Repair and remanufacture can future-proof the aftermarket
10 December 2025 
The path to sustainability in the automotive aftermarket isn’t defined solely by new technology, says Neil Fryer, PHINIA’s global head of aftermarket…
Equally, it’s about extending the value of what already exists. Remanufacturing has become a core enabler of this journey, offering a pragmatic and impactful approach to reduce emissions, conserve resources, and extract maximum utility from internal combustion engine (ICE) technologies that still power most vehicles on the road today.
Remanufacturing challenges perceptions of end-of-life components as waste. Instead, these components are being recognised as valuable assets and given a new life by reprocessing and restoring them to like-new condition.
This not only conserves raw materials but also significantly reduces the carbon footprint associated with producing new parts. This approach is particularly crucial as the industry grapples with tightening emissions regulations and the need for more sustainable manufacturing practices.
Strategic imperative for the aftermarket
As raw material costs escalate and supply chains become more volatile, the ability to reuse and refurbish existing components offers a competitive edge and a source of resilience for the aftermarket.
Meanwhile, growing customer demand for sustainable and affordable repair options is reshaping expectations. Research shows that as many as 65% of consumers are now opting for remanufactured parts to cut repair expenses and support environmental sustainability, prompting over half of automotive suppliers and nearly 50% of OEMs to respond by investing in remanufacturing. This aligns with broad industry trends towards circularity and more efficient use of resources.
By embedding remanufacturing into operations now the industry can strengthen margins, reduce risk, and align with tightening regulatory frameworks such as Europe’s circular economy action plan, which is poised to make reuse and resource efficiency binding obligations.
Circular path to clean combustion
The next decade will be pivotal for the future of internal combustion. Incremental innovation – ranging from advanced fuel injection and variable valve timing to optimised aftertreatment – can deliver immediate emissions reductions when paired with low-carbon or alternative fuels.
Here, the aftermarket holds the keys to practical progress. By restoring and upgrading components rather than replacing entire systems, it can help extend the lifespan of existing vehicles while lowering their environmental impact.
In this process, supportive policies and industry collaboration will be crucial. Education and standardised quality certifications for remanufactured parts can drive consumer and business acceptance. Likewise, collaboration between remanufacturers, OEMs, technology developers, and fuel innovators can accelerate the design of components optimized for future remanufacture and low-carbon operation.
Furthermore, investment in training and certification will ensure technicians are equipped to handle evolving powertrain technologies, safeguarding the industry’s long-term capability.
Remanufacturing embodies the circular economy in its most tangible form: keeping materials in use, maintaining performance standards, and minimising waste. It’s an opportunity for the aftermarket to remain both commercially competitive and environmentally relevant.
It’s the vehicles on the road today that can already begin to shape the emissions landscape of tomorrow. By giving components a second life, the aftermarket can drive meaningful change. As we continue to innovate and collaborate, remanufacturing will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping a sustainable future for the automotive aftermarket.