Feasibility of Remanufacturing in Shoemaking Machines under the Trend of Net-zero Carbon Emissions

Abstract

Achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 has become a common goal in the world. An effective strategy to reduce carbon emissions will be the key to maintaining international competitiveness. Although green energy exchange is mature around the world, the relevant systems and regulations in Taiwan are not yet ready. This research examines the feasibility of shoemaking machines remanufacturing and tries to seek effective strategies to achieve carbon neutrality for the original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) of shoemaking machines. The evaluation of remanufacturing in a shoemaking machine is based on imprecise and fuzzy information. First, the feasibility evaluation model of remanufacturing in a shoemaking machine is established, including technical, economic, and resource environment feasibility criteria. Second, the comprehensive benefit evaluation model of the remanufacturing shoemaking machine is established, in which the weight of each criterion is determined by the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). Finally, combined with the questionnaire, the evaluation method is verified and analyzed. The results show that the four criteria (clusters) for remanufacturing shoemaking machines have different weights, in descending order: Product design, Business model, Recycling system, and Corporate image. This implies that Product design is the most important factor for remanufacturing shoemaking machines, followed by the Business model, Recycling system, and Corporate image. Therefore, to succeed in the circular economy, OEMs need to rethink how to redesign their products from the beginning and create a new business model.