On Thursday, 13 February, the National Repair Day took place in the Netherlands, bringing together repair professionals, repair cafés, government representatives, educational institutions, and NGOs to discuss the shift towards a repair-driven society and economy. The event was filled with insightful discussions, knowledge sharing, and, most importantly—hands-on repair activities.
Keynote speakers highlighted the critical role of repair in creating a more sustainable and circular economy, emphasising its environmental, economic, and employment benefits. However, a key challenge remains: many consumers are still unaware that repair is a viable option.
As part of the event, E6 project partner Foenix hosted a workshop on repair initiatives within the Apeldoorn Ecosystem. Participants were keen to learn how repair can play a more significant role in local economies and communities. One of the major discussion points was the importance of WEEELABEX certification, a crucial step in scaling up the repair of used electronic and electrical devices to ensure quality and compliance.
Another highlight of the day was a session on the ‘Right to Repair’, which has now been approved by the European Union. This legislation is a key milestone in making repair more accessible and promoting sustainable consumption habits across Europe. Additionally, discussions took place around the establishment of a national repair register, designed to help consumers identify reliable repair service providers that meet recognised quality standards.
In a practical demonstration of the power of repair, attendees were encouraged to bring in their broken devices for on-the-spot repairs. Many items were successfully restored, preventing them from ending up as waste and reinforcing the impact that repair initiatives can have on sustainability.
With growing momentum behind the repair movement, events like National Repair Day play a vital role in raising awareness, fostering collaboration, and driving policy changes that support a more circular economy. The E6 project remains committed to supporting and scaling up repair initiatives across North-West Europe.
