Saving fashion from Landfill: Thami Schweichler and Paul Kerssens on a mission.

In an industry where fast fashion dominates, United Repair Centre is changing the game. Founded by Thami Schweichler and Paul Kerssens, this innovative company is leading a fashion revolution by making high-quality clothing repair accessible and desirable. Working with major brands such as Patagonia, Decathlon, and Lululemon, United Repair Centre is setting a new standard for sustainability in fashion. This episode of Circular Pioneers explores their journey, from recognizing the industry's waste problem to creating scalable solutions that align sustainable and social ambitions. 

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Why This Episode Matters: The fashion industry is at a critical juncture. With 92 million tons of textile waste generated annually, and regulations like the EU’s ban on incinerating unsold goods and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) on the horizon, the pressure to adopt circular practices has never been greater. For fashion brands, understanding and integrating sustainable practices is no longer optional—it’s essential. This episode is a must-listen for fashion industry professionals seeking to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market. Thami and Paul share how United Repair Centre is helping brands turn sustainability into a business advantage, from reducing waste to maintaining customers through repair services.

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Key Highlights:

Driving Sustainable Fashion: United Repair Centre is at the forefront of the movement to extend the lifecycle of garments. By offering repair services that meet the high standards of global brands, they’re helping the fashion industry reduce waste and embrace sustainability.

Navigating New Regulations: With the implementation of new EU regulations like the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), brands need to rethink their approach to waste and sustainability. This episode provides insights into how United Repair Centre is helping brands prepare for and comply with these changes.

Consumer Engagement and Brand Loyalty: The shift towards sustainability is not just about compliance—it's about meeting consumer demand. Thami and Paul discuss how brands can leverage repair services to enhance customer loyalty and position themselves as leaders in sustainable fashion.

Scalability and Quality Assurance: United Repair Centre’s model is designed for scalability, ensuring that brands of all sizes can offer repair services without compromising on quality. Learn how their innovative approach is making repair a viable option for the fashion industry.

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Conclusion: As the fashion industry faces mounting pressure to adopt sustainable practices, United Repair Centre offers a practical and profitable solution. By embracing repair, brands can reduce their environmental impact, comply with new regulations, and strengthen their connection with consumers. This episode of Circular Pioneers highlights how Thami Schweichler and Paul Kerssens are leading the charge, proving that sustainability, social ambitions and profitability can go hand in hand.

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Relevant Links:

United Repair Centre: United Repair Centre

Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD): EU CSRD Overview

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): EPR Policies

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