#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.

EDANA warns of consequences of misclassification of PET spunbond imports

EDANA would like to remind its members and industry stakeholders of the legal requirement to comply with the EU rules on customs classification when importing nonwovens from third countries outside the EU. In this regard, it was recently discovered that there appears to be a high level of customs misclassification occurring in our industry. This could have dangerous and costly consequences for importers.

Engineering depth and diversity for composites

Airbond is the latest member of the British Textile Machinery Association (BTMA) to receive recognition for contributions to the composites industry. The engineering firm based in Pontypool, South Wales, has just received the Make UK Energy and Sustainability Award for its Lattice 3D Printing project.

JEC World 2026 returns with an unprecedented content program

Recognized worldwide as the leading trade exhibition for composite materials and their applications, JEC World returns on March 10-12, 2026, at Paris Nord Villepinte as the most ambitious edition to date, in line with its motto “Pushing the limits”. As the must-attend event for the composites industry, JEC World will offer an unprecedented program, blending conferences, markets insights, technical sessions, awards, and above all, a unique experience and invaluable connections.

Beyond the wardrobe – innovative cotton takes the spotlight

Cotton can do more – a lot more. Cutting-edge textiles and high-tech products made from 100% cotton prove just how powerfully performance and sustainability can come together. That very surge of innovation is front and centre at the 38th Bremen Cotton Conference, taking place March 25–27, 2026, at Bremen’s Parliament on the historic market square – culminating in a bold and dedicated closing session on Friday. In the spotlight: performance upgrades for pure cotton, smart strategies for circular textile waste solutions, and pioneering concepts for demanding technical applications. From natural fibre–reinforced composites to highly effective flame-retardant solutions, cotton steps out of the closet and shows the future potential woven into every fibre.

Keeping print inclusive: Empowering women in the print industry

Across all industries, cultivating a diverse and inclusive workplace is increasingly recognised as valuable and essential to long-term success. However, despite the print industry’s significant advancements in technology and innovation, visible representation of women remains limited. As the sector grapples with low recruitment, it’s important to challenge outdated perceptions. Creating real change, however, requires collective effort - no single company can do it alone.

Texprocess 2026: market overview for strategic future investments

At Texprocess 2026, 200 exhibitors from 28 countries will be represented. In a challenging market environment, the leading trade fair is a constant and reflects progress in textile processing – driven by automation, digitalisation and AI. In addition, international start-ups present their ideas and meet partners from industry and research. Techtextil takes place in parallel with an optimised hall layout.