
A Study of the Circular Manufacturing System: Issues and Prospects
N. SANDEEP, R. SURESH
Journal of Systems Science and Information ›› 2024, Vol. 12 ›› Issue (6) : 790-803.
A Study of the Circular Manufacturing System: Issues and Prospects
The Circular Manufacturing System (CMS) is a critical facet of the circular economy, embodying a closed-loop manufacturing model aligned with circular principles. This research area focuses on prolonging product life cycles and reducing energy and resource consumption. A recent literature review emphasized the need for clear definitions, scopes, and distinctions between CMS and other manufacturing paradigms like sustainable and green manufacturing. Although the 4Rs (Remanufacturing, Reuse, Reduce, Recycle) are commonly discussed in CMS contexts, a unified systemic approach is lacking. The study advocates for exploring CMS's foundational elements, refining performance metrics, and integrating it seamlessly into existing manufacturing systems. It also stresses the importance of analyzing business models, supply chains, and product design interdependencies using advanced technology. Advancements in these areas will enhance CMS theory and practice, aiding manufacturing firms in adopting circular economy principles effectively.
circular economy / circular manufacturing system / 4Rs practice {{custom_keyword}} /
Table 1 Stakeholders expectations from manufacturing system |
SL No. | Stakeholders | Expectations |
1 | Owners and shareholders | To be efficient, cost-effective, and capable of delivering high-quality products. They also expect the system to be flexible and adaptable to changing market conditions and customer needs. |
2 | Company leadership | To be efficient, with a focus on reducing waste, maximizing productivity, and minimizing costs. |
● Cost Effectiveness: To be cost-effective, with a focus on delivering high-quality products at a competitive price. | ||
● Quality: To deliver high-quality products that meet customer needs and expectations. | ||
● Flexibility: Manufacturing system to be flexible and adaptable to changing market conditions and customer needs. | ||
● Innovation: To be innovative, with a focus on developing new products, technologies, and processes that drive growth and competitiveness. | ||
● Sustainability: To reduce its environmental impact and promoting social and economic equality. | ||
3 | Employees | To provide safe working conditions, fair compensation and benefits, opportunities for professional development, and a supportive work environment. They can also engage employees in decision-making processes and provide opportunities for feedback and input. |
4 | Customers | To produce high-quality products that meet their needs and expectations. They can also provide excellent customer service and be responsive to customer feedback and complaints. |
5 | Suppliers and vendors | To have a long-term partnerships, provide clear communication and transparency, and pay on time for products and services |
6 | Regulators | To comply with all relevant laws and regulations related to health, safety, and environment proactively. |
7 | Local communities | To operate responsibly with a positive impact on the environment and communities. |
8 | Society at large | To be socially ethical, transparent with a positive impact on the environment and society. Engage with stakeholders to address their concerns. |
Table 2 Summary of CMS practices and beneflts |
Sl. No. | Company Name | Circular Manufacturing System | Benefits | |
Category | Practice | |||
1 | Renault[31] | Product life extension | Remanufacturing | ● 85% of energy and 96% of water saved |
● 92% of the collected material gives new life to a new mechanical part | ||||
● 20% of the material is recycled | ||||
Resource conservation | Reuse, Recycling and Repair | ● 900 parts references in reuse or recycling | ||
● 10 to 20 kg of copper per end-of-life vehicles | ||||
Cooperative model for theory and practice expansion | Mobility Circular Industry Campus | ● Training modules for students, working professional | ||
● Applied research projects with universities | ||||
● Support teams and projects team seminars | ||||
2 | Caterpillar[32] | Product life extension | Remanufacturing under Cat Reman Program | ● 127 million pounds of material taken back for remanufacturing |
● 61% less GHG emissions, 85% less material and 85% less water | ||||
3 | Toyota[33] | Design for circularity | Easy-to-dismantle Design for Effective Resource Recycling | Vehicle models launched in FY 2022 for which an easy-to-dismantle design is adopted.; Recyclability rate of 85% by design |
Responsible recycling | Facility fort Recycling of end-of-life vehicles in India | A facility for appropriate treatment and recycling of test cars and other end-of-life vehicles | ||
