The need for structural change within the textile industry called upon stimulating the emphasis on 'reuse' and 'repair' circularity principles. Each year, more than 350 000 tonnes of clothing from consumers and industries go to landfills, which is double the amount disposed of 20 years ago.

Considering that it takes 10 000 litres of fresh water to grow cotton used for the production of one pair of jeans, and that the water crisis continues to affect more regions of the world, responsible consumption solutions have been called upon.

One of the circularity principles - repair - became a solution. Offered as a service, it was integrated into the business model by the two companies, which now see this practice as an integral part of their business-as-usual.

The process enables consumers to contact a brand affiliated with the URC when a garment is in need of repair through use. The brand will then ensure the product ends up at the URC where it will be repaired before being returned to the consumer. The facility aims for 300,000 clothing repairs per year, a move Patagonia and Makers Unite say will save an average of 1m kilos of textile waste.

Additionally, in collaboration with House of Denim, the United Repair Centre Academy was established to train students to become certified textile repairers with an immediate opportunity to work with brands.

This case is a great example of how brands can make repair and reuse part of their business and revenue mode. Besides fulfilling its immediate function of prolonging the garment's lifetime, the repair centre has also ensured the creation of additional jobs in the industry, increased brand appeal, and driven customers to show greater commitment to the brands.