During a recent visit to the E6 ecosystem in Nevers, lead partner Saxion University of Applied Sciences saw how local collaboration around the repair, refurbishment and reuse of electrical and electronic equipment continues to develop.
Rather than discovering an entirely new ecosystem, the visit demonstrated how existing initiatives have grown stronger, become more connected and increased their collective impact.
Building stronger connections
With support from Ecrin Nevers Val de Loire, organisations across the Nevers ecosystem are working more closely together and establishing connections with similar circular ecosystems elsewhere in France.
This cooperation is helping to strengthen regional capacity to extend the lifetime of electronic equipment and prevent reusable products and components from becoming waste.
Supporting refurbishment and local reuse
At the ANAR refurbishment workshop, the E6 team learned how refurbished computers are being prepared for local businesses. By returning equipment to use, the workshop is helping organisations access affordable technology while extending the working life of existing devices.
The visit also highlighted the growing range of repair activities available at Le 1Bis. Its repair cafés support people to repair electronic products of different sizes and ages, including equipment that might otherwise be discarded.
These accessible, community-based services demonstrate how practical repair initiatives can reduce electronic waste while building local knowledge and skills.
Exploring the potential of spare parts and digital tools
Nevers Agglomération presented its pioneering work on the reuse of spare parts from electrical and electronic equipment. Recovering usable components can support further repairs, reduce demand for new parts and keep valuable materials in circulation for longer.
DAVI also shared progress on an online search tool currently under development. The platform aims to make finding repair solutions and resources easier, helping repair become a practical and convenient alternative to buying new equipment.
Collaboration driving circular change
The progress made in Nevers reflects the central ambition of E6: to make repair and reuse as accessible as purchasing new products.
Saxion thanked the organisations and individuals contributing to this work, including Ecrin Nevers Val de Loire, ANAR, Le 1Bis, Nevers Agglomération and DAVI, with particular recognition for the continued support of Nièvre Numérique.
By connecting local authorities, repair organisations, social enterprises, businesses and communities, the Nevers ecosystem is demonstrating how regional cooperation can give electronic equipment a longer and more valuable life.