Evaluation of Disruptive Business Models for Remanufacturing

The circular economy is an approach that aims to restore products and materials after their usage. Remanufacturing, as an element of the circular economy, enables sustainability through multiple product utilization cycles. The increasing digitalization, as well as the availability and exchange of information along the product life cycle, from its manufacture to the end of its life, offers new business opportunities for the remanufacturing industry. Instead of the traditional and established sale of remanufactured products, product-service systems are becoming more important. As a result, it is possible to open new markets and increase the acceptance of remanufactured products. This paper focuses on analyzing which disruptive business models will significantly impact the remanufacturing industry in the future. For this purpose, a systematic analysis of existing business models based on a literature review and the Business Model Navigator is first carried out. Disruptive business models for the remanufacturing industry are then evaluated with the help of the Business Model Canvas and Porter’s Value Chain. Their applicability to the remanufacturing industry is then determined based on established criteria.