Remote Repairs: masters in product extension
The repair room at the Remote Repairs factory. For over 30 years, Remote Repairs have been extending the life of outdoor equipment and clothing – lengthening the time before items need to be replaced. This reduces landfill and the consumption of raw resources needed for new products.
Remote Repairs began with servicing the clothing, packs, sleeping gear and tents for climbers and cross-country skiers, but has expanded to include servicing for schools, emergency services, sailing, motorcycling and scouting groups.
The principles of repair, recycle and reuse, with a focus on product life extension are at the heart of the business. Over time, Remote Repairs has built a solid reputation through providing quality work that often improves the overall integrity of an item.
Supporting a circular economy in textiles is a priority for Remote Repairs. In addition to prolonging the life of an item, they source materials that have been produced but are unable to be sold. Discarded apparel and textiles are given a new life through being upcycled in repairs and renewed products or through recycling into feedstock for future repairs. Their extensive partnership base both in Australia and internationally supports an innovative take-back program and re-commerce store.
Challenges faced
One of the most obvious challenges for Remote Repairs is overcoming the culture of replacing, rather than repairing – in both brands and consumers.
Striving to offer a repair solution that is more economically viable than a replacement is one of their biggest challenges. This is because deconstructing an item that has been produced to be replaced is highly labour intensive.
The closure of the garment and manufacturing industry within Australia and an ageing workforce has also led to shortages in sourcing skilled domestic workers that can perform such repairs and maintenance.
Insights and tips for other businesses
Remote Repairs recommends that businesses partner with organisations that are committed to circular economy principles and practices, so that they can support each other in proactive implementation.
Recommended actions for government and industry
Remote Repairs are a strong supporter of the policy approach of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). This is the idea that brands and manufacturers should be financially accountable for the end-of-life management of their product. They believe that gaining government support to implement initiatives like this may stem the influx of fast fashion apparel.
Remote Repairs also believe that education is key. Customers and brands need to understand how to better prolong the life of their products and why it’s important to do so. Brands also need to understand which of their products, once at the end of their useful life, can be reused as feedstock to generate new products.
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Learn more
Contact Remote Repairs for more information via their website www.remoterepairs.com.au