Remanufacturing Engines and Components: A Growing and Successful Part of the Circular Economy

Recorded webinar now available

WASHINGTON, April 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Industry leaders in engines, equipment, and components recently discussed remanufacturing and its role in sustainability and the circular economy in a webinar, now available for online viewing.

The session features representatives from Caterpillar, Cummins, John Deere, Johnson Matthey, and Stanadyne, who share insights about their efforts in heavy-duty engine and component remanufacturing within the circular economy.

"In the lead up to Earth Day 2025, our speakers opened a new dimension – contributing to a circular economy – to our appreciation of the many roles internal combustion engines (ICEs) play in society. Combined with increasing energy efficiency, achieving near-zero emissions, and use of renewable biofuels, remanufacturing boosts it to a new level," said Allen Schaeffer, executive director of the Engine Technology Forum and sponsor of the webinar.

A diverse audience was in attendance for the 75-minute session, including representatives from municipal, state, and federal government agencies; research and technical institutions; academia; NGO's; and truck, engine, and equipment manufacturers as well as dealers and the service and equipment industry.

"The extent and success of remanufacturing engines, components, and rare metals from on- and off-road vehicles and equipment is not always in the spotlight but is nothing short of astounding. Remanufacturing provides considerable value to customers, manufacturers, and the environment by reducing demand for raw materials, energy savings, reducing waste, and offering cost savings for customers," noted Schaeffer.

Cummins' Patricia Covington, Executive Director – ReCon General Management, outlined how remanufacturing has been part of the history of Cummins since the 1960's. The ten-step process at Cummins begins as new products are designed and manufactured. Reman further helps mitigate supply chain risks to serve customers during disruptions in the supply of new materials and during periods of uncertainty. She discussed key aspects of each of the three phases of the remanufacturing life cycle.

Kevin Schrag, Manager of John Deere Reman, outlined Deere's reman business that exceeds more than 450,000 core receipts annually and is growing with the opening of a new facility. He discussed the value proposition for the customer, the dealer, and manufacturer as well as the diverse range of products suitable for remanufacturing. He highlighted the significance of the standardized definition of remanufacturing: "Remanufacturing is a comprehensive and rigorous industrial process by which a previously sold, worn, or non-functional product or component is returned to a 'like-new' or 'better-than-new' condition and warranted in performance level and quality. Remanufacturing is not the same as 'recycling' or 'repairing'." (Source: Remanufacturing Industries Council)

Jeff Sutherland, Drivetrain Product Manager/Chief Engineer of Caterpillar's Remanufacturing Division, highlighted the company's participation in REMADE, a joint project coordinated by the Rochester Institute of Technology and other industry groups and funded by the U.S. Department of Energy. The project is the development of a novel design for remanufacturing software plug-ins for computer aided design. The project establishes principles for design engineers that assess and contribute to boosting the ability for parts to be remanufactured from the earliest design phases. The software project is currently in beta testing and is expected to be commercialized in the near future.

Srinu Gunturu, Chief Engineer at Stanadyne Operating Company LLC, reviewed the company's remanufacturing vision and its contribution to the circular economy. As a market leader in remanufactured fuel and air systems for diesel engines, and a trusted contract manufacturer of precision diesel components for both original equipment manufacturers and the aftermarket, Stanadyne – along with its Pure Power Technologies brand – demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainability. Through its advanced remanufacturing processes, the company is able to retain up to 85% of the original material in fuel system and turbocharger components, significantly reducing waste and resource consumption.

Marge Ryan, Advocacy Manager for Platinum Group Metals at Johnson Matthey, highlighted the company's history and commitments to driving down transport emissions and creating a circular economy. She outlined the durable design features of modern diesel engine emissions control systems – oxidation catalysts, particulate filters, and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) – that enable achieving high mileage without parts replacement.

The role platinum group metals (PGM) play in helping engines achieve near-zero emissions was emphasized along with their circularity in the supply chain. ICE vehicles were noted to be the primary user of PGM, and the extensive and established process of recovering PGM is such that this "urban mine" effectively recovers and reprocesses PGM. This contributes to the fact that about 60% of PGM used on newly fabricated products and catalysts globally is sourced from recycled metal.

More information about internal combustion engines, sustainability, and remanufacturing can be found at enginetechforum.org. 

About the Engine Technology Forum

Founded on the principles of fact-based education, science, outreach and collaboration, the Engine Technology Forum is dedicated to promoting a greater understanding of the benefits of advanced engines and the fuels that they use, as well as how these contribute to a sustainable future. Sign up for our digital newsletter and connect with us on LinkedIn, X, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

SOURCE Engine Technology Forum