#Associations

2020-05-14

Technical committee on Research Service Award presented

The AATCC Technical Committee on Research (TCR) Service Award for 2020 was presented to R. Stephen (Steve) Simonson during the AATCC International Conference Awards Luncheon held in March 2020 in Greenville, SC, USA. Simonson is being recognized for his long-time leadership of RA106 UV Protective Textiles Test Methods Committee, including assisting with revising AATCC Test Method 183 in coordination with related ASTM standards, publication of a compilation document, and development of a verification fabric.

He is also recognized for leading thorough reviews and revisions of AATCC Test Methods 8 and 61. Simonson became a voting member of RA106 UV Protective Textiles Test Method Committee in 2011 and chaired this committee from 2011 through 2018.

Simonson joined AATCC as a student member in 1975. In addition to RA106, he is currently active in the following research committees: RA56 Stain Resistance Test Methods (1989), RA23 Colorfastness to Water Test Methods (1991), RA43 Professional Textile Care Test Methods (1997), RA31 Antimicrobial Activity Test Methods (1999), RA49 Insect Resistance Test Methods (2000), RA63 Water Resistance, Absorbency & Wetting Agent Evaluation Test Method (2011), C3 Technical Committee of Research (2010), and RA100 Global Sustainability Test Methods (2018). He also serves on RA111 Electronically Integrated Textiles Test Method (2018), and RA112 Thermal Regulation Test Methods Committee (2018).

Simonson served on several AATCC administrative committees, including the AATCC and AATCC Foundation Boards of Directors. Additionally, he served as the Convener for ISO TC 38/SC2/WG 8, Water Resistance Tests. He was named as the US Expert for ISO SC2/WG9 Nonwovens, SC2/WG8 Water Resistance, and SC2/WG10 Water Vapor Transfer Test Methods. He has served as a US Delegate for ISO TC38/SC2 meetings.

Simonson received a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Textile Chemistry from North Carolina State University. Simonson was awarded the AATCC Chapin Award in 2008 and received the first Chairman’s Award from Burlington Industries for developing a machine/test method for evaluating waterproofness of fabrics. At the time of his retirement from Elevate Textiles/ITG Burlington Worldwide, where he worked for 41 years, Simonson was a Research and Development Manager. In addition to consulting, he is enjoying golfing and home landscaping.

The Award

The Technical Committee on Research Service Award was established in 2008 to recognize those members who have contributed greatly to the AATCC organization in a technical capacity. Senior members of the Association with at least five years of continuous membership in AATCC, who have contributed outstanding technical service to the Association through activity in a research committee, are eligible. Selection is by unanimous choice of the TCR Service Award Committee composed of the current chair, vice chair, and secretary of the Technical Committee on Research (TCR), as well as the chair of the Executive Committee on Research (ECR). The Award consists of a plaque and an honorarium, presented at the International Conference.

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

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Mario Jorge Machado re-elected President of EURATEX

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Keeping products moving with Swedish automation at FILTECH 2026

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Results of the 38th ITMF Global Textile Industry Survey

The global textile industry appears to be turning a corner, but this is more likely a fragile and possibly temporary improvement than the start of a durable recovery. According to the 38th ITMF Global Textile Industry Survey, conducted worldwide during the second half of May 2026, business sentiment, order intake, order backlogs and capacity utilization all improved versus March — yet every indicator remains weak by historical standards, and rising costs cast doubt on how long the upturn can last.

"We will become a recycling powerhouse"

The textile industry is now in its fourth consecutive year of crisis, while automation, artificial intelligence and recycling are reshaping the rules of the game. In this interview, Rieter CEO Thomas Oetterli discusses the first signs of a market recovery, reflects on his first three years at the helm of the company, explains the integration of Barmag, outlines Rieter’s vision of the fully automated spinning mill and highlights the strategic importance of recycling. In doing so, he explains why the new Rieter Group aims to play a leading role in transforming the textile value chain into a circular economy.

EDANA launches landmark continence report to mark the start of the World Continence Week

Today marks the official commencement of the World Continence Week. To honour this global awareness initiative, EDANA has published a comprehensive report titled "The Central Role of Absorbent Hygiene Products in the Management of Adult Urinary Incontinence: Benefits, Costs and Environmental Impact." The World Continence Week (WCW) is an annual global initiative dedicated to raising public awareness about incontinence and bladder or bowel health issues. Traditionally held in June, this awareness week aims to shed light on a condition that affects millions of people worldwide but is frequently kept secret due to widespread social stigma, embarrassment, and taboo.

ITM 2026 makes happy participants with its international and qualified visitor profile

ITM 2026 International Textile Machinery Exhibition, one of the most prestigious meeting points of the textile machinery sector, attracted attention in its first three days, particularly with its diverse international visitor numbers. Industry professionals from all over the world had the opportunity to closely examine the latest technology machines and solutions displayed in operation. Thousands of visitors from approximately 100 countries, primarily Egypt, Pakistan, India, Uzbekistan, Syria, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia, met at the Tüyap Fair and Congress Center for new investment and cooperation opportunities.