Terra Matters, up close : Six voices driving a more circular world

We asked Terra Matters’ six team members what drew them here, what the circular economy means to them, and what part of the project excites them most. Their answers tell the story better than any job title could.

Why Terra Matters ?

“Many companies want to shrink their footprint, but they’re missing practical tools. Terra Matters felt like a natural match with my supply-chain background and sustainability values.”
— Laetitia Georgel, Circular Economy Project Leader

“I’d worked in a sustainability start-up before, so when I saw the first international standard coming out of Luxembourg, I knew I could help onboard users and partners.”
— Carole Henry, Business Development Manager

“Too often, I faced suppliers with bold sustainability claims yet no proof behind them. Terra Matters is built to close that gap, and that’s the impact I want to make.”
— Eeva Massi, Customer Success & Training Specialist

“After years launching beauty products, I wanted my marketing skills to serve a solution that makes circularity actionable, not aspirational.”
— Marie Vanderstichel, Marketing & Communication Manager

“As a product designer I saw how hard it is for industry to go circular alone. Terra Matters sits at the intersection of tech, standards and real-world operations—that’s the sweet spot.”
— Elvin Hervieu, Product Manager

“I love risky, ground-up ventures. Building a company whose mission aligns with my own conviction—give objects a second life—was irresistible.”
— Jérôme Dierickx, CEO

What does the circular economy mean to you ?

“We live on a finite planet. Circularity is simply common sense—design durable products, keep them in use, recycle only as a last resort.”
— Laetitia

“It’s the moment you stop and ask, ‘Do I really need this ? Could I repair or resell instead of binning it ?’”
— Carole

“Circular economy turns my personal drive for zero waste into a scalable, data-driven solution for global impact.”
— Eeva

“It’s a competitive advantage. Companies that ignore it won’t survive ; those that embrace it unlock value.”
— Marie

“Use limited resources wisely—retain value beyond a product’s first life.”
— Elvin

“Love and maintain what you own ; resist the lure of shiny new things. Our grandparents’ wisdom, updated for today.”
— Jérôme

What excites you most right now ?

“Standardised data will finally scale circular business models and cut greenwashing.”
— Laetitia is diving into TRUSTeX, a Horizon Europe project digitising textile value chains with a Digital Product Passport.

“The Product Circularity Data Sheet is becoming the transparency tool that helps anyone make better-informed choices—no marketing fluff, just facts.”
— Carole is focused on the Product Circularity Data Sheet (PCDS).

“Teaching the difference between ‘compostable’ and ‘biodegradable’ avoids empty buzzwords and builds trust.”
— Eeva loves translating dense ISO norms into plain language.

“I see momentum around the PCDS as a common language linking manufacturers, regulators and consumers—turning credibility into collaboration.”
— Marie

“Once we agree on terms and data formats, true scale—and trust—becomes possible.”
— Elvin is energised by giving every stakeholder a shared platform.

“A bonded team that needs no micromanaging can bring a universal circularity language to life—and go anywhere without fear.”
— Jérôme can’t hide his pride in the culture behind the product.

One mission, many lenses

From project management to regulatory fluency, from product design to storytelling, each voice adds a piece to the Terra Matters puzzle. Together they’re building tools that make circular practices measurable, transparent and, ultimately, mainstream.

And if their passion is any indicator, the wall between ambition and action is already starting to crumble.

Text and pictures by Terra Matters