ZEISS to embark on cooperation with BORG Automotive

Karlsruhe, Germany | 14 December 2023 | ZEISS Group

ZEISS is entering into a cooperation with BORG Automotive, one of Europe's leading independent remanufacturers of automotive parts. Researchers at the ZEISS Innovation Hub @ KIT will be working closely with BORG Automotive developers and production engineers on this over the next twelve months. The project will focus on researching and implementing new visual and automated solutions for modern remanufacturing processes that enable an even better component quality, performance and service life.

By remanufacturing used components, waste can be reduced and, at the same time, the resources and emissions that would have been required to manufacture new components can be saved. "After remanufacturing, used parts have the same functionality, safety and reliability as new parts. We would like to develop processes with BORG Automotive that will allow us to base even more reliable future predictions about the life of remanufactured parts on measurements and models," says Max Riedel, Head of the ZEISS Innovation Hub @ KIT adding, "We are delighted to have found a cooperation partner in BORG Automotive that combines many years of practical experience with openness to exploration and innovation."

"Testing components in the remanufacturing process is one of the most important steps in determining which components can be reused – it defines the lifespan and quality of the product. Our ambition is to use automated systems in the processes increase process efficiency and further improve quality standards. We are excited to share our remanufacturing experience with ZEISS and to be part of the transformation of this industry,” says Grzegorz Pawłowski, Group Technology Director at BORG Automotive.

Circular economy is one of the ZEISS Sustainability strategy focus topics. ZEISS strives for a circular use of resources with a view to reducing environmental impacts. BORG Automotive's business model is also based on the circular economy, in which the life cycle of vehicle parts can be extended. BORG Automotive has recently had comparative life cycle assessments performed on its eight product groups. These assessments show a tendency for 60% less CO2eq, 42% less energy (MJ), and 70% lower consumption of natural resources (Sb-eq) compared to newly manufactured products.¹