Fibers and Raw Materials Taxonomy Project Contractor  – Remote

40-Fiber and Materials · New York, New York

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 the 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 for 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. 

Project Summary 

Textile Exchange is looking for an experienced consultancy or contractor to develop a taxonomy system for raw material categories (e.g., fiber and raw material groupings based on feedstock type, processes, inputs, and outputs) and update our existing materials classification system to reflect regulatory frameworks and guidance, in addition to including new innovative raw materials that currently don’t sit within the existing system. This project consultant/contractor would work closely with a group of diverse team members across the organization to act as an internal advisory group.  

The focus of this project is on Tier 4 raw materials including feedstock and raw material production as it relates to the apparel and textile industry.  

Project Scope of Work  

• Research what regulations, taxonomies, and classifications exist for raw materials used in the apparel and textile industry and identify regulatory gaps   
• Create an updated fiber and materials taxonomy at the category level (e.g., plant, animal, synthetic, manmade cellulosic), including emerging or new innovative raw materials (e.g., emerging technologies, next-gen manmade cellulosic fibers, biosynthetic, “leather” alternatives) that supports and builds on the existing classification system  
•  Establish clear definitions and scoping criteria (e.g., feedstocks, processing, inputs, and outputs) when grouping raw materials to create new fiber categories. 
•  Develop an expert review process ad lead industry stakeholder engagement to gather input from the industry in partnership with the internal Textile Exchange team.  

Project Deliverables 

• Raw Materials Taxonomy by Category  
• Documented methodology 
• Final updated classification system  

Minimum Experience and Qualifications  

• Demonstrated interest in Textile Exchange’s vision, mission, and goals.  
• Detail-oriented, logical, systematic, methodical, and organized.  
• An in-depth understanding of raw material categories and classification systems and raw material regulatory frameworks.  
• Expertise in raw material production and processing across existing and new innovative technologies.  

• Ability to work in a flexible, yet fast-paced remote environment, able to meet deadlines and share progress regularly. Comfort with ambiguity and changing direction.  
• Strong work ethic and self-motivation with the ability to work remotely effectively.  
• Strong English communication skills. 
• Good computer skills including Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint 
• Ability to think outside the box to creatively problem solve in a new and often contentious space. 

Project Compensation and Timeline  

• Part-time project to be completed by the first of February 
• Work from home, virtual/remote (flexible working hours is a must due to difference in international time zones). 

• Compensation: dependent on the proposal received  
• To be filled as soon as possible (start date to be agreed between both parties). 

How to Apply 

Please submit a project proposal and profile/portfolio.  

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.