Effect of Reuse/Recycling/Disposal Rate of Parts on Life-cycle Cost for Developing Environmentally-conscious Products

Abstract

Reuse and recycling of parts constituting industrial products are expected to reduce the environmental impact compared to the manufacture of brand new parts. However, cost is incurred when parts premised on reuse or recycling are in the design and manufacturing phase. In this study, effect of reuse/recycling/disposal rate of parts on life-cycle cost is investigated by computer simulation so as to minimize life-cycle cost generated at all the phases from manufacturing to disposal of a product.