An Integrated Assessment Model for Reuse Strategy

In the field of sustainable manufacturing a wide range of research has been carried out to attain the more effective use of natural resources and the reduction of environmental impacts. This goal can be best achieved by promoting multiple-reuse of parts sub-assemblies or entire products. However the decision toward reusing an old product depends on a variety of parameters with many uncertainties. This book therefore provides a comprehensive assessment model integrating technical environmental social and economic aspects to evaluate the reusability of industrial products. The model integrates uncertainties into the assessment and also facilitates trade-offs between the factors to investigate the possibility to improve the reusability of a product. To apply the assessment model in the real business environment three industrial cases on consumer and commercial products are presented. Overall the model would be especially useful for academics researchers and decision makers in industries government bodies and agencies who are interested to implement reuse strategy as an effective way to achieve environmental sustainability.