The Conseil Européen de Remanufacture (European Remanufacturing Council, ERC) is a key lobbying organization registered in the EU Transparency Register since March 2, 2018 (ID 623517430489-68). It represents a broad coalition of small and large businesses, trade associations, and researchers involved in the remanufacturing sector across the EU-27. The Council’s primary mission is to promote and develop remanufacturing, refurbishment, reconditioning, maintenance, and overhaul processes as integral parts of product life cycles, thereby supporting the circular economy and contributing to EU climate goals.
The ERC’s vision is ambitious: to triple the value of Europe’s remanufacturing sector to €100 billion by 2030. Currently, the sector is valued at approximately €30 billion, representing about 2% of equivalent manufactured sales. The Council acts as a unified voice advocating for regulatory clarity, innovation, and policy support to expand remanufacturing across various product sectors such as industrial bearings, tyres, medical devices, automotive components, power generation, telecom equipment, printer cartridges, and logistics. While the Council does not yet represent aviation, high-speed rail, or marine sectors, it aims to extend expertise from primarily B2B markets into B2C areas.
The ERC was born from the success of the European Remanufacturing Network (ERN) project, funded by the EU Horizon 2020 program, which demonstrated the environmental and economic benefits of remanufacturing. The Council is managed by Oakdene Hollins, a UK-based consultancy specializing in circular economy and sustainability. Through its lobbying efforts, the ERC engages with EU institutions to influence policies that prioritize reuse and repair over recycling and disposal, emphasizing the significant CO2 emissions reductions achievable through remanufacturing.
The Council also leverages digital technologies and Industry 4.0 innovations such as digital twins, additive manufacturing, robotic disassembly, and in-use data monitoring to boost sector innovation. It collaborates with key partners including the Ellen MacArthur Foundation and participates actively in consultations on the EU Circular Economy Action Plan and Industrial Strategy. The ERC’s lobbying aims to remove regulatory uncertainties and foster an environment conducive to scaling remanufacturing activities across Europe, thereby supporting sustainable growth and resource efficiency.
