RemaNet: a new network for remanufacturing
Introducing the European project that will rethink the life cycle of products with a view to sustainability
In today’s challenging socio-economic landscape, European producers face challenges posed by a growing scarcity of raw materials and goods, fluctuating costs and unpredictable delivery times. The European Union mandates reducing manufacturing’s environmental footprint to combat climate change and to achieve zero carbon emissions. Thus, it is necessary to rethink the Life Cycle of goods and search for new approaches to give new life to End of Life (EoL) products.
In this context, the RemaNet project, funded in the framework of the Horizon Europe programme and coordinated by Politecnico di Milano - Department of Mechanical Engineering, aims to enable a widespread diffusion of the concepts of remanufacturing, recycling, material saving and functional upgrading by implementing a factory-integrated digital platform able to extend the remanufacturing value chain.
The RemaNet digital platform facilitates a seamless transition towards sustainable practices allowing multiple players to perform single steps of the remanufacturing process. Horizontal tools will help matching supply and demand, also providing secure data sharing to spread the needed competences in terms of human resources or digitized formalized knowledge. Vertical tools will ensure data integrity and process optimisation. The digital platform will provide a standard for manufacturing and re-manufacturing with an integrated and easy-to-use infrastructure fostering a reliable and secure data flow, access, and use at all levels, from shopfloor and further along the value chain.
This innovative approach fosters a collaborative community across various sectors, paving the way for a new era of eco-conscious manufacturing, where environmental responsibility meets economic viability.