Last updated on:

September 28, 2026

Access-Based Business Models: More Relevant Than Ever Thanks to the EU's Right to Repair Law.

What the EU's Right to Repair law means for brands, and why access-based business models like rental and subscription are a smart way to adapt.

Garima Singh

Product Marketing Manager

TABLE OF CONTENT

Updated September 2026: the EU Right to Repair Directive now applies (since 31 July 2026), and the e-waste figures are updated to the Global E-waste Monitor 2024.

Key takeaways

The EU Right to Repair Directive applies from 31 July 2026 and pushes brands towards repairing products instead of replacing them.
Access-based business models (rental, subscription, product-as-a-service) already work this way: the brand keeps the product, repairs it and puts it back into use.
Because the brand owns the asset, it has a direct incentive to design for repairability, manage spare parts and build repair infrastructure.

The EU's Right to Repair Directive aims to make it easier for consumers to repair their products, thereby promoting sustainability and reducing electronic waste. Why is it relevant? Because the amount of e-waste produced globally is substantial and continues to grow each year. Here are some key stats.

What is the EU Right to Repair Directive?

The Right to Repair Directive, Directive (EU) 2024/1799, applies from 31 July 2026. It gives consumers an extra 12 months of legal guarantee when they choose repair over replacement, and it obliges manufacturers of certain products (including washing machines, dishwashers, fridges, displays, mobile phones and tablets) to offer timely, cost-effective repairs and spare parts at reasonable prices. Batteries for e-bikes and e-scooters follow from 18 February 2027, and a European Repair Platform is planned to be fully operational from 1 January 2028 (Right to Repair Europe; European Commission).

Why it matters: the e-waste problem in numbers

The world generated a record 62 million tonnes of e-waste in 2022, up 82% since 2010, and this is projected to reach 82 million tonnes by 2030 (Global E-waste Monitor 2024, UNITAR/ITU).
Only 22.3% of that e-waste was documented as properly collected and recycled.
E-waste is growing five times faster than documented e-waste recycling.
Europe generates the most e-waste per person, at 17.6 kg per capita, but also has the highest formal collection rate, at 42.8%.

As a response to this, the European Union is stepping up its game in the battle against electronic waste and unsustainable consumption with its ambitious right to repair law.

This legislation is set to transform how we think about ownership and maintenance of our gadgets and appliances. By mandating that products be easier to repair and maintain, the EU aims to extend the lifespan of consumer goods, reduce waste, and promote a circular economy.

Challenge: This brings us to an intriguing question: how can businesses adapt to these new regulations in a way that benefits both them and their customers?

Solution: The answer might lie in a fresh and innovative approach to product consumption — access-based business models.

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This model isn't just a win for sustainability; it's also a smart business strategy that aligns perfectly with the EU’s green agenda. Let’s explore how these models can help meet the various components of the right to repair law, creating a harmonious blend of compliance, customer satisfaction, and sustainability.

1. Enhanced Product Design and Feedback Loop

Real-Time Usage Data:

Access-based models provide continuous real-time data on how products are used, which can feed directly into design improvements for repairability and durability. This feedback loop ensures that products are constantly evolving based on actual user experiences.

Iterative Improvement:

With access-based models, companies can rapidly iterate on product design, focusing on common issues and enhancing repairability. This continuous improvement cycle is harder to achieve in a traditional sales model where feedback might be limited.

2. Streamlined Spare Parts Management

Predictive Maintenance:

Access-based models allow companies to monitor product health and predict when repairs are needed. This proactive approach means spare parts can be managed more efficiently, ensuring availability and reducing downtime for users.

Centralised Inventory:

Maintaining a centralised inventory for an access-based service is more manageable and cost-effective. Companies can bulk order spare parts and distribute them as needed, which can reduce costs and improve repair turnaround times.

3. Comprehensive Repair Infrastructure

In-House Expertise:

Companies offering access-based services can develop specialised in-house repair teams, ensuring high-quality, standardised repairs. This contrasts with the variability of repairs done by third parties in a traditional ownership model.

On-Demand Repairs:

With access-based models, companies can offer on-demand repair services, where technicians come to the customer’s location, enhancing convenience and customer satisfaction.

4. Customer Empowerment and Satisfaction

Lower Costs for Consumers:

Customers save money by not having to purchase expensive products outright. Instead, they pay a subscription fee that often includes maintenance and repairs, which can be more predictable and manageable financially.

Convenience and Flexibility:

Access-based models offer greater convenience and flexibility, allowing customers to switch or upgrade products as needed without worrying about disposal or resale.

5. Environmental and Social Responsibility

Extended Product Lifecycle:

Access-based models naturally align with the principles of the circular economy. By keeping products in use for longer through maintenance, repair, and eventual refurbishment, these models reduce waste and environmental impact.

Sustainable Practices:

Companies are incentivised to design products that last longer and are easier to repair since they retain ownership and bear the costs of maintenance and end-of-life management.

Extra Perks for Businesses

Revenue Streams and Customer Loyalty: Access-based models create steady revenue through subscriptions or rentals. Plus, regular interaction with customers builds stronger relationships—think of it as the Netflix effect for physical products.

Brand Reputation and Market Differentiation: By leading the charge in sustainability and innovation, companies can stand out in the crowded market. It’s not just good for the planet; it’s great for business.

Tech Integration

IoT and Predictive Maintenance: Using IoT tech to track product usage can provide detailed data for predictive maintenance. It’s like having a smart assistant who knows when your toaster is about to give up the ghost.

Overcoming Challenges

Transition Costs and Logistics: Shifting to an access-based model isn’t a walk in the park. But by rolling it out gradually and leveraging existing infrastructure, companies can smooth the transition. Partnering with third-party service providers can also help manage repairs and maintenance.

Looking Ahead

The marriage of right to repair laws and access-based business models is just getting started. Expect more innovations in product design, maintenance tech, and business strategies. Companies that get ahead of the curve will lead the charge towards a more sustainable and consumer-friendly future.

Conclusion

The synergy between the EU’s right to repair law and access-based business models is a match made in eco-heaven. By focusing on repairability, spare parts availability, and sustainable practices, these models ensure regulatory compliance while enhancing customer satisfaction. As businesses adapt, this dynamic duo will drive innovation and create resilient, eco-friendly market solutions. So, get ready to borrow, fix, and save the planet—one subscription at a time.

About circuly

circuly is a subscription management software solution that enables manufacturers and retails of consumer durable products to launch, manage and scale a rental, lease or subscription model for physical products. With the help of the circuly solution, retailers and manufacturers of consumer durable products can make their business circular, add a recurring revenue stream, extend the product lifecycle, reach new customer segments and achieve their sustainability goals. circuly makes the process of renting products online as seamless and scalable as traditional sales, revolutionising the way businesses operate in the digital landscape.

Frequently asked questions

When does the EU Right to Repair Directive apply?

Member states had to apply the Directive (EU) 2024/1799 from 31 July 2026. Some countries were late with transposition, so national rules can still differ.

Which products does the repair obligation cover?

Products listed in Annex II of the directive, such as washing machines, dishwashers, fridges, electronic displays, mobile phones and tablets. E-bike and e-scooter batteries follow from 18 February 2027.

How do rental and subscription models help with right to repair?

In a rental or subscription model the brand keeps ownership, so repairing and redeploying a product is part of the business model, not a cost to avoid.