Repair is one of the key circularity strategies. It can lead to extended product use and efficiency, reduced consumption of natural resources and materials and minimised waste production.

The importance of this sector has been acknowledged in several of the European Commission’s strategic documents, such as the European Green Deal and the Circular Economy Action Plan.

The aim of this report is to consolidate and advance the existing knowledge, and provide an evidence-based update on the status of the repair sector in Europe. It focuses on three key product groups:

1. electrical and electrical equipment (EEE),
2. clothing and
3. furniture.

It also provides an overview of the value, size, challenges and opportunities of current repair activities in these sectors.

Flexible plastics are used in many applications today and volumes have increased significantly over the last few decades. The major application area is packaging where, due to their light weight, they play an important role in preventing perishable products from degrading and in lowering the carbon footprint of transport.

However, their potential for reuse is limited and most applications of flexible plastics are single-use, so they represent a waste of resources. At end of life, they are often carelessly discarded causing litter in marine and terrestrial environments, and they have a range of issues that complicate recycling.

The report tells the story of flexible plastics, their main uses and current management options, and looks at their place in a European circular economy.