Short answer
Incorporate lifecycle assessment and cost-benefit analysis into the design process to prioritize reuse and repurposing strategies for economic and environmental gains.
- Field
- Sustainability
- Source
- Sustainability (2025)
- Method
- Development and validation of cost-benefit models using activity-based costing.
- Evidence
- Strong effect
Developing cost-benefit models for product reuse and repurposing in remanufacturing can identify economically advantageous strategies that align with circular economy principles. This sustainability research insight is drawn from a 2025 study published in Sustainability. Using Development and validation of cost-benefit models using activity-based costing., researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Incorporate lifecycle assessment and cost-benefit analysis into the design process to prioritize reuse and repurposing strategies for economic and environmental gains.
Cost-benefit models reveal reuse and repurposing are economically viable for circular remanufacturing when products retain significant useful life.
Developing cost-benefit models for product reuse and repurposing in remanufacturing can identify economically advantageous strategies that align with circular economy principles.
Sustainability · 2025
Key Findings
- 01Cost-benefit models can effectively evaluate the economic feasibility of reuse and repurposing in remanufacturing.
- 02Reuse and repurposing are particularly advantageous when products retain significant remaining useful life.
- 03These strategies can lead to substantial cost savings and reduced environmental impact, supporting circular economy principles.
Application
Design takeaway
Incorporate lifecycle assessment and cost-benefit analysis into the design process to prioritize reuse and repurposing strategies for economic and environmental gains.
How to apply
When designing a product, use activity-based costing to estimate the costs of disassembly, refurbishment, and potential reassembly for reuse or transformation for repurposing. Compare these costs against the cost of new material production and recycling to determine the most sustainable and economical end-of-life pathway.
Project actions
- 01When evaluating product end-of-life options, consider the potential for reuse or repurposing alongside traditional recycling.
- 02Use cost-benefit analysis to justify design choices that promote circularity.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Provides a quantitative framework for decision-making.
- +Addresses a critical gap in the literature on circular remanufacturing economics.
Limitations
The cost data used in models might be generalized; real-world applications require specific industry data. The study doesn't deeply explore the complexities of reverse logistics or consumer acceptance of reused/repurposed goods.
Reliability & validity
The study's validity is supported by the development of mathematical models and the intention for real-world validation. Reliability would depend on the consistency of the activity-based costing data and the assumptions made within the models.
Think critically
How might the initial design choices of a product influence its suitability and cost-effectiveness for reuse or repurposing compared to its recycling potential?
Design Principles
"Design for Circularity: Prioritize product longevity, modularity, and ease of disassembly to facilitate cost-effective reuse and repurposing, thereby maximizing resource value and minimizing waste."
This research provides a quantitative framework for designers and manufacturers to assess the financial viability of extending product lifecycles through reuse and repurposing. By understanding the cost implications, businesses can make informed decisions that reduce waste, conserve resources, and enhance economic resilience.
What This Means for Your Design
It's often cheaper and better for the environment to fix up and reuse products or change them for a new job, rather than just throwing them away and making new ones, especially if the original product is still quite good.
How to use in your project
- 1.Reference this study when discussing the economic justification for choosing sustainable design strategies like reuse or repurposing.
- 2.Use the concept of cost-benefit analysis to support your design decisions related to product lifecycle management.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
This research by Psarommatis and May (2025) highlights the significant economic advantages of product reuse and repurposing within circular remanufacturing, particularly when products retain substantial remaining useful life. By employing cost-benefit models, businesses can quantify the financial feasibility of extending product lifecycles, thereby supporting circular economy principles and enhancing economic resilience while reducing environmental impact. This underscores the importance of designing for longevity and adaptability to maximize resource value.
Source
Sustainability
A Cost–Benefit Model for Sustainable Product Reuse and Repurposing in Circular Remanufacturing
journal · 2025
View sourceQuestions About This Research
- What does the research say about cost-benefit models reveal reuse and repurposing are economically viable for circular remanufacturing when products retain significant useful life?
- Incorporate lifecycle assessment and cost-benefit analysis into the design process to prioritize reuse and repurposing strategies for economic and environmental gains. Evidence: Sustainability (2025).
- Why does "Cost-benefit models reveal reuse and repurposing are economically viable for circular remanufacturing when products retain significant useful life." matter for design?
- This research provides a quantitative framework for designers and manufacturers to assess the financial viability of extending product lifecycles through reuse and repurposing. By understanding the cost implications, businesses can make informed decisions that reduce waste, conserve resources, and enhance economic resilience.
- How can designers apply this research?
- Incorporate lifecycle assessment and cost-benefit analysis into the design process to prioritize reuse and repurposing strategies for economic and environmental gains.
- What were the main findings?
- Cost-benefit models can effectively evaluate the economic feasibility of reuse and repurposing in remanufacturing.. Reuse and repurposing are particularly advantageous when products retain significant remaining useful life.. These strategies can lead to substantial cost savings and reduced environmental impact, supporting circular economy principles.
- What research method was used?
- Development and validation of cost-benefit models using activity-based costing..
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2025 journal from Sustainability.
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- When designing a product, use activity-based costing to estimate the costs of disassembly, refurbishment, and potential reassembly for reuse or transformation for repurposing. Compare these costs against the cost of new material production and recycling to determine the most sustainable and economical end-of-life pathway.
- What are the limitations?
- The models' accuracy can be enhanced with real-world validation and adaptation to specific industrial contexts. The study's focus is on economic feasibility, and other factors like market demand for remanufactured goods are not explicitly detailed.