Euro-MED REPper Project Partners Convene in Marseille for International Repair Days and First Consortium Meeting

Marseille, France – October 18-19, 2024

The partners of the Euro-MED REPper project gathered in Marseille on October 18 and 19, 2024, to participate in their first consortium meeting. This event, which took place during the vibrant International Repair Days, also marked the first edition of the REPper Festival. Held across two dynamic locations in Marseille, the event highlighted repair and sustainability through workshops, hands-on repair services, and insightful discussions with industry experts.

A Festival for All – Promoting Repair, Reuse, and Upcycling

The REPper Festival attracted both repair professionals and the general public, promoting a circular, sustainable economy through the power of repair and reuse. Throughout the two-day event, attendees explored interactive sessions that included on-site repair services and DIY workshops where participants learned how to fix everyday items. There were also artisan stalls featuring repair specialists skilled in sewing, bike repair, small furniture restoration, and jewelry upcycling.

Key event highlights included:

• Hands-On Repair Workshops: Attendees tried their hand at fixing common household items under expert guidance.
• Conversations with Local Professionals: An open dialogue with local repair professionals, recycling shops, and resource centers offered attendees a chance to learn more about the repair sector.
• Insights into Sustainable Careers: The event underscored the promising career opportunities within the repair economy, emphasizing sustainable pathways for the future.

Diverse Venues and Community Engagement

The event took place at Les Terrasses du Port Shopping Center on both days and at the Sports Recycling Center on October 19. Les Terrasses du Port hosted various artisan stalls and workshops, while the Sports Recycling Center offered specialized workshops focused on sports equipment self-repair. This unique community space, known for its commitment to affordable, second-hand equipment, allowed attendees to explore sustainable options for sports gear while discovering the benefits of reuse.

Professional Meeting: Addressing Challenges in the Repair Sector

A significant part of the gathering was the professional meeting hosted by Recyclerie Sportive Marseille. Here, industry experts, institutional partners, and local representatives discussed the opportunities and challenges within the repair sector. These dialogues focused on the vital role of policy in promoting repair culture, with presentations and testimonies on key topics such as:

• The French “Repair’actor” Network – Camille Costantini, CMA Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, France
• Solidarity-Based Repair and Reuse – Cyrille Berge, Réseau Régional Ressourceries et Recycleries PACA, France
• Citizen-Driven Self-Repair Initiatives – Axel Schoenhenz, Recyclerie Sportive Marseille, France
• Intergenerational Housing and Repair Activities – SORENIS, France
• Consumer Behavior in Self-Repair – Amaya Apesteguía, OCU, Spain
• Circular Economy through Active Citizenship – Sofie Sarri, incommon-Innovative Circular Open, Greece

Building a Sustainable Future for the Repair Economy

The meeting concluded with discussions on strategies for scaling up the repair economy, including regional action plans, data monitoring, and initiatives to extend equipment lifecycles across schools and public departments. The event was co-organized by AViTeM, the Regional Resource Network PACA, the Sports Recycling Center, the Chamber of Trades and Crafts PACA, and Les Terrasses du Port, showcasing a strong commitment to advancing the repair sector and fostering a sustainable future through community-driven initiatives.

The Euro-MED REPper project and International Repair Days event in Marseille brought together a diverse range of voices and underscored the importance of repair and reuse in building a resilient, circular economy. As the partners continue their collaboration, the insights and connections from this inaugural consortium meeting will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the repair economy across Europe.

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