According to the European Commission, the premature disposal of consumer goods generates 261 million tons of CO₂-equivalent emissions and 35 million tons of waste in the EU each year. Additionally, consumers lose about 12 billion euros annually by replacing products instead of repairing them.

In this context, rethinking traditional business models, rediscovering the human value in innovation and competitiveness, and reviewing behaviors with a circular economy perspective is more urgent than ever.

This is why the REPper – REPair PERspective project was created, aiming to strengthen the repair economy by supporting SMEs in the repair sector, increasing repair skills, and encouraging more sustainable consumer choices by overcoming existing barriers.

Ten partners from eight countries – Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, France, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Slovenia, and Spain – have launched the REPper project with actions on three levels:

• Supply: creation of a transnational network of pilot services for repair SMEs.
• Training: establishment of the REPper Factory for upskilling and reskilling repair supervisors, trainers, and trainees.
• Demand: development of a new repair culture through awareness campaigns, participatory actions, and behavioral strategies to guide users towards circular practices.

For more information on the REPper project and ongoing activities, stay updated on our official pages.