Strategic Issues in Product Recovery Management

Strategic Issues in Product Recovery Management

WINTER 1995 | Martijn Thierry, Marc Salomon, Jo Van Nunen, Luk Van Wassenhove
Product recovery management (PRM) involves managing used and discarded products, components, and materials to recover as much economic and ecological value as possible, reducing waste. Traditionally, manufacturers ignored used products, focusing on cost minimization rather than lifecycle performance. However, increasing environmental concerns and regulatory pressures now require manufacturers to address waste reduction. PRM includes options like repair, refurbishing, remanufacturing, cannibalization, and recycling, each with different levels of disassembly and reprocessing. Effective PRM requires accurate data on product composition, return flows, and market demand for reprocessed materials. Companies like BMW and IBM have implemented PRM strategies, including remanufacturing high-value components and recycling materials. PRM can enhance a company's green image, reduce costs, and improve customer satisfaction. However, it requires significant investment in information systems, product redesign, and collaboration with suppliers and partners. Successful PRM depends on factors such as product design, supply chain coordination, and the ability to predict and manage return flows. Companies that lease products often have an advantage in PRM due to better access to used product data. Overall, PRM is becoming a critical business activity, influencing production, operations, and logistics management.Product recovery management (PRM) involves managing used and discarded products, components, and materials to recover as much economic and ecological value as possible, reducing waste. Traditionally, manufacturers ignored used products, focusing on cost minimization rather than lifecycle performance. However, increasing environmental concerns and regulatory pressures now require manufacturers to address waste reduction. PRM includes options like repair, refurbishing, remanufacturing, cannibalization, and recycling, each with different levels of disassembly and reprocessing. Effective PRM requires accurate data on product composition, return flows, and market demand for reprocessed materials. Companies like BMW and IBM have implemented PRM strategies, including remanufacturing high-value components and recycling materials. PRM can enhance a company's green image, reduce costs, and improve customer satisfaction. However, it requires significant investment in information systems, product redesign, and collaboration with suppliers and partners. Successful PRM depends on factors such as product design, supply chain coordination, and the ability to predict and manage return flows. Companies that lease products often have an advantage in PRM due to better access to used product data. Overall, PRM is becoming a critical business activity, influencing production, operations, and logistics management.
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