Integration of lean production and low-carbon optimization in remanufacturing assembly

Remanufacturing is one of the effective ways to achieve carbon peak and carbon neutralization. Additionally, lean remanufacturing plays an irreplaceable role in promoting a circular economy and industrial green development. This paper focuses on the application of lean production and low-carbon management in remanufacturing assembly systems. We propose an optimization decision-making method for lean low-carbon management for remanufacturing assembly. On the basis of the carbon footprint, we interpret and measure the quality, cost, and time of remanufacturing assembly systems. Functions are established to characterize the carbon trajectory of production management. Then, a low-carbon optimization model of remanufacturing assembly production management is constructed to minimize carbon emissions with combined sorting of parts, and a solution method based on a genetic algorithm, which has the attributes of excellent quality, low cost, and high efficiency, is studied. Interestingly, through practical application in engine regeneration enterprises, we have found that integrating lean and low-carbon approaches can enhance the total factor productivity of the remanufacturing assembly system. This study provides practitioners and decision-makers with an effective way to formulate lean low-carbon management of remanufacturing.