Fiber and Materials: Recycling Specialist- Synthetics

About Us

Textile Exchange is a global non-profit driving a positive impact on climate change across the fashion and textile industry. It guides a growing community of brands, manufacturers, and farmers toward more purposeful production from the very start of the supply chain.

By 2030, its goal is to guide the industry to achieve a 45% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions within fiber and raw material production. Its focus is holistic and interconnected, accelerating the adoption of practices that improve the state of our water, soil health, and biodiversity too.

For real change to happen, everyone needs a clear path to positive impact. That’s why Textile Exchange believes that approachable, step-by-step instruction paired with collective action can change the system to make preferred materials and fibers an accessible default, mobilizing leaders through attainable strategies, proven solutions, and a driven community. At Textile Exchange, materials matter.

To learn more, visit TextileExchange.org.

Working at Textile Exchange

We work remotely with a team located in 20+ countries. We are a diverse group committed to harnessing the strengths of the global textile industry to accelerate change toward climate and other key environmental goals. We work collaboratively on important environmental issues around the world by working and interacting with farming groups, processors, brands, retailers, and environmental experts in the textile and fashion industries around the world. We offer an opportunity to join a cutting-edge global environmental nonprofit and to help strengthen the impact of our organization. Each Textile Exchange employee is offered a competitive compensation package with paid time off, yearly bonuses, opportunities for continuing education, and more.

Like all positions at Textile Exchange, the role will be primarily home-based. Textile Exchange is a US-based, remote-working organization with a global team. This position is open to domestic and international candidates. The majority of the Fiber & Materials team is based in the UK, Europe, and North America; therefore, the ability to work with UK, CET, EST, MT, and PST time zones is required. Ad-hoc business travel through the year to relevant conferences, workshops, site visits, and Textile Exchange events including team meetings, Round Table Summits, and annual conferences will be required.

Job Summary

The Recycling Specialist – Synthetics role will be part of the Fiber & Materials platform at Textile Exchange. This platform is responsible for driving the strategy per fiber category for the organization to support achieving Climate+ targets. The Recycling Specialist will work in the Synthetics fiber category and serve as an expert in mechanical and chemical recycling technologies for synthetic fibers including (but not limited to) polyester, polyamide, and elastane.

Duties and Responsibilities

In order to drive uptake and action in recycled synthetic materials, this position will be responsible for the following tasks and activities:

· Building and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders in the field of synthetics recycling including investigating new, innovative solutions for synthetics recycling with Textile Exchange’s key internal and external stakeholders and broader network.

· Supporting the Synthetics Lead with content and delivery of the Round Tables and associated Working Groups.

· Support the Synthetics Lead in strategy and decision-making to continue to drive the adoption of textile-to-textile recycling processes for synthetics.

· Partner with the Climate+ team to determine the impact associated with scaling up textile-to-textile recycling assessing a variety of mechanical and chemical recycling technologies.

· Working with the Climate+ team to monitor, advise and input on textile and synthetic-related policies in development predominantly across the UK, EU, and US.

· Collaborate with the internal Fiber & Materials categories to ensure alignment across fibers regarding recycling technologies and opportunities for collaboration.

· Collaborate with the Standards team to drive strategic decision-making to support innovation and scale-up of recycling solutions for synthetic materials. Including a supporting review of potential challenges in recycled materials and various non-textile feedstocks used for recycling (e.g. PET bottles for recycled polyester).

· Working with the Data and Technology team to update and input into current data relating to Synthetic materials including the Materials Market Report, Material Change Index, and Benchmark programs.

· Collaborate and connect with key internal teams to share relevant information and ensure platforms are kept up to date with recycling work and progress as needed.

The role will report to the Synthetics fiber lead.

Minimum Experience and Qualifications

· Degree in Textiles or Chemistry preferred.

· A minimum of 3 years of relevant experience in the recycling field.

· Understanding and demonstrable experience with different recycling technologies for synthetics is required.

· Well-organized and able to conduct self-directed research.

· Detail-oriented, logical, and systematic.

· Ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.

· Demonstrated interest in Textile Exchange’s vision, mission, and goals.

· Ability to work in a flexible, yet fast-paced remote environment, able to meet deadlines and share progress regularly.

· Strong work ethic and self-motivation with the ability to work remotely effectively.

· Ability to travel to relevant industry events, team meetings, and recycling sites as required.

Employment Package

· Reports to Fiber and Materials Strategy Lead: Synthetics

· Hours: Full time

· Location: Virtual/Remote, all locations

· Salary Range: $50,000 – $60,000 USD

· Start Date: As Soon as Available

How to Apply

Please submit it here:

· Resume

· Cover Letter

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis as they are submitted. Early application submission is strongly encouraged.

Textile Exchange is committed to creating a diverse environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.