#Associations

2020-05-14

AATCC hosts PPE testing webinar series

As companies pivot to producing and testing personal protective equipment for healthcare workers, there are lots of questions. AATCC created a series of webinars to answer questions about AATCC test methods commonly used to evaluate PPE.

The first two webinars address test methods cited in AAMI PB70 for liquid barrier performance of protective apparel and drapes. Each webinar covers the fundamentals of testing, best practices, and applications for PPE.

Each webinar in the series is offered at no cost to Individual and Corporate members of AATCC and at a 70% discount ($45) for nonmembers. Registration is available online via the AATCC website. Members must contact Kim Nicholson at least 24 hours in advance to receive the member registration code.

Join the live webinars to ask questions of AATCC staff or view the recordings at your convenience.

Impact Penetration Testing for Textiles Webinar

May 28, 2020

2PM EDT

Presented by Diana Wyman, AATCC Executive Vice President

Impact penetration testing measures the amount of liquid that passes through a fabric under specified conditions. It is a key test for Level 1, 2, and 3 gowns and drapes in healthcare settings. This webinar will cover testing for PPE as well as other water-resistant applications. It will compare various versions of the test, including AATCC TM42, NWSP 80.3, and ISO 18695. The webinar includes full descriptions and demonstration of apparatus, materials, and testing procedure.

Diana Wyman is Executive Vice President of AATCC, a professional association and standards development organization for the global textile industry. Diana has been involved in all aspects of textile testing—from managing a contract lab to developing specifications for a retail brand. She has participated in the standards development process as both staff and volunteer for AATCC as well as textile-related committees of ASTM, IEC, IPC, and ISO. Diana holds degrees in Fashion Merchandising, Textiles, and Business Administration.

Hydrostatic Pressure Testing for Textiles Webinar

June 3, 2020

2PM EDT

Presented by Erika Simmons, AATCC Technical Director

Hydrostatic pressure testing is required for level 2 and 3 medical gowns and drapes. It is also commonly used for evaluating high-performance rainwear. Learn to properly perform and interpret this test for any application, including when and how to use a restraint. The webinar addresses all aspects of AATCC TM127 and TM208.

Erika Simmons is the Technical Director for AATCC. Erika is an experienced textile professional with more than fifteen years of standards development experience. Erika received her BS Textile Engineering from NC State University and MBA from Wake Forest University.

AATCC announces 2025 Herman & Myrtle Goldstein Graduate Student Paper Competition winners

The American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) recognized the winners of the 2025 Herman & Myrtle Goldstein Graduate Student Paper Competition. Founded in 1982 to give student members the chance to conduct and present original research, the competition was renamed in 1994 in honor of Herman and Myrtle Goldstein, following their US$60,000 endowment. Their gift is a lasting remembrance of their dedication to young people in the textile industry.

New funding available for textile research

The AATCC Foundation Student Research Support Grant Program provides financial assistance for undergraduate and graduate students pursuing textile-related projects. Students may submit proposals now for funding to be awarded January 2026. Applications must be submitted by October 1, 2025, to be considered.

Young talents honoured – 60 years Walter Reiners Foundation

At the Techtextil trade fair in Frankfurt at the end of April, Peter D. Dornier, chairman of the VDMA’s Walter Reiners Foundation, presented awards to five successful young engineers. Promotion and sustainability awards were presented in the categories of bachelor’s/project theses and diploma/master’s theses. Academic theses are eligible for the sustainability awards if, for example, they develop solutions for resource-efficient products and technologies.

BTMA backs global growth while investing in future UK leaders

As one of a number of new initiatives launched this year, the British Textile Machinery Association (BTMA) is launching the UK-India Textile Machinery Coalition. The UK-India Free Trade Agreement, signed in July 2025, has implications that extend across sourcing, competitiveness and long-term trade dynamics, believes BTMA CEO Jason Kent.

China projected to increase cotton production, yields, and imports in 2026/27

World cotton production in the 2026/27 season is projected at 25.9 million tonnes, exceeding global consumption of 25.2 million tonnes, according to the May 2026 issue of Cotton This Month. That means both production and consumption are expected to remain close to current season levels, while global cotton trade is projected to decline by 2.7% to approximately 9.6-9.7 million tonnes.

Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles unveils Trends 2027 alongside new lifestyle zone and product expansion

Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles – Autumn Edition 2026 will spotlight forward-looking design directions and evolving consumer demand, as the global home and lifestyle market continues to adapt to sustainability priorities, emotional well-being, and diversified living spaces. Taking place from 18 – 20 August 2026 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), the fair will present its latest trend theme, ‘BREATHE UP!’, developed in collaboration with leading international trend forecaster NellyRodi™ Agency, alongside expanded product categories, and the debut of the Home Textiles Lifestyle Zone.

Itema to showcase weaving excellence at ITM 2026

From June 9 to 13, Itema will exhibit at ITM 2026 in Istanbul (Hall 8 – Stand 806D), unveiling a distinctive exhibition concept designed to highlight the Company’s expertise across the entire weaving value chain. For this year’s edition, Itema will introduce an innovative stand experience built around two core areas: advanced weaving and spare parts solutions and an immersive textile gallery featuring fabrics produced by Itema Customers worldwide.