Rapha adds repairs partner to move towards environmental goals

Rapha has teamed up with the United Repair Centre to offer high-quality repairs to clothing as an alternative to buying new. This announcement is the latest in a series of moves made by Rapha in pursuit of becoming more sustainable.

The brand announced a new collection earlier in the year made with off-cuts and otherwise waste materials to reduce the amount of fabric waste the brand produced.

The United Repair Centre first launched in 2022 in Amsterdam and has since opened a site in London. European items will be sent to either of these locations, where they will be repaired.

A noteworthy inclusion in the ethos of the United Repair Centre is the employment opportunities that its aims to provide. Training and employment will be offered to newcomers from refugee backgrounds, young adults and job seekers.

• Read more: Rapha release environmentally conscious Excess collection from surplus materials

© Rapha

European repairs will be handled by either the Amsterdam or London sites

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, 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.“

Rapha has set itself some class-leading goals. By 2025, the brand aims to have more than 90% of its products created with environmentally preferred materials, reduce the amount of waste produced through its Excess programme, and power all Rapha facilities with 100% renewable energy.

© Rapha

The United Repair Centre aims to provide training and employment opportunities for refugees, young people and job seekers from outside of the industry

URC’s Co-Founder and COO said of the partnership: "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."

• Read more: Rapha expands Explore collection with new outerwear aimed at bikepacking

This is the latest move from Rapha to move to a more environmentally sustainable brand with its full commitments listed in its 2023 impact report.

If the service was offered, would you get your cycling kit repaired rather than replaced? Let us know what you think in the comments section.

Rapha

Rapha is a cycling clothing manufacturer based in London, England. The company produces premium clothing for road and gravel cycling, mountain biking, and a lifestyle range too.