Research 520: Remanufacturing for Ireland (ReManIre)
Authors: Damian Coughlan, Colin Fitzpatrick, Jason Power and Alan Ryan
Summary: The potential role of remanufacturing in Ireland in supporting a circular economy was examined through the ReManIre project, led by UL. Using literature review, stakeholder mapping, interviews and a survey, opportunities to improve resource efficiency, supply chain resilience, decarbonisation and job creation are identified. Barriers include low awareness, reliance on linear business models, regulatory uncertainty, limited access to product data, high labour costs, weak product return systems and skills shortages. Growth opportunities are supported by EU circular economy policies, Digital Product Passports, advanced technologies, Ireland’s manufacturing strengths and green public procurement. The project recommends establishing a national policy framework and a Centre of Excellence to support research, training, testing and industry collaboration. Findings provide evidence to strengthen competitiveness, reduce environmental impacts and generate economic value through remanufacturing.
What did the research aim to address?
The ReManIre project, funded by the Environmental Protection Agency and led by the University of Limerick, explores how Ireland can position itself as a global centre of excellence for remanufacturing. Remanufacturing is defined as the industrial process of returning a product to at least its original performance with a warranty equivalent to or better than new. It is increasingly recognised as a vital circular economy strategy that can strengthen supply chain resilience, reduce carbon emissions, conserve materials and energy, and create highquality employment. Against the backdrop of rising climate pressures, geopolitical instability and material scarcity, the European Union has prioritised circularity and industrial decarbonisation, making remanufacturing an important component of future competitiveness. The study uses the Triple Helix model of University, Industry and Government to gather national and international perspectives from stakeholders through a state-of-the-art literature review, detailed stakeholder mapping, twenty-six semi-structured interviews and a follow-up survey. Findings show that the potential of remanufacturing in Ireland is substantial, but several barriers restrict its wider adoption. Awareness and understanding of remanufacturing remain limited across many sectors, and cultural attachment to linear business models continues to dominate decision-making. Regulatory uncertainty also poses challenges, particularly where waste classifications, medical device regulations and inconsistent interpretations of EU rules lead to confusion for manufacturers and remanufacturers. Many organisations report difficulties accessing product information and technical data from Original Equipment Manufacturers, whose intellectual property practices and business models can inhibit third-party remanufacturing. Economic and market barriers—including high labour costs, limited takeback systems and inconsistent access to used products (“cores”)—further constrain scaling efforts. A shortage of skills and the lack of dedicated educational pathways in design for remanufacture and lifecycle engineering also limit capability growth.
What did the research find?
Despite these challenges, the report identifies strong drivers that position Ireland for significant progress. EU policy, most notably the Circular Economy Action Plan and the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation, explicitly supports remanufacturing, while Digital Product Passports, IIoT technologies and advanced analytics open new opportunities for traceability, diagnostics and sustainable product design. Stakeholders emphasise that Ireland’s experience in high-value manufacturing, coupled with growing public-sector interest in green procurement and the introduction of frameworks such as the OGP’s remanufactured laptop initiative, provides a solid foundation for market development. The increasing pressure on critical raw materials is also heightening interest in circular resource strategies across industry. The project finds strong consensus that a coordinated national approach is needed. Stakeholders highlight the importance of developing a national policy framework that clarifies definitions, harmonises regulation and supports cross-border flows of remanufactured goods. They also identify a clear need for a national centre of excellence to provide shared testing facilities, demonstration capabilities, skills development, applied research and industry support. Such a centre would act as a focal point for collaboration and capability building across academia, government and industry. Priority sectors where Ireland could gain early advantage include medical devices, ICT and electronics, e-mobility and batteries, heavy machinery and renewable energy technologies.
How can the research findings be used?
Overall, the report concludes that remanufacturing offers Ireland a strategic opportunity to enhance industrial resilience, reduce environmental impact and capture significant economic value. By addressing regulatory barriers, strengthening education and skills, supporting business model innovation and establishing a centre of excellence, Ireland can accelerate the adoption of remanufacturing and contribute meaningfully to Europe’s broader transition toward a competitive, climate-neutral and circular industrial landscape.
https://www.epa.ie/media/epa-2020/research/Cover-520.png