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Tatiana Buzmakova/Shutterstock
Jeans with a hole are sewn with patches
Image credit:
Tatiana Buzmakova/Shutterstock
Sports Business/03/14/2025

Longevity as a business model: what the sports industry can learn now

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In 2023, between 150 and 200 billion items of clothing were produced worldwide - more than enough to clothe the next six generations. At the same time, more than 92 million tons of textile waste will be produced. A contradiction that shows: The fashion industry needs to rethink. One solution that benefits both the environment and companies is repair services. The United Repair Center (URC) is a pioneer in this field. At ISPO Munich, we spoke to founder Thami Schweichler about what repairs can mean for the industry.

Sustainability starts with people

Every second, a truckload of clothing ends up as waste. But the real burden is borne by people in countries such as Ghana, where around 10 million items of clothing end up as waste every week. Many earn their living by reselling these clothes - often under difficult conditions and with physical consequences. They carry these clothes on their heads to markets, often with loads of up to 50 kilograms.

Sustainability therefore not only affects materials and production processes, but also the people along the entire supply chain. Sustainable change begins with a change of perspective: who produces, sells and disposes of our clothing - and what responsibility do we bear as an industry?

"It's not just about producing too much clothing. It's about the people behind it. And to change the supply chain, we have to look at them first."
Thami Schweichler, founder of the United Repair Center (URC)
Frau schaut sich nachhaltige Materialien an
The demand for sustainable materials and repair services is growing - more and more people are consuming more consciously and focusing on longevity.
Image credit:
Messe München

From the linear supply chain to the circular economy

For a long time, the textile industry followed a linear model: clothing was produced, sold and finally disposed of. But this system is coming under increasing pressure. A circular economy in which clothing is used for longer and recycled is becoming increasingly important. Repairs play a central role in this - they extend the lifespan of textiles and help to save valuable resources.

Three factors in particular are crucial for this change

  1. More conscious consumers
    Gen Z in particular is changing its buying habits and showing a growing interest in sustainable fashion. According to McKinsey & Co (2021), 75% of millennials also prefer brands that are committed to sustainability.

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