Industry Associations
AAPN has members in North America, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, South America, Asia, and Europe. AAPN member companies and industry individuals who join come from the over 30 links ‘from the dirt to the shirt’ of the apparel supply chain. Today, AAPN has over 200 member organizations and routinely broadcast emails to over 700 individual executives and managers. When the network was formed in 1981, it was originally a domestic apparel factory association. In 2001 it opened its membership to the Americas and then worldwide. AAPN is based in Atlanta, Georgia (USA). www.aapnetwork.net
Sewn Products Equipment & Suppliers of the Americas is the industry association for suppliers to the sewn products industry, which includes apparel, upholstered furniture, home textiles, transportation interiors, leather goods, footwear, industrial textiles, and more. These suppliers are manufacturers and distributors of machinery, systems, technology, supply chain solutions, equipment, and related parts and supplies, along with other products and services used for the development, manufacture, or distribution of sewn products. SPESA is based in Raleigh, North Carolina (USA). www.spesa.org
The National Council of Textile Organizations is a unique association representing the entire spectrum of the textile sector. From fibers to finished products, from machinery manufacturers to power suppliers, NCTO is the voice of the U.S. textile industry. NCTO's mission is focused on creating powerful national and international alliances to advance the interests of the U.S. textile sector. As an organization, it is unrivaled in its composition that allows each segment of the industry to have a vote in determining NCTO policy. The centerpiece of NCTO is its four separate councils representing the fiber, yarn, fabric, and supplier industries. Domestically focused to ensure a prosperous future for the U.S. textile sector and globally positioned to work effectively with our international allies, NCTO is on the front lines meeting the challenges of the 21st Century. NCTO is based in Washington, DC (USA). www.ncto.org
IAF is the world’s leading federation for apparel manufacturers, brands, associations, and the supporting industry. IAF’s membership includes apparel associations and companies from over 40 countries, representing 100,000+ companies and over 20 million employees. IAF unites its members to create stronger, smarter, and more sustainable supply chains. IAF provides members with valuable information and guidance and represents them on international platforms on industry standardization, harmonization, collaboration, and inclusiveness of solutions. IAF is based in Zeist, The Netherlands. www.iafnet.com
The American Apparel & Footwear Association stands at the forefront as a leader of positive change for the apparel and footwear industry. With integrity and purpose, AAFA delivers a unified voice on key legislative and regulatory issues. AAFA enables a collaborative forum to promote best practices and innovation. AAFA’s comprehensive work ensures the continued success and growth of the apparel and footwear industry, its suppliers, and its customers. AAFA provides exclusive expertise in trade, brand protection, and supply chain & manufacturing to help our members navigate the complex regulatory environment and lower costs. Members gain unparalleled access to information and exclusive insights on regulation and policy, and premier opportunities for networking and collaboration. AAFA is based in Washington, DC (USA). www.aafaglobal.org
SEAMS is the association and voice of the U.S. Sewn Products Industry that consists of 200+ of America’s foremost fashion brands, retailers, manufacturers, and textile providers. SEAMS is the most relevant force and go-to resource shaping the growth and resurgence of “Made In America”. By providing access to people, processes, and products to move production back to the U.S., SEAMS serves as the hub for networking, inspiration, innovation, and intelligence to enhance its members’ competitiveness, productivity, and profitability in the new global economy. SEAMS is based in Raleigh, North Carolina (USA). www.seams.org