4 | Michelin[34] | Upscale resource utility with external partner | Recovery of carbon black from end-of-life tires. | Using the technology of partner company Enviro, identified a potential to recycle 56 million tires annually for the production of Michelin tires. |
5 | Volkswagen[35] | Resource conservation | Closed Material Loop | Avoided 720,000 metric tons of |
Recycling Production Waste | Proportion of freshwater needed at sites in risk zones measured in million |
Table 3 List of Key Performance Indicators of 4Rs |
Sl. No. | CMS Initiative | Key Performance indicator (KPI) |
1 | Remanufacturing[37] | ● Core/Product Value Ratio (CPV) |
● Core Class Distribution | ||
● Core Class Assessment | ||
● Product Salvage Rate | ||
● Component Salvage Rate | ||
● Core Disposal Rate | ||
2 | Reuse[38] | ● Weight or units of product developed to be reused |
● Business share from reuse | ||
● Number product loops | ||
● Number of implemented areas(store, packing) | ||
3 | Reduce[39] | ● Total non-value adding (auxiliary) material per produced unit (kg/#) Product output/(productive material + auxiliary material) |
● The volume of hazardous materials used per produced unit (kg/#) | ||
● Total waste generated per produced unit (kg/#) Sorting rate: waste sorted/ segment waste total Consumable material (auxiliary) used per produced unit (kg/#) | ||
● Total material consumption (both productive and auxiliary) per produced unit (kg/#) | ||
4 | Recycle[40, 41] | ● Recycling efficiency |
● Recycled Input Ratio |
Term | Sustainable Manufacturing | Green Manufacturing |
Definition | Sustainable manufacturing refers to the integration of environmental, social, and economic considerations into the production processes of goods, with the aim of reducing negative impacts and promoting long-term viability. | Green manufacturing refers to the integration of environmental considerations into the production processes of goods, with the aim of reducing negative impacts on the environment and promoting sustainability. |
Scope | A holistic approach to production and considers a range of factors beyond just material use and waste, including energy use, water consumption, and social impacts | More general term that encompasses a range of initiatives aimed at reducing the environmental impact of production, including energy efficiency, waste reduction, and pollution control |
Approach | To reduce negative impacts and promote positive outcomes in a range of areas, such as resource efficiency, social responsibility, and clean technology | Adopts a variety of strategies to reduce the environmental impact of production, such as using renewable energy, improving energy efficiency, and reducing waste |
Aim | To create a more sustainable production process that reduces negative impacts and promotes long-term viability | To create a more environmentally friendly production process that reduces negative impacts and promotes sustainability |
Table 5 Issues and Prospects in CMS |
Type | Issues | Prospects |
Technical | Circular manufacturing system often require new technologies, processes and equipment, which can be difficult to develop and implement. Also, there may be a lack of expertise within organizations to design and operate circular systems[21]. | Organizations can invest in research and development to develop new technologies, processes and equipment needed for circular manufacturing system and partner with other organizations that have expertise in circular manufacturing system[21]. |
Behavioural and cultural | Changing the mindset and behaviour of employees, customers and suppliers to adopt circular systems can be a major challenge[44]. | Organizations can implement training and education programs to raise awareness and educate employees, customers, and suppliers about circular systems. |
Economic | Implementation of circular systems often requires significant investments in new technologies and processes, which can be a barrier for many organizations, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)[45] | Organizations can seek out government grants and subsidies to help cover the costs of implementing circular systems[45]. |
Legal and regulatory | Legal and regulatory framework for circular systems is still under development in many countries, which can create uncertainty and barriers for organizations looking to implement circular systems[46] | Organizations can work with governments to develop laws and regulations that support implementation of circular systems. |
Supply chain challenges | Circular systems often require collaboration and coordination across the entire supply chain, which can be difficult to achieve[47] | Organizations can implement strategies for collaboration and coordination across the entire supply chain with support of OEM and industry bodies. |
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