The Textiles, Household Linen and Footwear Repair Fund: an obligation to inform
Introduced by the AGEC law (French anti-waste law for a circular economy), the Repair Bonus is a financial aid scheme designed to encourage French consumers to have their out-of-warranty TLC products (textiles, linen, footwear) repaired, extending their lifespan.
All clothing and/or footwear belonging to the TLC scheme, excluding underwear and household linen (for phase 1), are eligible for the repair bonus. Note that this applies to repairs only, not alterations or upcycling.
Refashion, at the request of public authorities, is responsible for managing the Repair Fund. This mission involves promoting repairers and their skills, as well as raising the profile of cobbling and alteration trades. It will also encourage brands and retailers to offer repair services or options to their customers.
Refashion aims to increase the volume of textiles and footwear repaired in France by 35% by 2028.
The Repair Fund has two tools
· The Repair Bonus, which will take the form of an invoice discount for the consumer on certain targeted repairs, starting in autumn 2023.
· Complementary Actions supporting the bonus, which will help raise awareness of the scheme, train professionals on specific issues, increase visibility of the community, and more, all to ensure the success of the Repair Bonus.
What is the TLC Repair Fund?
- An initiative to repair rather than discard: This is a scheme funded by producers of textiles, footwear and household linen (TLC) to encourage the repair of these products rather than their replacement.
- A way to extend the lifespan of items: Repairing limits the production of new items and reduces the environmental impact.
- Financial support for repairs: Thanks to this fund, repairs are often cheaper for consumers.
Why does this matter for your customers?
- Doing something for the planet: By choosing to repair, they help reduce waste and preserve natural resources.
- Saving money: Repairs are often less costly than buying a new product.
- Supporting the local economy: By having their clothes repaired, they support local craftspeople and businesses.
- Consuming more responsibly: Repairing fits into a more sustainable approach to consumption.
How to benefit from it?
- Identify eligible products: All clothing and footwear (excluding underwear and household linen) can benefit from the repair fund.
- Find an authorised repairer: Contact Refashion to get the list of partner repairers.
- Benefit from a preferential rate: The fund helps reduce the cost of the repair.
You MUST inform your customers of the existence of this Repair Fund and the amount of the associated bonus. This is now mandatory
Indeed, since 1 July 2024, and under decree No. 2024-123, distributors subject to EPR in France for the Textiles, Household Linen and Footwear scheme must inform their customers of the existence of a Repair Fund and of the amount of the associated bonuses. This information must be visible, legible, easily accessible and present in French physical and digital points of sale.
Refashion provides a dedicated communication kit. This kit, available on refashion.fr, includes an A3 poster to print for display in points of sale, as well as a digital banner for your e-shop.
This kit is a suggested aid, you can create your own communication materials, adapted to your visual identity.