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ZF Aftermarket Accelerates Circular Economy with Core Returns

Wednesday 22 Apr 2026

ZF Aftermarket has expanded its CorExpedia digital platform to support core returns across its remanufactured premium brands – ZF, TRW, SACHS and WABCO. With this step, ZF REMAN simplifies the return of used components across Europe and strengthens the circular economy in the automotive aftermarket.

 

By unifying reverse logistics processes and providing clear digital guidance for partners, the platform helps workshops, distributors and fleets manage core returns faster and with greater transparency. Since remanufacturing depends on the return of used components, efficient core management is essential to keeping valuable materials within the production cycle and enabling circularity in automotive parts.

 

“At ZF, Remanufacturing has been part of our DNA for decades, and today it plays a crucial role in reducing waste, conserving resources, and extending product life cycles. With more than 7,300 remanufactured products produced across 20 locations worldwide, ZF is proud to be one of the global leaders in circular aftermarket solutions. This commitment drives us every day and Reman Day is a perfect moment to highlight the value and impact of this work”, said Philippe Colpron, Head of ZF Aftermarket & Executive Vice President, ZF Group.

 

Tomasz Galazka, Head of Global Remanufacturing Strategy & Business Development at ZF Aftermarket, added, “CorExpedia is more than a return tool – it is the digital backbone of our remanufacturing supply chain. By creating a consistent process across all brands and markets, we help our partners work faster while securing the core availability needed for high-quality remanufactured products. This is essential for making circularity a practical reality in the aftermarket.”

 

Digital transparency for a traditionally complex process

The CorExpedia platform plays a central role in managing core returns across Europe. Developed specifically to simplify what has traditionally been a complex and highly logistical workflow, the platform enables customers to manage returns with clarity and confidence.

 

Through CorExpedia, users receive complete transparency regarding return requirements and eligibility. The system provides real-time visibility of outstanding cores, clear guidance on logistics and documentation, and detailed instructions for packaging and shipping. This allows distributors to understand exactly which cores can be returned, in what quantities, and under what conditions.

 

The platform also simplifies the creation of return requests and guides users step by step through the packaging and shipping process, ensuring that returned components reach the appropriate ZF REMAN facility without delays.

 

Faster processes and reduced administrative effort

For aftermarket partners, the benefits are immediate. The digital workflow significantly reduces administrative effort while accelerating the return process. Once cores are verified at the remanufacturing plant, customers benefit from faster surcharge refund processing and improved transparency regarding payment status.

 

Additionally, ZF offers customers the option to organize the transport of cores and cover associated logistics costs, further simplifying the reverse logistics chain.

 

On the operational side, CorExpedia also provides ZF with a clear overview of cores awaiting return. This visibility improves stock management and helps ensure a reliable supply of components for remanufacturing operations. Altogether, the platform makes the entire process more predictable, transparent, and user-friendly for our partners and ZF itself.

 

Supporting circularity in the automotive aftermarket

Remanufacturing is widely considered one of the most effective circular strategies within the automotive value chain. By restoring used components to “like-new” performance standards, remanufacturing helps extend product lifecycles and preserves as much of the original component materials as possible.

 

Through its ZF REMAN activities, ZF Aftermarket enables workshops, fleets and distributors to participate in the circular economy while supporting waste reduction and optimal use of raw materials.

 

By simplifying core returns through CorExpedia, ZF helps partners actively contribute to closing the loop in the automotive aftermarket and supports a more sustainable and efficient parts lifecycle.