RFMI / The Regional Fiber Manufacturing Initiative

​Catalyzing a Regenerative West Coast Fiber System

Fibershed has developed an initiative to coordinate and implement a manufacturing strategy that will regionalize the production of textiles and contribute to climate solutions. The Regional Fiber Manufacturing Initiative will:

• Address the gaps in regional infrastructure to support producers and brands
• Help garner resources and capital for existing supply chain partners
• Identify and cultivate supply chain entrepreneurs
• Educate and attract investors who are interested in supporting a regional fiber manufacturing ecosystem

The Initiative is made up of committees of local and international experts to focus on core issues of Material Production (from soil to fiber), Manufacturing (from fiber to fabric), Consumer Connections (from fabric to wearer), and Business Services (supporting financial structures to help the efforts above).

Fibrevolution co-founders Shannon Welsh and Angela Wartes-Kahl have both been asked to serve on the Board for the RFMI. Angela will serve on the Material Production committee and Shannon will serve on the Manufacturing committee, with the Stewardship committee and Chiefs of Staff as the backbone of the Initiative.

You can learn more and follow the work of the RFMI here:

• https://fibershed.org/programs/textile-economy/the-regional-fiber-manufacturing-initiative/
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