Supply chain-based barriers for truck-engine remanufacturing in China

• We explore supply chain barriers for truck-engine remanufacturing in China.
• A grey Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) method is used.
• Both operational and strategic barriers exist for truck engine remanufacturing.
• Lack of financial support for remanufacturing technologies is a key barrier.

This paper introduces a research framework to identify barriers from a remanufacturing supply chain perspective including strategic (governmental) and operational dimensions. Using responses from expert practitioners in a truck engine remanufacturer in China, a grey-based Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) method is applied to examine the cause-effect relationships among various implementation barriers. The results identify that lack of strong financial support for remanufacturing technologies or equipment updates and innovation are key implementation barriers. Lack of quality standards of remanufactured products, adequate availability of used truck engines, and quality guarantee marketing of remanufactured engines are also major barriers.