The newest test facilities at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) are now ready to welcome manufacturing companies wishing to develop, test and implement remanufacturing in practice. The facilities were formally inaugurated on 30 October and form a central part of the services offered by reManuFactory, Denmark's National Centre for Remanufacturing, to Danish manufacturing firms.
Remanufacturing extends the life of products and components by restoring, upgrading, and returning them to use rather than producing new ones. Through the centre, which is supported by the Danish Industry Foundation, companies gain access to research-based knowledge, advanced test facilities and specialised expertise in remanufacturing.
"Many companies recognise the potential of remanufacturing but need support in developing and testing solutions in practice. The national centre for remanufacturing, reManuFactory, works with companies' own products and real-world challenges, helping them find a pathway from concept to implementation that is tailored to their specific circumstances," says Professor Tim C. McAloone, Head of reManuFactory at DTU.
From reverse logistics to new business models
Among the barriers are limited access to facilities, expertise, and testing opportunities.
In Denmark, the Industriens Bæredygtighedsbarometer 2025 shows that approximately 30 per cent of Danish manufacturing SMEs already use circular business models in which the company retains ownership of and responsibility for the product throughout its entire life cycle. These so-called product-as-a-service models can provide a strong foundation for remanufacturing.
Evidence from companies that have implemented remanufacturing demonstrates that it can help reduce resource consumption, create new revenue streams, and strengthen a company's competitive position.
Through the reManuFactory facilities, SMEs can receive support for pilot projects addressing practical remanufacturing challenges. These include developing efficient product return systems, designing products for disassembly, optimising remanufacturing processes, conducting sustainability assessments and developing new business models based on circular principles.
"Remanufacturing is complex, and places demands on product design, logistics and production alike. With the reManuFactory test facilities, Danish industry now has a focal point for developing and testing remanufacturing solutions under realistic industrial conditions," says Professor Tim C. McAloone.
Part of a Broader Investment in Circular Production
Supported by DKK 37 million from the Danish Industry Foundation, reManuFactory forms part of the Foundation's wider effort to strengthen circular production across Danish industry. The centre serves as Denmark's national hub for remanufacturing.
