With 30 years of experience in extending the lifespan of IT products, Inrego is now contributing to the development of new, efficient processes for disassembly and repair through the research project “Innovate for Remanufacturing”. The initiative is led by RISE in collaboration with Linköping University and SuPr.
E-waste is one of the world’s fastest-growing environmental challenges. Over 62 million tons of electronics are discarded globally each year - more than the weight of the Great Wall of China. Shockingly, less than a quarter of it is handled in an environmentally responsible way. At the same time, 80–95% of an IT product’s climate impact occurs during production. At Inrego, we see a clear solution: extend the life of what already exists.
From Disassembly to Remanufacturing
Our process begins where others see an end. Old laptops, phones, and tablets go through secure data wiping, refurbishment, and meticulous quality assurance – steps that give these products a second life. But for this work to become even more effective, better product design and simplified disassembly processes are needed.
“Many products are still designed for quick manufacturing, not for repair or reuse. We need a shift. Through collaborations and initiatives driven by Swedish industry, we hope to find solutions that make repairs faster and more resource-efficient. At Inrego, we handle over 350,000 IT products annually, saving vast amounts of resources and avoiding emissions,” says Valentina Falconi, Process Manager at Inrego.
Test Environments for Circular Innovation
As an active partner in the “Innovate for Remanufacturing” project, we have the opportunity to develop and evaluate new methods for disassembly and repair. By collaborating with researchers and industry leaders like Modul-System HH and Husqvarna Construction, we are creating solutions that strengthen Sweden’s position in the circular economy.
The project runs from October 2024 to April 2025 and is funded by Vinnova as part of the Impact Innovation – Net Zero Industry program. It involves partners from multiple sectors, with Inrego contributing practical expertise from over 30 years of remanufacturing experience. The goal is clear: lower the barriers for companies to transition from linear processes to sustainable, circular business models.
Circular IT Solutions for the Future
Every remanufactured product saves raw materials, water, and energy. For our customers – from small businesses to global corporations – it’s not just about making a sustainable investment but about driving real, tangible change.
The most sustainable IT product is the one that already exists. This principle is at the core of our work at Inrego and forms the foundation for a future where resources are reused, not wasted.
Want to learn how your company can make the shift? Read more about our services here.
