Four Levels of Remanufacturing Maturity as a Circular Manufacturing Indicator: A Theoretical Framework and Practical Assessment Tool

To comply with the circular economy (CE), original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) should prioritize developing products for multiple uses. Thus, OEMs should integrate remanufacturing into their core businesses instead of focusing only on recycling. Today, there is a knowledge gap in integrating remanufacturing and advancing OEMs’ remanufacturing practices.

To address the knowledge gap, this paper aims to define and assess OEMs’ remanufacturing maturity by using the literature review and case study methodologies. Through the application of an analytical assessment tool, known as Remanufacturing Readiness Level (RRL), with 17 circular manufacturing (CM) factors at four OEMs, this paper defines four levels of remanufacturing maturity: 1) Absent, 2) Fragmented, 3) Embedded, and 4) Systemic. This paper's theoretical contribution, the Four Levels of Remanufacturing Maturity Framework, supported by its practical contribution, the RRL analytical assessment tool, enriches CM research and places remanufacturing maturity as a key CM indicator.