Greece has a long-standing tradition of repair, deeply rooted in local communities and small businesses. In the past, household appliances, electronics, and clothing were commonly repaired, with local workshops and craftsmen playing a vital role in extending product lifespans. However, as in many other EU countries, consumer habits have shifted toward fast consumption and imported mass-produced goods, leading to a decline in the culture of repair.
The rapid technological advancements following the Industrial Revolution led, among other things, to a significant reduction in the cost of goods due to mass production. This played an important role in considerably improving living standards, especially in Western societies, but also had side effects.
One of these effects is the premature disposal of repairable goods, as consumers often choose to replace products rather than repair them. This behavior results in increased waste, higher greenhouse gas emissions, and greater demand for valuable resources. Consequently, to promote sustainability in our societies and reduce our contribution to climate change, fostering a culture of repair is essential. To achieve this, it is important to identify the main factors that drive consumers to replace rather than repair.
Several factors contribute to this issue. One of the primary reasons is inconvenience. In many cases, repairing a product is not practical due to higher costs (compared to replacement), limited availability of repair services, long wait times, or products designed to be non-repairable.
To address these challenges, the EU has introduced a new “Right to Repair” initiative through the adoption of the directive (EU) 2024/1799 on common rules promoting the repair of goods. This directive aims to make repairing more accessible and cost-effective for consumers.
The key provisions of the directive include:
- Obligation for manufacturers to offer repairs: Producers must provide repair services for products that are technically repairable under EU law, even beyond the legal warranty period.
- Transparency and consumer information: Manufacturers must inform consumers about the availability of repair services, including details on which products they are required to repair and under what conditions.
- Fair and reasonable repair terms: Manufacturers must repair products either for free or at a reasonable price and within a reasonable timeframe.
- Protection of independent repair services: Manufacturers cannot refuse to repair a product simply because it was previously repaired by an independent technician.
- Access to spare parts and tools: Manufacturers must offer spare parts and tools at a reasonable price and allow the use of second-hand or 3D-printed replacement parts by independent repairers.
Moreover, according to the Directive on common rules promoting the repair of goods, the EU will establish an EU Online Repair Platform. This platform aims to help consumers find repair services by connecting users with professional repair services for products such as electronics, household appliances and other goods.
The Greek REPper Hub, created as part of the Interreg Euro-MED REPper program, aims to promote the circular economy and strengthen the repair sector in Greece. By supporting SMEs, startups, and professionals working in repair, the initiative seeks to encourage a shift from replacement to repair, fostering a more sustainable approach to consumption.
