In the lead-up to Earth Day 2025, global leaders in engines, equipment, and components came together recently in a thought-provoking webinar to highlight the critical role of remanufacturing in advancing sustainability and fostering a circular economy.
Organised by the Engine Technology Forum, the session featured expert insights from Caterpillar, Cummins, John Deere, Johnson Matthey, and Stanadyne—each showcasing how remanufacturing practices are delivering environmental and economic value across the heavy-duty vehicle and equipment ecosystem.
Allen Schaeffer, Executive Director of the Engine Technology Forum, said, “Remanufacturing adds a new dimension to the internal combustion engine's evolving role in society. By coupling near-zero emissions, energy efficiency, and renewable biofuels with remanufacturing, the industry is redefining what sustainability looks like in real-world operations.”
The 75-minute session attracted a diverse audience ranging from government and academic representatives to manufacturers, dealers, and service professionals. Speakers shared case studies, best practices, and emerging innovations that demonstrate how remanufacturing engines and components not only extends product lifecycles but also dramatically reduces raw material usage, energy consumption, and environmental impact.
Cummins’ Patricia Covington, Executive Director – ReCon General Management, detailed the company's legacy in remanufacturing dating back to the 1960s. She walked through Cummins’ ten-step reman process, which begins at the product design stage. Covington also underscored how remanufacturing enhances supply chain resilience by supporting customers during disruptions and uncertainty.
From John Deere, Kevin Schrag, Manager of Deere Reman, noted the company processes over 450,000 core receipts annually, with operations set to expand further. He highlighted the importance of a clear industry definition, stating that remanufacturing is a rigorous industrial process returning products to “like-new” or “better-than-new” condition—distinct from recycling or repair.
Caterpillar’s Jeff Sutherland, Drivetrain Product Manager/Chief Engineer, showcased the company's work on a collaborative project under REMADE, a US Department of Energy initiative. The project involves developing plug-in tools for computer-aided design software that guide engineers to design components with future remanufacturability in mind—now in beta and slated for commercial release soon.
Representing Stanadyne, Chief Engineer Srinu Gunturu highlighted the company's commitment to sustainable manufacturing. Through advanced remanufacturing techniques, Stanadyne retains up to 85% of original material in fuel system and turbocharger components, significantly cutting down waste and resource use. This, combined with its Pure Power Technologies division, positions the company as a leader in remanufactured diesel systems.
Marge Ryan, Advocacy Manager at Johnson Matthey, focused on the environmental benefits of diesel engine emissions control systems and the circularity of platinum group metals (PGMs). She noted that around 60% of newly fabricated PGM-based products today come from recycled sources, thanks to established recovery systems in the ICE vehicle ecosystem.
While often underappreciated, the scale and impact of remanufacturing across the heavy-duty industry is substantial. As participants affirmed during the webinar, this industrial process not only delivers cost-effective solutions for customers but also plays a pivotal role in achieving global sustainability targets—positioning remanufacturing as a key enabler of the circular economy.
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