For much of the last century, replacing quietly overtook repairing. Products were designed to be cheaper, faster to discard, and easier to move on from. Broken phones, appliances, and electronics were rarely examined; they were simply replaced. Over time, the relationship people once had with their belongings faded, replaced by a cycle of use and disposal that felt efficient. Today, that relationship is being reconsidered.

As waste and resource pressures grow, repair culture is re-emerging across borders. In Europe, governments are questioning why ownership should end at the point of purchase, encouraging longer product lifespans. In the United States and Canada, consumer movements are challenging sealed devices and restricted spare parts. Global conversation is shifting from how quickly products can be replaced to how long they can reasonably last.

At the heart of this shift is the idea of the “Right to Repair.” It reflects a change in how products are understood—not as disposable commodities, but as assets meant to be maintained. As repair becomes more accessible, consumers are rediscovering skills, patience, and a sense of control that mass manufacturing once diminished. Repair spaces, technicians, and local workshops are regaining relevance, as practical responses to modern challenges.

This renewed focus on repair is also reshaping communities. In cities across Europe and North America, repair is becoming a shared activity that connects people through problem-solving and knowledge exchange. The act of fixing builds continuity, turning ownership into an ongoing relationship rather than a one-time transaction.

In India, repair culture never truly disappeared. From neighborhood mobile technicians to appliance repair lanes in cities like Delhi and Mumbai, fixing has long been woven into daily life. As “Right to Repair” discussions gain momentum, these practices are being recognized as foundations for a more circular economy.

The return of repair culture reflects a broader recalibration of values. In a throwaway world, choosing to repair is not about resisting progress. It is about redefining it—placing durability, responsibility, and care back at the center of how society consumes and connects.

SOURCES:

1. 1. https://www.deloitte.com/us/en/insights/industry/retail-distribution/from-throw-away-culture-to-repair-revolution.html
   2. https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/eu-parliament-approves-rules-requiring-companies-repair-worn-out-products-2024-04-23/
   3. https://www.lse.ac.uk/research/research-for-the-world/sustainability/environment-electronics-repair
   4. https://kaizzencomm.com/right-to-repair-and-the-road-to-circular-economy/