#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

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.

Meadow Grove Research joins ITMF as Corporate Member

Meadow Grove Research is a commodity research firm specializing in supply, demand, and trade analysis in cotton and other soft commodities. Providing clarity to the complex nature of the global fiber supply chain is one of its most formidable services. The firm thrives on customer engagement and providing the best framework for critical decisions.

Sustainability: European industry calls on EU to keep Single-Use Plastics Directive unchanged

A broad coalition of European industry associations, including EDANA, Euratex and Plastics Europe, has urged EU institutions to maintain the current legal framework of the Single-Use Plastics Directive (SUPD). In a joint statement, the organisations argue that reopening the Directive at this stage would create legal uncertainty, increase regulatory complexity and undermine investment, while its implementation across the European Union is still incomplete.

Textile machinery: Italian technology charts the course for revival

Operating in a scenario characterized by geopolitical instability, slowing industrial investments, and new protectionist pressures. This is the main challenge for the Italian textile machinery industry that emerged during the General Assembly of ACIMIT (Association of Italian Textile Machinery Manufacturers), held today in Milan at the Shareholders’ Hall of Palazzo Edison.

New skills for a circular textile economy

Based on the results of a comprehensive analysis, the Erasmus+ project Skills4Circularity is developing three practical training modules covering recycling technologies, eco-design for the circular economy and sustainable manufacturing. The content of the first module, Recycling Technologies, has now been developed and validated together with industry representatives. The module provides participants with knowledge of regulatory requirements, material sorting and the preparation of textile waste for recycling.

Rieter sees Barmag integration on track as orders and sales rise

The first half of 2026 was shaped by the successful completion of the largest acquisition in Rieter’s history. The Man-Made Fiber Division enables entry into the growth segment of man-made fibers and sustainably strengthens Rieter’s market position in the Asia region. The expanded Group is now the world’s leading system supplier for the processing of natural and man-made fibers. In the first half of the year, initial cost savings in material costs and operating expenses have already been realized. The targeted synergies are expected to amount to at least CHF 20 million by the end of the 2028 financial year. Due to the completion of the acquisition on February 2, 2026, the first half of the year for the Man-Made Fiber Division only amounts to five months.