#Associations

2020-06-18

AATCC PPE Testing Webinar Series continues

AATCC is pleased to announce the PPE Testing Webinar Series will continue July 9 at 11:00AM (EDT) with a third webinar focusing on an overview of surgical mask and respirator requirements.

This webinar is offered at no cost to Individual and Corporate members of AATCC and at a 70% discount ($45) for nonmembers.

This presentation will provide an overview of surgical masks and respirator industry standard, methods, and regulations. Also discussed will be the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s actions to help alleviate the shortage medical PPE through COVID-19 Emergency Use Authorizations (EUA’s) and Enforcement Policies. The interim policies specifically relating to surgical masks and respirators will be highlighted.

The presenter for this webinar is Matthew McGarrity with SGS North America Inc. McGarrity joined the Hardlines group in CRS at SGS in 2010. He specializes in regulatory, industry requirements, and quality testing. Mr. McGarrity’s focus is on Medical PPE, Environmental Exposure, and Accelerated Aging. As a senior technical manager of Hardlines, McGarrity designs and manages NBE (National Brand Equivalency) and benchmark testing programs.

You may register via the AATCC website:

https://members.aatcc.org/4DCGI/events/Register.html?Action=Register&ConfID_W=587

Join the live webinar to ask questions of McGarrity or view the recording at your convenience.

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.