#USA #Portland #AFFOA #University of Oregon #Bemis Associates

Advanced Functional Fabrics of America Integrates with University of Oregon

The Advanced Functional Fabrics of America (AFFOA) has expanded its groundbreaking educational initiative, known as the Transdisciplinary Workshop, to the West Coast. In a strategic collaboration with the University of Oregon's Sports Product Design graduate program and Bemis Associates, this program aims to innovate the field of tactical apparel and gear. This partnership encourages students and industry professionals to work collaboratively to prototype advanced textile products using Bemis' pioneering EverFit™ Sewfree® elastic replacement adhesives.

A Hub of Innovation

Located in Portland, Oregon, a city recognized for its vibrant sports apparel industry, AFFOA's new program promises to be a hotbed of innovation. Robert Finnegan, the Director of Education and Workforce Development at AFFOA, emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in advancing design and manufacturing processes. He stated, "We believe that transformative advancements in design and manufacturability occur when interdisciplinary teams work together to tackle real-world challenges."

Both the University of Oregon and AFFOA are committed to fostering a learning environment that emphasizes practical solutions and real-world applications. Dr. Susan Sokolowski, a professor in the Product Design program, expressed her enthusiasm for the initiative, noting the diverse applications available in both consumer and defense markets for advanced textiles. "We can't wait to see how they leverage AFFOA's expertise and Bemis' EverFit™ technology to develop next-generation solutions," she commented.

Prototyping the Future

Daniel Calabrese, Director of Design and Applications at Bemis Associates and an alumnus of the University of Oregon's program, highlighted the strategic significance of this program. He commented, "We see this innovative collaboration as a way to create a 'prosumer' use case. If a design can be effective in Department of Defense applications, we are confident it will excel in the commercial sector."

The program kicked off on April 11, 2025, just ahead of an important panel discussion at the Functional Fabrics Fair in Portland, featuring AFFOA CEO Sasha Stolyarov, who spoke on the topic of "Textile Industry Re-Imagined Through Education and Workforce Development."

Aiming for Impact

This initiative marks a significant step forward in textile innovation, highlighting the role of education in addressing the evolving challenges in the industry. The students participating in this program are expected to emerge as leaders within the sports product sector, given their exposure to cutting-edge technology and processes that will redefine the future of tactical apparel.

About AFFOA: Founded as a non-profit public-private partnership, AFFOA aims to rekindle the domestic textiles industry through innovation and development in advanced fiber and fabric technology, focusing on national security as well as commercial markets.

University of Oregon's Sports Product Design Program: Established in 2016, this program is renowned for training the next generation of innovators in the sports industry. Students delve into product research, human performance, design methodologies, and sustainable practices, preparing them for a successful career in various roles within the field.

About Bemis Associates: With a history dating back to 1910, Bemis is a global leader in adhesives and bonding solutions. The company collaborates with various industries, including apparel and consumer electronics, continuously enhancing product functionality and aesthetics.