SEAMS – the National Association for the US Sewn Products Industry – has launched a community programme to help tackle the shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) by aligning sourcing agents with PPE supply chains. 

Launched this week, the programme aims to help manufacturers in need where their own factories were closed or could not meet production requirements. It has been met with an “overwhelming response” from members and non-members alike at a time where the US country is experiencing shortages of medical products and loss of capacity to keep the supply chain strong, SEAMS says. 

“The US-based supply chain remains an important infrastructure in our country to support our communities, partners and upmost our consumers and their families,” Will Duncan, executive director of SEAMS, adds.

“SEAMS is working on behalf of the industry and country to help bring organisation to the difficult task of aligning PPE sourcing agents with PPE supply chains. We are working in concert with NCTO, INDA, and IFAI to help establish a greater organisation to the process. We are also working with the Manufacturing Solutions Center and large brands to provide these greatly needed PPE products.”

Among the PPE products SEAMS members can supply are N95 face masks; surgical masks and gowns; scrubs suits and gowns; disposable head and shoe covers, and cloth washable masks.            

SEAMS’ efforts come as a number of industry players have taken steps to address increasing shortages in PPE due to the pandemic and constrained supply.

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A coalition of US apparel and textile firms, including yarn spinning giant Parkdale, Hanesbrands, and Fruit of the Loom, has joined forces to build a supply chain to fast-track the manufacturing of medical face masks, while Kering-owned luxury fashion labels Balenciaga and Yves Saint Laurent are preparing to manufacture surgical masks in their French workshops.

Sportswear giant Nike Inc has also said it is exploring designs for personal protective equipment to support doctors and nurses.   

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