From October 2023, consumers will be encouraged to have their clothes and shoes repaired thanks to the"textile repair bonus". The Secretary of State for Ecology, Bérangère Couillard, announced this exciting initiative on July 11, which aims to promote a circular and responsible economy.
Endowed with a fund of 154 million euros over 2023-2028, the textile sector repair bonus will enable consumers to benefit from financial assistance ranging from 6 to 25 euros for repairs. Seamstresses and shoemakers will have to be certified by the Refashion eco-organization to participate in this program.
The measure is part of a broader reform of the textile industry to promote brand traceability and support reuse and recycling. In 2022, 3.3 billion items of clothing were placed on the French market, contributing to environmental pollution. The repair bonus aims to raise consumer awareness of the importance of extending the life of products, and to create jobs in repair workshops.
It also builds on the success of the repair bonus for household appliances, and marks a crucial step towards a more circular economy. By mid-October, 500 craftsmen will need to be certified for the initiative to be fully launched.
Thanks to the repair bonus, every citizen will be able to help reduce the environmental impact of the textile industry, supportlocal crafts and adopt responsible consumption. Technological innovation and growing awareness of the need for sustainable living are opening up new prospects for the textile industry.
