What happens when repairing, sharing and meeting become an integral part of everyday life?
Our first impact report provides an initial answer to this. From October 2024 to September 2025, we used our pilot site in Gropiusstadt to show that the circular economy works - when it is low-threshold, visible and collaboratively organized. The full report can be viewed here:
The most important results at a glance
571 repairs in six months
124 Loans
over 200 members
around € 90,000 in avoided new purchases
approx. 46 tons of CO₂e saved
These figures not only stand for ecological impact, but also for concrete everyday relief: less waste, lower expenses, more self-efficacy.
Social impact: a third place in the neighborhood
The Kreisler is more than just a workshop. For many people - especially older neighbors - it has become a regular meeting place. Appliances with emotional value have been rescued. Young people used the workshop to gain their first technical experience. People repaired an appliance themselves for the first time and gained confidence in their abilities. Repairing became normal again.
Ecological impact: Extending instead of throwing away
Every repair extends product life. Every loan replaces a new purchase. For electrical appliances in particular, this means: avoided production, avoided transportation, avoided disposal. The calculated 46 tons of CO₂e savings show the potential of infrastructure suitable for everyday use
What we have learned
The first year was deliberately a learning phase. Three key findings:
Repair is situational. Traditional workshops were less popular. Learning works better in the actual repair moment.
Volunteering alone is not enough. We need a combination of commitment and professional structure. That is why we are launching a repair academy in 2026.
Impact needs stable funding. Donations fluctuate greatly. The solidarity-based membership system will be further expanded to ensure long-term sustainability.
The Kreisler functions as a third place. It needs robust structures in order to function permanently.
Our goal remains clear: a Kreisler in every neighborhood.
