The TEXTUURI project was funded by the European Union under the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) programme. It ran from April 2023 to March 2026, with a total budget of EUR 398 937, including an EU contribution of EUR 239 362. Implemented by A-Pesti Oy, a company owned by the City of Alavus (Finland), the project aimed to develop new employment support approaches and service models linked to textile recycling, textile reuse and the circular economy. The initiative focused on improving employability and employment opportunities for people in a weak labour market position and those at risk of social exclusion, while responding to workforce needs within the circular economy sector. By combining practical activities with tailored support measures, the project sought to create new pathways into employment, education and training while promoting circular economy principles.  

A central focus of TEXTUURI was the development of practical pathways to employment through textile recycling and reuse activities combined with personalised support, skills development and circular economy learning opportunities.  

Key achievements of the project include:

• Establishment of a dedicated textile recycling and reuse workshop providing practical training in textile sorting, reuse, recycling, product upcycling and customer service activities.
• Development and implementation of the Workplace and Task Coordinator model, creating stronger links between participants, employers, educational institutions and public employment services.
• Collection and processing of over 22 tonnes of discarded textiles, with reusable textiles directed towards reuse opportunities and worn-out materials prepared for fibre recycling, thereby supporting the implementation of separate textile waste collection.
• Introduction of the PAIKKO Competence System and recognition of Textuuri as an official PAIKKO learning environment, resulting in the issuance of 22 competence certificates documenting participants' vocational skills and learning outcomes.
• Support for 64 participants from groups facing labour market challenges, with 34 participants progressing to employment, work trials or studies during the project period. 

TEXTUURI supported EU objectives related to social inclusion, skills development and the circular economy by combining employment support measures with practical activities linked to textile reuse and recycling. By helping people facing barriers to employment develop vocational and life-management skills, the project sought to strengthen pathways towards labour market participation while building awareness of opportunities within circular economy sectors. Through its textile collection, sorting, reuse and recycling activities, the project also promoted more circular use of textile resources. In addition, the project explored collaborative approaches involving employment services, educational institutions, local authorities and employers to support access to education, training and employment opportunities

TEXTUURI fostered cooperation between local authorities, employment services, educational institutions, employers and stakeholders from the textiles and circular economy ecosystems. The project facilitated practical learning through the workshop, workplace-based activities, competence certification and collaboration with industry experts. The Workplace and Task Coordinator model allows for knowledge transfer and strengthened cooperation between employers, education providers and employment support services. The model represents a transferable good practice for other European regions seeking to combine circular economy activities with inclusive employment services, demonstrating how multi-stakeholder cooperation can address labour market challenges while supporting the growing demand for skills within circular economy sectors. The project also demonstrated the value of the PAIKKO Competence System for identifying and documenting skills acquired through practical work and non-formal learning environments, supporting lifelong learning, skills recognition and employability. The project also increased awareness of responsible consumption, textile reuse and recycling among local communities and stakeholders via social media channels. Following the project's completion, the Workplace and Task Coordinator role was integrated into A-Pesti Oy's permanent coaching services, ensuring that the methods, expertise, networks and good practices developed through TEXTUURI continue to support employment and circular economy activities beyond the funding period.