In a groundbreaking collaboration aimed at promoting sustainable consumption and creating positive societal impact, three influential companies have united to introduce the United Repair Centre London (URC London) in Haringey.
URC London represents a noteworthy partnership involving social impact organizations – United Repair Centre, prominent garment manufacturer Fashion-Enter, and renowned outdoor clothing brand Patagonia. This pioneering initiative focuses on providing training and employment opportunities for individuals facing challenges in securing meaningful employment, specifically in the field of high-quality clothing repairs. The ultimate objective is to revolutionize the apparel industry for the better.
Fashion-Enter, a garment production company based in Haringey, plays a pivotal role in this collaboration. It will operate within its existing facility, where the team will receive training in technical clothing repairs. Initially, URC London will cater to the repair needs of Patagonia’s UK-based customers. Moreover, within the next year, three additional brands are slated to join this eco-conscious initiative, with ample space for more partners.
The establishment of URC London follows the resounding success of the inaugural United Repair Centre in Amsterdam, launched in 2022 through a collaborative effort involving Makers Unite, Amsterdam Economic Board, and Patagonia. The Amsterdam unit currently handles an impressive 30,000 clothing repairs annually, servicing brands such as Decathlon, Lululemon, and Patagonia.
URC London aspires to replicate this success, with a target to perform 30,000 clothing repairs annually by the year 2025.
Thami Schweichler, founder and CEO of URC, emphasized the apparel industry’s potential for positive change, shifting away from environmental harm and fostering ethical practices. He emphasized the importance of extending the lifespan of clothing and promoting conscious consumption. With the launch of URC London, responsible clothing brands are invited to join the growing repair movement.
Jenny Holloway, CEO of Fashion-Enter, shared insights into their journey, highlighting Haringey’s rich history as a hub for high-quality British garment manufacturing. In response to evolving market dynamics, the company pivoted its focus towards repairs, contributing to a circular economy for the fashion industry.
