Measuring Circularity: How SOLSTICE Evaluates Its Four Pilots

Circular practices only make a difference if citizens adopt them. Through four demonstration pilots in Berlin, Prato, Grenoble and Catalonia, SOLSTICE is testing different ways of promoting the 5Rs: Refuse/Reduce, Reuse, Repair, Repurpose and Recycle. But each pilot works in its own context, with its own objectives and target groups, which makes it hard to compare results or tell which approaches could be scaled up.

To address this, SOLSTICE partner TEXFOR developed a harmonised monitoring and evaluation framework that gives the four pilots a shared way to track progress and build evidence for future circular textile initiatives and policies.

Meet Raphael Josselin from Pellenc Selective Technologies

Can you tell us about your role in the SOLSTICE project?
I am responsible for Work Package 4, which focuses on sorting. I coordinate the activities and sub-tasks aimed at improving the sorting of synthetic textiles, particularly PET, Elastane, PU and PA.

What has been your most significant contribution to the project so far?
Coming from a highly industrial environment, I hope to have brought my expertise in assessing the technological maturity of detection methods for textile sorting. I have also developed a valuable partnership with Nouvelle Fibre Textile, which has enabled us to bring in sorted materials under real industrial conditions.

What’s your favourite aspect of working with the SOLSTICE team?
The diversity of expertise within the consortium is a tremendous asset. The technical centers bring essential scientific methods and technics, while the industrial partners contribute a pragmatic hands-on perspective. This combination of expertise helps us accelerate innovation and brings it to scale.

Can you share a memorable moment or achievement the team had together?
The workshops we hold during the General Assemblies are particularly valuable moments. They give us the opportunity to focus on a specific challenge and address it collectively. I have really enjoyed these sessions, which I find remarkably effective in generating concrete solutions.

Do you have any personal goals or aspirations tied to this project?
I am deeply aware of the environmental challenges we face, and I would like to do my very best to contribute to improving textile circularity at the European level.

What are you most looking forward to as the project progresses?
I am particularly looking forward to seeing the first regenerated materials resulting from the innovative recycling processes. This will make the project very concrete, impactful, and tangible.