10/20/2025

AFFOA and the FabricLink Network (FLN) Announce Partnership to Advance Textile Careers and U.S. Manufacturing (10/20/25)

The 2025 U.S. textile industry is entering a thoughtful reinvigoration focused on high-value, technical, and specialized products made domestically. Trends toward sustainability, customization, and nearshoring are rebuilding the domestic supply chain. A movement is underway to address future hurdles and strengthen growth by blending offshore efficiencies with innovative domestic manufacturing. Leading this effort are the Advanced Functional Fabrics of America (AFFOA) and The Textile Gateway, created by the FabricLink Network (FLN). Their partnership—AFFOA with FLN's TheTextileGateway.org —aims to reconnect students with textiles while helping the U.S. industry regain momentum. Many suppliers report difficulty finding experienced staff and attracting entrants to the field, and university programs face similar recruitment challenges. "Fueling interest among the next generation is essential to preserving and advancing this industry," says Robert Finnegan, AFFOA's head of Education and Workforce Development. "TheTextileGateway.org program is a powerful catalyst, and we are excited to partner to reveal the heart and soul of textiles through accessible, compelling video storytelling." Today's students often learn little about textiles and are unlikely to envision textile careers. AFFOA's Career and Technical Education (CTE) Toolkit, alongside FLN's The Textile Gateway, provides targeted, actionable paths to address industry supply-chain needs. Together, these platforms aim to bolster domestic manufacturing and drive demand for American-made products. The Textile Gateway's mission is to educate and inspire K-12 students about textiles and the myriad career paths within the field. The program highlights how textiles are used, how new technologies and sustainability shape product development, and how smart textiles and bio-based/textile-inspired innovations create opportunities for scientists, engineers, designers, and technicians alike. "We're thrilled to partner with AFFOA to educate and energize students about the vast opportunities in textiles," says Tom Swantko, director of TheTextileGateway.org. "Today's K-12 curricula often gloss over textiles. Through The Textile Gateway, students learn how AI, robotics, automation, and computer science are transforming textile creation—and the rewarding careers that accompany those advances." AFFOA and The Textile Gateway invite industry participation to enrich the program with real-world content. Industry-created videos—such as mill tours, facility processes, and technology interviews— will be featured on The Textile Gateway and AFFOA's upcoming CTE Toolkit for Advanced Textiles Manufacturing. To contribute, contact: Robert Finnegan at rfinnegan@affoa.org or Tom Swantko at toms@TheTextileGateway.com.