KINGSTON, R.I. – Jan. 30, 2025 – As students returned to campus, a new council consisting of URI academics, industry professionals, and government representatives convened for its inaugural meeting. The Future Textiles Council aims to address emerging challenges in the textile industry and be proactive in its push to find solutions.

The meeting, which included a diverse range of participants, including one person from New Zealand who joined via zoom, was led by associate professor Karl Aspelund. The council is a collaboration between URI and the Rhode Island Textile Innovation Network.

“We need a productive world of textiles in our future,” said Aspelund. “So, we’re going to think about who we are and how we define this council.”

The first step in tackling these issues involves clearly identifying current challenges. During the meeting, Aspelund and Michael Woody, from the Rhode Island Textile Innovation Network and chief executive officer of Trans Tex, presented survey data collected from about 30 council members on the critical areas the council should focus its efforts on.

“The textile industry and the textile world, as you know, is a bellwether of society, of the economy, and of culture,” said Aspelund.

“I’m hopeful that what we are starting here today is more than just an intellectual exercise going forward,” said Woody. “I’m hoping this will be a forum for helping us as a textile community to solve some of the challenges that we face– not only today but 5, 10, 20 years from now.”

Woody said other states have already started taking steps to address the future of the textile industry. California passed a bill requiring its textile companies to establish an organization that will look at ways to emphasize upcycling and recycling of old textiles.

Closer to home, two key challenges emerged as central themes during the meeting: the environmental impact of textile production and workforce development.

A council member from Massachusetts said that the state is trying to get high school students interested in the field. However, they face challenges in recruiting due to a disconnect between students’ perceptions of the field and the actual job opportunities available. There are positions available in data entry, product design, and other supportive roles, but often students only see the jobs available on the production floor.

Aspelund referenced Nina Voccio, an East Providence high school teacher, who wants to collaborate with industry professionals to help bridge this gap and better inform students about career opportunities in textiles.

“You have things like durability which can ensure the lifespan of products to help reduce waste,” said Aspelund. “Nina Voccio would really like some collaboration on informing her high school students on what it actually means to work in the textile industry.”

Following a brief discussion, council members brainstormed solutions to some of the textile industry’s most pressing issues. One group, a RITIN committee called the Young Professionals, led by URI alumni Rose Wood, M.S. ’22, came up with an approach to attract a younger generation to the industry. 

“My goal is to say, ‘Hey, high school students, college students, working in textiles isn’t the 1700s. There are career paths. There are tons of options,’” said Wood.

Wood emphasized that many textile companies need to adapt to the values of the younger generation. As an example, she said, many young adults really value sustainability. She believes that aligning industry practices with these values could make some of these open jobs more attractive to young people.

The inaugural meeting of the Future Textiles Council featured a wide range of perspectives and ideas. While this is just the first step, Aspelund and others are optimistic their efforts will have a lasting impact on the textile industry in Rhode Island and nationwide.

The next meeting is scheduled May 9 from 8:30 to 10 a.m. in Lippitt Hall, room 401. If you’re interested in joining the council or for more information, please contact professor Karl Aspelund at aspelund@uri.edu