For several years, the rules governing the refurbishment sector have no longer been decided solely at the national level. They are increasingly shaped at the European level, through major legislative texts that directly impact the activities of stakeholders in the sector.
The Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), the right to repair, the digital product passport, traceability, compliance and market surveillance requirements — all these developments are fundamentally reshaping the framework within which refurbishers and reuse operators operate.
In this context, it became essential for the union to adopt a clearer, more coherent identity that is immediately recognizable at European level.
SPARE is fully aligned with the legacy of SIRRMIET: continuity of history, values, positions and expertise developed since the union’s creation.
However, SPARE also represents a strategic strengthening. The objective is clear: to reinforce the union’s capacity to influence decision-making processes where the rules are now defined, in order to effectively defend the interests of the French electronic reuse and refurbishment sector.
This evolution aims to enable the union to:
The refurbishment and reuse of electronic equipment are not only environmental levers. They are also major drivers of industrial competitiveness, digital sovereignty and economic resilience for Europe.
By extending product lifespans, reducing dependence on critical raw materials, and developing local value chains, the sector directly contributes to European objectives in industry, climate policy and strategic autonomy.
Through SPARE, the union intends to convey a clear message: reuse and refurbishment must be fully recognized as pillars of European competitiveness — not merely as end-of-life activities.
Becoming SPARE does not mean abandoning the union’s French roots. On the contrary, this evolution aims to better promote the expertise, know-how and specific strengths of the French sector within European discussions.
SPARE will continue to work closely with French authorities, institutional stakeholders and the national ecosystem, while strengthening its presence and actions in Brussels.
With SPARE, the union adopts a name and identity aligned with the current and future challenges of the sector.
In the coming months, this evolution will be accompanied by an intensification of the union’s European actions, serving its members and the entire sector.
SPARE is therefore a new name — but an unchanged commitment: to defend, structure and promote sustainable, competitive and value-creating electronic reuse, in France and across Europe.
For several years, the rules governing the refurbishment sector have no longer been decided solely at the national level. They are increasingly shaped at the European level, through major legislative texts that directly impact the activities of stakeholders in the sector.
The Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), the right to repair, the digital product passport, traceability, compliance and market surveillance requirements — all these developments are fundamentally reshaping the framework within which refurbishers and reuse operators operate.
In this context, it became essential for the union to adopt a clearer, more coherent identity that is immediately recognizable at European level.
SPARE is fully aligned with the legacy of SIRRMIET: continuity of history, values, positions and expertise developed since the union’s creation.
However, SPARE also represents a strategic strengthening. The objective is clear: to reinforce the union’s capacity to influence decision-making processes where the rules are now defined, in order to effectively defend the interests of the French electronic reuse and refurbishment sector.
This evolution aims to enable the union to:
The refurbishment and reuse of electronic equipment are not only environmental levers. They are also major drivers of industrial competitiveness, digital sovereignty and economic resilience for Europe.
By extending product lifespans, reducing dependence on critical raw materials, and developing local value chains, the sector directly contributes to European objectives in industry, climate policy and strategic autonomy.
Through SPARE, the union intends to convey a clear message: reuse and refurbishment must be fully recognized as pillars of European competitiveness — not merely as end-of-life activities.
Becoming SPARE does not mean abandoning the union’s French roots. On the contrary, this evolution aims to better promote the expertise, know-how and specific strengths of the French sector within European discussions.
SPARE will continue to work closely with French authorities, institutional stakeholders and the national ecosystem, while strengthening its presence and actions in Brussels.
With SPARE, the union adopts a name and identity aligned with the current and future challenges of the sector.
In the coming months, this evolution will be accompanied by an intensification of the union’s European actions, serving its members and the entire sector.
SPARE is therefore a new name — but an unchanged commitment: to defend, structure and promote sustainable, competitive and value-creating electronic reuse, in France and across Europe.
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