Launch of the national repairability platform: a key driver for the circular economy in Belgium

The Federal Public Service (FPS) Health, Food Chain Safety and Environment commissioned Möbius to conduct a strategic study for the development of a Belgian knowledge and collaboration platform focused on repair and product lifetime extension.

This initiative is anchored in a solid regulatory framework, set by the Law of 24 March 2024 on the promotion of product repairability and durability. In force since 2 May 2025, the law introduces a mandatory repairability index for products placed on the Belgian market: dishwashers, vacuum cleaners, high-pressure cleaners, lawn mowers and laptops.

Its objective is to strengthen the repairability of products, reduce waste and support the Belgian circular economy through knowledge exchange between manufacturers, distributors, repairers, knowledge centres, government and civil society.

A robust legal framework for sustainable products

Promoting durable and repairable products is a cornerstone of Belgium’s product policy, aiming to reduce environmental impact and resource consumption.

To achieve this, the law requires the creation of a national Belgian platform bringing together all stakeholders affected by the repairability index.

Möbius was tasked with designing a platform that is fully compliant, operationally viable and value-adding within a rapidly evolving ecosystem, influenced by both federal and EU developments (e.g. Right to Repair and Ecodesign).

A collaborative approach to improve product repairability

Möbius adopted a collaborative, structured and stakeholder-driven approach, delivered in three phases:

Phase 1 — Landscape exploration

• Policy analysis at regional, federal and European levels

• Stakeholder consultations with 18 organisations
  → Clear identification of needs, expectations and perceived value

Phase 2 — Mission and governance definition

• Co-creation workshops with key stakeholders

• A detailed two-year activity plan with long-term guidance

• A transparent governance model with roles, responsibilities and information flows

Phase 3 — Official launch and working groups

• Platform launch with a broad group of stakeholders

• Facilitation of the initial working groups to ensure effective progress

• Continuous knowledge transfer to the FPS Health team

Tangible results for the circular economy

Thanks to Möbius’ expertise in circular economy and stakeholder engagement, the FPS Health was able to:

• Establish a clear vision and mission for the repairability platform
• Implement a strategic and operational governance model
• Develop a robust activity plan including:
— monitoring the deployment and impact of the repairability index
— sharing updates on EU policy developments
— technical knowledge exchange
— strengthening the national repair network
• Actively engage a wide ecosystem of stakeholders, ensuring strong commitment and constructive collaboration

The platform was officially launched on 6 February 2025, providing Belgium with a solid foundation to coordinate national repairability efforts — and reinforcing its role as a leading circular economy actor in Europe.