Challenges of the South African economy to transition to a circular economy: a case of remanufacturing

A transition to a circular economy (C.E.) has been hailed globally as a means for sustaining economic growth without compromising the natural ecosystems and non-renewable resources. Remanufacturing is an example of implementing the circular economy; through the remanufacturing process, obsolete, broken, and end-of-use products become "a new condition." Remanufacturing is a viable way to prolong the useful life of an end-of-use product or its parts. Despite its economic, environmental, and social benefits, remanufacturing is not without many challenges related to core (used product or its part) availability, timing, and quality. This article aims to identify the challenges and barriers of remanufacturing that hinder the South African economy from transitioning to a circular economy. A questionnaire-based survey was conducted to identify the barriers of remanufacturing that hinder the implementation of the circular economy. The study identified quality concerns, lack of framework guidelines, lack of government support, and poor customer perception identified as barriers. The study concluded with recommendations and a conclusion for the study.