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The TLC repair fund: An obligation to inform

It is becoming mandatory to inform about the existence of the TLC Repair Fund
Written by
Sabine Givelet
Published on
2024-09-27

Established by the AGEC law (Anti-Waste for a Circular Economy), the Repair Bonus is a financial aid designed to encourage French people to have their WTC products that are no longer under warranty repaired, thereby extending their lifespan. 

All clothing and/or shoes belonging to the WTC Scheme, excluding underwear and household linen (for phase 1), are eligible for the repair bonus. Please note that this concerns repairs and not alterations or upcycling.

At the request of the public authorities, Refashion has the mission of managing the Repair Fund. This mission consists of promoting repairers and their know-how, as well as enhancing the value of the cobbling and alteration trades. In addition, it will encourage brands and distributors to offer repair services or options to their customers.

 

Refashion aims to increase the volume of textiles and shoes repaired in France by 35% by 2028.

The Repair Fund has two tools

·       The Repair Bonus, which will take the form of a discount on the invoice for the consumer on certain targeted repairs from autumn 2023.

·      Complementary Actions to the bonus, which will make the scheme known, train the profession in specific issues, increase the visibility of the community... among other things, to guarantee the success of the Repair Bonus.

What is the WTC repair fund?

  • An initiative to repair and not discard: It is a system financed by the producers of textiles, footwear and household linen (WTC) to encourage the repair of these products rather than their replacement.
  • A way to extend the life of objects: By repairing, we limit the production of new objects and reduce the environmental impact.
  • Financial support for repair: Thanks to this fund, repairs are often less expensive for consumers.

Why is it important for your customers?

  • Making a gesture for the planet: By choosing to repair, they help to reduce waste and preserve natural resources.
  • Saving money: Repairs are often less expensive than buying a new product.
  • Supporting the local economy: By having their clothes repaired, they encourage local artisans and businesses.
  • Consuming more responsibly: Repair is part of a more sustainable consumption approach.

How to benefit from it?

  • Identify eligible products: All clothing and shoes (excluding underwear and household linen) can benefit from the repair fund.
  • Find an approved repairer: Contact Refashion to find out the list of partner repairers.
  • Benefit from a preferential rate: The fund reduces the cost of repair.

 

You MUST inform your customers of the existence of this Repair Fund and the amount of the associated bonuses. This is now mandatory

 

Indeed, since July 1, 2024, and according to decree n°2024-123, distributors subject to EPR in France for the WTC Scheme (Clothing Textiles, Household Linen and Footwear) are required to inform their customers of the existence of a Repair Fund and 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, consists of an A3 poster to be printed for display in points of sale, as well as a digital banner for your e-shop. 

This kit is a proposed aid, you can create your own communication materials, adapted to your graphic identity. 

 

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