The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) launches Asia's first centre for test bedding and developing remanufacturing technologies
Singapore's manufacturing sector is taking strides towards a more sustainable future with the launch of a new facility which allows companies to breathe new life into old product components by reusing them in their manufacturing processes.
Located at Singapore's first eco-business park JTC CleanTech Two@ CleanTech Park, A*STAR's Advanced Remanufacturing and Technology Centre (ARTC) is the first of its kind in the region dedicated to test-bedding and development of remanufacturing technologies through a public-private partnership approach, together with strategic partner Nanyang Technological University.
Remanufacturing is a sustainable production process that involves transforming a recovered part or product through disassembly, cleaning, testing and other operations to produce like-new products to be reintroduced to the market. Remanufactured products are tested and certified to meet technical and safety specifications of new products as a mark of quality, and they are often sold with warranties comparable to the original.
With the growing focus on sustainability and technology innovation, remanufacturing is widely seen as the future for manufacturing. Remanufacturing typically utilises less energy and generates less waste as compared to traditional manufacturing processes and is able to result in substantial environmental benefits. Through R&D, companies can also develop advanced sustainable remanufacturing technologies to strengthen their capabilities and technology know-how as well as increase their global market competitiveness.
Specifically, ARTC aims to catalyse the adoption of remanufacturing in the aerospace, oil and gas, marine, energy, automotive and engineering industries. This effort towards spurring sustainable production has been met with strong support from the industry. Since the programme was first unveiled in 2012, the ARTC has welcomed 29 members on board including EOS GmbH, IHI Corporation, Rolls-Royce PLC, Singapore Aero Engine Services Private Limited (SAESL), Siemens Industry Software, and SKF. The members also include 12 local SMEs.
www.a-star.edu.sg
