Page 30 - FDMAsia Mar/Apr 2026

28 TECHNOLOGY MAR/APR 2026 FDM ASIA | www.fdmasia.com

Getty Images

Influencing Factors This supports emphasis on the importance of relational
At the macro level, government regulations and policies structures, but the findings extend this by showing that
emerged as both enablers and barriers. intermediaries can act as innovation brokers and facilitating
Digital product passports were highlighted as a promising cross-actor dialogue. This aligns with research showing that
tool for traceability and with previous research emphasising collaborative arrangements in circular supply chains function
regulatory frameworks as critical drivers of circular practices. as open innovation ecosystems, where shared knowledge,

However, the original manufacturers, mainly SMEs, expressed joint problem solving, and cross boundary coordination enable
concern about administrative burdens and competence gaps. circular strategies to emerge and scale.
Customer attitudes and procurement practices were equally At the micro level, the business model emerged as the central
decisive. Public sector customers prioritise price and design factor. While original manufacturers had not yet implemented
over lifecycle value, limiting uptake of remanufactured products. circular business models, many had initiated small-scale activities
Interestingly, the empirical data revealed growing interest such as take-back schemes and remanufacturing projects.
from private organisations, suggesting an emerging market for Technological and operational factors were discussed in
remanufactured furniture when positioned as a sustainability both literature and practice. While some have emphasised on
and branding opportunity. automation, empirical findings showed that remanufacturing

At the meso level, collaboration across the value chain was activities were largely manual and project-based, reflecting
essential. In this specific sector, it was found that the original low volumes and limited investment.
manufacturers lack direct contact with end-users, complicating Design and material choices were also decisive, particularly
reverse logistics and traceability. The workshops revealed that regarding brand integrity and chemical content in older
intermediary actors, such as retailers and designers, play a components. The absence of some factors identified in
strategic role in enabling circular flows as the for example literature but not mentioned by the original manufacturers,
design the interior of new offices. such as digitalisation-related factors, further highlights the