Component retention is often more valuable than recycling. In high-tech products, much value sits in the function of components, not in the raw material. Value retention through maintenance, refurbishment and remanufacturing can therefore yield more than recycling at material level. In manufacturing, value disappears at disposal, while components are often far more valuable than the material.
Five product families screened for circular opportunities, with revenue models that retain value through performance and maintenance. This outcome is relevant for manufacturing companies, OEMs and organisations in circular economy and industrial policy. Source: RTA Manufacturing Industry Overijssel (2020).