Webinar – The Role of Repair in Product Stewardship

How can repairability and durability reflect a strong and comprehensive approach to product stewardship and lifecycle thinking?

Thurs, 30 Nov 2023

Resources

Repair Webinar Slides

As a preventative and practical waste avoidance measure, how can repairability and durability reflect a strong and comprehensive approach to product stewardship and lifecycle thinking?

The national appetite for products that are repairable is growing and consistently reflected in market research investigating consumer expectations and preferences. The global right to repair movement is also accelerating in markets across the European Union and North America covering products such as appliances, smartphones, and agricultural equipment.

In Australia, the Productivity Commission conducted a comprehensive inquiry into the right to repair, releasing its final report to the Australian Government in October 2021, however, there has been no policy response or reported action on the recommendations to date. Outside of government, other organisations and businesses are taking a pro-active approach.

During this webinar we heard from Australia’s leading expert on repair – Leanne Wiseman, Professor of Intellectual Property Law at Griffith University. Leanne is also the founder of the Australian Repair Network.

Also presenting was Lesley Yates, Director of Government Relations for the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association, which represents independent auto repairers and automotive parts manufacturers in Australia. Lesley was heavily involved in the development of legislation to address repairability in Australian Law.

We also heard about innovation in action from Yas Grigaliunas, the Founder and Chief Evangelist of Circonomy. Her work revolves around the fundamental principles of repair, renew, repurpose, recommerce, and product stewardship within the circular economy.

Following the presentations, we opened to a Q&A session.

During the webinar we created an illustration to capture all the great ideas, discussions, and key insights from this webinar. The illustration was created by Live Illustration by Elise Motalli. Click the image above to view full size.

Yas Grigaliunas

Founder & Chief Evangelist, Circonomy

Yas is the Founder and Chief Evangelist of Circonomy (formerly: World’s Biggest Garage Sale). Her work revolves around the fundamental principles of repair, renew, repurpose, recommerce, and product stewardship within the circular economy. With a commitment to sustainability and social responsibility, Yas champions holistic solutions that tackle environmental challenges while emphasising responsible product management. Yas stands committed to sculpting an inclusive, eco-conscious economy, serving as a global inspiration for a more sustainable future by emphasising the repair and stewardship facets of the circular economy.

Leanne Wiseman

Professor of IP Law, Griffith University

Professor Leanne Wiseman is an ARC Future Fellow and Professor of Intellectual Property Law at Griffith University. Her current research expertise focuses on the intersection between law and digital technologies, with particular attention to balancing IP rights with genuine access to information. She is currently researching legal and regulatory responses to the international Right to Repair movement.

Lesley Yates

Government Relations Director, Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association

Lesley is Director of Government Relations and Advocacy for the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association. AAAA is the national industry association representing independent auto repairers and automotive parts manufacturers in Australia. The Association has over 3,000 member companies in all categories of the Australian automotive aftermarket and includes a large number of independent small and medium size businesses. In June 2021, after a decade of AAAA campaigning for fair and open competition in auto repair markets, the new automotive repair law was passed in Australian Parliament. This legislation is the result of a tireless and persistent grassroots campaign by the independent auto repairers and the AAAA. This legislation is the first time the Australian government has addressed repairability in Australian Law.

The Product Stewardship Centre of Excellence is an independent, not for profit charity, that seeks to reduce waste generation and create positive environmental and social outcomes through sustainable design, resource conservation, reuse, repair, and recycling. The Centre helps businesses, industries, and product stewardship organisations to adopt a strong lifecycle approach to deliver their ESG and circular economy objectives. We also provide independent advice on product stewardship priorities to the Australian government.

Product Stewardship Centre of Excellence | c/- Institute for Sustainable Futures | University of Technology | PO Box 123 | Broadway NSW 2007