The convergence of Right-to-Repair Meets ESG is reshaping global supply chains. July 2025 amendments to India’s E-waste Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policy and international Right-to-Repair regulations now compel original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to extend product life cycles. This shift is not just about regulatory risk; it is a chance for start-ups to build profitable, sustainability-aligned solutions.
ERP Global reports that over 60% of OEMs expect operational changes to comply with lifecycle and e-waste mandates. Keev Capital sees this as a defining opportunity for environmental-tech ventures focused on circularity and repair intelligence.
How Right-to-Repair and ESG Converge
Right-to-Repair policies require OEMs to provide spare parts, repair manuals, and diagnostic tools to third-party vendors and consumers. Combined with ESG mandates, companies must now demonstrate responsible product stewardship and reduced environmental impact. In India, stricter e-waste EPR rules demand collection, recycling, and reporting, aligning with global efforts led by the Environmental Protection Agency and ERP Global.
This intersection of sustainability and compliance is accelerating demand for start-ups in smart logistics, predictive repair analytics, and circular marketplaces. Keev-backed consumer goods innovators are well-positioned to help OEMs meet regulatory expectations while unlocking new revenue streams.
Supply-Chain Opportunities for Start-ups
The tightening of Right-to-Repair and ESG rules is turning regulatory compliance into a market differentiator. Start-ups that integrate data-driven repair solutions can help OEMs reduce warranty costs, extend product lifecycles, and improve ESG scores. As compliance shifts from a reactive burden to a proactive strategy, the window for innovation has never been wider. Key opportunities include:
Predictive Repair and Analytics
AI-driven repair analytics allow companies to anticipate component failures and schedule proactive maintenance. These solutions align with Keev’s focus on vertical AI applications that combine operational efficiency with sustainability. Predictive models can be trained on device performance data to optimize part usage, reduce waste, and extend hardware value.
Circular Logistics and Reverse Supply Chains
Enhanced EPR laws are fueling the growth of reverse logistics networks. Start-ups facilitating the collection, refurbishment, and recycling of components provide measurable ESG impact while lowering OEM liabilities. Incorporating blockchain for traceability in reverse flows can also satisfy audit requirements and increase consumer trust in reused components.
Smart Spares and Marketplace Platforms
The emergence of digital marketplaces for spare parts enables both compliance and monetization. Health-tech and consumer-tech products, sectors supported by Keev’s healthcare investments, benefit from readily available, certified spares that extend device lifecycles. These platforms not only support repairs but also empower local repair ecosystems, creating decentralized economic impact while fulfilling ESG mandates.
By addressing these areas, start-ups position themselves as indispensable partners in a new era of sustainable, compliant supply chains.
ESG as a Competitive Moat
Aligning with ESG and Right-to-Repair rules is more than regulatory hygiene—it creates defensible market advantages. OEMs with strong sustainability profiles attract environmentally conscious consumers and qualify for institutional capital that prioritizes ESG-compliant portfolios. For start-ups, embedding ESG into repair and supply-chain models offers long-term stickiness with enterprise clients and regulators alike.
The ESG-driven supply chain also strengthens cross-border opportunities. As European and North American markets adopt similar mandates, Indian start-ups that are early movers will have an exportable compliance advantage. Keev Capital supports this transition by funding climate-aligned ventures that design solutions from predictive repair to digital EPR reporting.
Conclusion and Call to Action
The era where Right-to-Repair Meets ESG has begun, redefining how manufacturers and start-ups collaborate in a compliance-first, sustainability-driven market. By leveraging predictive repair tools, circular logistics, and smart spares marketplaces, start-ups not only fulfill regulatory obligations but also transform them into revenue and investment opportunities. Companies that embrace this shift early will emerge as trusted partners for OEMs navigating stricter e-waste and product stewardship laws.
Keev Capital actively partners with environmental and consumer-focused innovators, driving circular supply-chain solutions. As regulatory momentum builds, investors and corporates alike are prioritizing ventures that merge sustainability with profitability. Founders looking to turn ESG compliance into a growth strategy can explore Keev’s expertise in vertical AI and climate-aligned investments. Our team is available to support start-ups building scalable solutions that power the next generation of responsible supply chains.