this week in regards to the official terminology of what “remanufacturing” consists of as well as what constitutes a “core”. Six leading associations in the automotive sector met in Germany this week and reached a common understanding of basic definitions regarding the industry. The declaration helps define a common process everyone can benchmark their work and services. The move also helps raise awareness for remanufacturing worldwide and ties the industry in with the sustainability/green movement. The associations involved are: Motor & Equipment Remanufacturers Association, Automotive Parts Remanufacturers Association, Automotive Parts Remanufacturers National Association, European Association of Automotive Suppliers, European Organization for the Engine Remanufacture and China Association of Automobile Manufactures. John Chalifoux, President of Motor & Equipment Remanufactures Association, stated that this is a giant leap forward for the industry and helps to “communicate the quality, value and sustainability of remanufactured goods.”
The delegation has make an official ruling on these definitions. Original definitions and article found here:
REMANUFACTURING PROCESS:
Remanufacturing is a standardized industrial process* by which cores are returned to same-as-new, or better, condition and performance. The process is in line with specific technical specifications, including engineering, quality and testing standards. The process yields fully warranted products. *An industrial process is an established process, which is fully documented, and capable to fulfill the requirements established by the remanufacturer.
CORE:
A core is a previously sold, worn or non-functional product or part, intended for the remanufacturing process. During reverse logistics, a core is protected, handled and identified for remanufacturing to avoid damage and to preserve its value. A core is not waste or scrap and is not intended to be reused before remanufacturing.
REMANUFACTURED PART:
A remanufactured part fulfills a function which is at least equivalent compared to the original part. It is restored from an existing part (CORE), using standardized industrial processes in line with specific technical specifications. A remanufactured part is given the same warranty as a new part and it clearly identifies the part as a remanufactured part and states the remanufacturer.
Remanufacturing has piqued the interest of those in the environmental and political arena in recent years. The United States Congress passed the Federal Vehicle Repair Cost Savings Act of 2015 which was signed by President Barack Obama. The act requires government agencies to prioritize the use of remanufactured components when servicing fleets. The goal is reduce parts costs while maintaining the original quality of the vehicle in question. This isn't a new conversation at all. There have been multiple rulings all in favor of the Aftermarket and Remanfuactured Parts Industries in concerned with quality.
Globally, the G7 Alliance for Resource Efficiency, which was launched in 2015, have dedicated themselves to a circular economy and to remanufacturing processes. The G7 nations are all committed to bringing remanufacturing into the public consciousness in coming years. President of the APRA, Joe Kripli, stated, “The best way to protect our raw materials, environment and to keep quality product affordable for consumers as well as being a service solution, is through Remanufacturing.”
