A unique initiative in the Netherlands is making waves by employing skilled refugees to repair beloved garments, and its impact is rapidly spreading.

Located in west Amsterdam, the United Repair Centre (URC) is a lively workshop where refugees, including former asylum seekers, collaborate to mend clothes for major global brands. The project began in partnership with outdoor clothing brand Patagonia and has since expanded its clientele to include big names like Decathlon and Lululemon.

The workshop exudes a relaxed Dutch atmosphere, adorned with completed repairs and vibrant sewing supplies.

At URC, newcomers to the Netherlands with tailoring expertise, many of whom are refugees, skillfully repair garments sent in by customers or brands. Ambrose, a 20-year-old Palestinian fashion enthusiast, manages the front desk and coordinates the repair process, ensuring clear communication among the diverse team. The project addresses the challenges faced by refugees seeking meaningful employment in the Netherlands while also tackling the shortage of local tailoring skills. Employees receive fair wages and benefits under the textile industry collective agreement, providing stability and a sense of belonging.

URC is a crucial component of Amsterdam’s green philosophy, which strives for a circular economy with zero waste and zero new materials by 2050. The project emerged from Thami Schweichler’s initiative, Makers Unite, which empowers newcomers in the Netherlands through sustainable fashion projects. Patagonia, committed to both clothing repair and climate activism, embraced the opportunity to collaborate with URC and extend its repair network across Europe.

URC’s success and ambitious plans are evident, with the workshop expanding from four team members to 19 full-time employees within a year.

The project aims to employ 140 tailors in the Netherlands by 2027 and plans to launch the United Repair Academy, offering training in tailoring skills. Brands are increasingly recognizing the value of repair, with several large fashion names expressing interest in URC’s services. While challenges persist, the initiative is gradually normalizing repair and reshaping the fashion industry’s relationship with sustainability. This groundbreaking approach is set to make a positive impact beyond the Netherlands, with similar initiatives already underway in the UK.