Re-defining Value: The Manufacturing Revolution - Remanufacturing, Refurbishment, Repair and Direct Reuse in the Circular Economy

A primary objective of this assessment is to evaluate whether innovation within the production process can enable reduced negative environmental impacts of production without compromising economic opportunity and the satisfaction of consumer needs. Quantification of the comparative benefits and impacts across Value-retention processes (VRPs), is determined for case study products and sectors, and sample economies. In addition, this study highlights that there are important distinctions between VRPs, both in terms of the actual activity undertaken, as well as the impact and value of that VRP activity in economic and environmental metrics. The increased understanding and education regarding the contribution of VRPs to circular economy and material efficiency are complementary outcomes that offer qualitative support for the transition to more circular economies and production processes.