Rapha has announced a partnership with United Repair Centre (URC), a leading apparel repairs operation based in Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
The new collaboration with URC marks a step forward for Rapha in its pursuit of circularity (where apparel production and consumption are more sustainable). The cycling apparel company notes that it aims to… ‘create a more sustainable future for the cycling apparel industry, one repair at a time.’
Rapha has long recognised the importance of extending the lifespan of its products as part of its mission to minimise the brand’s environmental impact. Since 2004, it has offered repair services to keep as many products in use for as long as possible.
URC specialises in providing high-quality clothing repair services, offering an alternative to purchasing new items. The organisation not only extends the lifecycle of clothing items, but also provides training and employment opportunities to those with refugee backgrounds, young adults and other job seekers more often at a distance to the labour market.
Rapha’s repairs will take place at URC’s new repair workshop in London, as well as its first site in Amsterdam, launched in 2022.
Rapha’s Sustainability Manager, Adam Gardiner said “The new partnership with URC will enable Rapha to elevate our repair offering as a business.
“URC’s business model means as well as keeping our products on the road for longer, and those repairing the products are given career opportunities to learn and develop. We are incredibly excited to work with URC and see them as a truly holistic sustainability partner and a model to aspire to.”
A URC spokesperson said “We are thrilled to announce our entry into the cycling market through a strategic collaboration with Rapha, an iconic brand in the industry.
“Our admiration for Rapha’s longstanding commitment to offering repair services aligns perfectly with our vision. This partnership marks a significant milestone, as we join forces to expand and elevate the repair movement, setting new standards for sustainability and customer service in the cycling world.”
The collaboration with URC follows Rapha’s partnership with Interform which manages Rapha’s repairs in the US. In the US, Bentonville-based non-profit Interform is also focused on ups killing underrepresented members of the community. In 2022, Interform repaired 938 Rapha items and embarked on a project to upcycle old products into musettes for special events.
Rapha’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond repair services. The company has set ambitious goals to minimise its environmental impact across all its operations.
By 2025, as part of its impact commitments, Rapha aims to: have more than 90% of products made with environmentally preferred materials; further reduce waste through its new Excess programme; and transition all Rapha Clubhouses and offices to use 100% renewable energy.
www.rapha.cc
www.unitedrepaircentre.com
