Call for experts – Chemicals in textiles

Deadline: 28 February 2025

Chemicals in textiles

Substances of concern with hazardous properties – such as endocrine-disruptors (EDCs) – are widely used in consumer products are found across the globe and throughout our bodies. These substances cause issues to the detriment of human health and the environment all along the value chains – product, use, and end-of-life or recycling. The textiles value chain is particularly problematic, with some estimates claiming over 8,000 synthetic chemicals used in textiles manufacturing. Many of these substances can cause problems for human health along the value chain, with workers at the front line, but consumers and end users facing risks during use.

When detecting substances in products, standards play an important role – ensuring that producers are using robust methods for compliable and replicable results. There are not enough existing, broadly agreed standards, however, to detect and assess substances across various product types and materials. Many existing standards are not up-to-date, nor are they robust enough to fulfil traceability requirements or to measure impact on human and ecological health – based on current scientific understanding of the hazards of these substances.

The chosen expert’s support will be crucial in understanding the gap in standards and identifying where the development of up-to-date, science-based standards can support regulatory updates.

Interested candidates should be able to demonstrate in-depth technical and scientific knowledge on technical and scientific knowledge of substances of concerns used in textiles and their value chains. ECOS will also consider working with experts who are knowledgeable about chemicals (particularly EDCs) or textiles value chain with a knowledge of CEN and standardisation processes.

The nominated experts will:

• Undertake research and analysis of current standards at CEN to detect chemicals in textile products.
• Participate in technical meetings of CEN (and possibly ISO) meetings to promote ECOS position.
• Prepare technical input through official comments and contribution to ECOS position papers.
• Report to and liaise with the responsible ECOS Programme Manager.
• Exchange information with ECOS member organisations and other experts when needed.

ECOS offers

• A daily fee for preparation of meetings, participation and reporting, as well as other relevant tasks.
• Reimbursement of travel costs.
• Per diem to cover accommodation and subsistence costs.

How to apply

Please send your CV and a cover letter outlining your motivation and your suitability to support and represent ECOS to Emily BEST <emily.best[at]ecostandard.org> by 28 February 2025 COB.

Applications will be assessed by the ECOS secretariat on a rolling basis, applying ECOS procurement policy. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.