Competition versus cooperation? Which is better in a remanufacturing supply chain considering blockchain

•Selection of remanufacturing modes in a supply chain with blockchain is analyzed.•The remanufcturer only chooses the competition mode with exogenous patent license fee.•The manufacuturer may choose the cooperation or competition mode.•The brand advantage only affects the manufacturer’s mode selection.•Blockchain affects both the manufacturer’s and the remanufacturer’s mode selections.