Eurochambres position on Right to Repair proposal
Promoting repair has the potential to drive the sustainable transition towards a more resource efficient economy. However, businesses must have a say on the conditions linked to repairing the products. Achieving higher rates of repairability will require significant changes to existing policy frameworks and the careful consideration of the market prices resulting from such choices. Financial and non-financial incentives are needed to facilitate businesses’ day-to-day operations and reduce potential delays in the provision of reconditioned goods.
Executive summary: The chambers’ network commitment to a green, digital, resource efficient and circular economy directly intersects with the proposed right to repair legislation. This relevance is manyfold.
Firstly, most companies have CSR commitments which encourages companies to adopt environmentally conscious practices. These practices extend to the concept of repairability, thereby aligning with the broader trend of producing and delivering eco-friendly products. As businesses within our network grow more ecologically aware, the “right to repair” becomes more relevant because it underscores sustainable production and consumption patterns.
Secondly, Chambers’ members have indicated that the proposal poses practical implications for business strategies and operations. In many cases, repairability may not be the most sustainable solution and the purchase of a more modern device can be preferable to the repair of an old device if, for instance, the new device consumes significantly less energy, water or other type of resources. Longer product lifespan may look enticing for durability purposes but sometimes replacement of inefficient product is more sustainable.
Chambers have also noticed that the fast pace of technological developments induces many consumers to replace products even if such product is functioning quite well based on its technical specifications. Legislation should only be put forward when no other means are available and unnecessary burdens or costs should be kept to a minimum.
The chamber network advocates for a bottom-up approach, encouraging businesses to voluntarily commit to sustainability. We believe in fostering a secure business environment that prioritises efficient processes and resource allocation, rather than implementing prescriptive measures from the top down. This approach empowers businesses to take the initiative in their sustainability efforts while ensuring that the marketplace remains adaptable and responsive.
Finally, it is imperative to foster the role of consumers in the field of circular economy. This goal requires the implementation of strategic policies that encompass awareness-raising measures for the repair culture and the improvement of consumer knowledge about existing legal guarantees and financial incentives.
