#Associations

2020-12-10

WHO references AATCC in face covering guidance

The World Health Organization (WHO) now advises manufacturers wishing to produce product with consistent performance to follow guidance from AATCC or other standards organizations. On December 1, 2020, WHO issued interim guidance for “Mask use in the context of COVID-19.” The Annex provides information on fabric face coverings, including reference to AATCC M14, Guidance and Considerations for General Purpose Textile Face Coverings: Adult.

AATCC staff participated in a series of weekly meetings of the WHO group that compiled the latest guidance. The language and thresholds for several essential face covering parameters are consistent with the recommendations in AATCC M14. While various national and regional bodies have issued similar guidance, AATCC M14 was the first global standard to address general use face coverings. The AATCC recommendations for filtration and breathability are similar to those cited in other standards. Further alignment of standards was discussed and encouraged by the WHO advisory group. In addition to testing parameters, AATCC M14 includes practical consideration for fabric and design selection. This is particularly valuable for manufacturers pivoting from unrelated products with minimal background in textiles or public wellness.

WHO also references AATCC TM100, Test Method for Antibacterial Finishes on Textile Materials: Assessment of, for antibacterial testing, though the organization advises caution in making antimicrobial claims for non-medical face coverings.

AATCC M14 is under the jurisdiction of committee RA113, Emerging Technologies Test Methods. The committee met in November and plans to develop a new standard to address the specific needs of face coverings for children. Participation in AATCC research committees is open to all.

WHO Guidance: https://apps.who.int/iris/rest/bitstreams/1319378/retrieve

AATCC M14: https://members.aatcc.org/store/m014/3085/

AATCC COVID Resources and Information: www.aatcc.org/covid/

Texprocess 2026: Automation, digitalisation and AI redefine textile processing

Making investment decisions in textile processing has become significantly more demanding. Increasing energy costs, a shortage of skilled labour and ongoing geopolitical uncertainties are compelling companies to focus on technologies that deliver clear gains in efficiency and process reliability. This applies equally to apparel manufacturing and to the processing of technical textiles and high-performance materials. As a result, modernisation initiatives are assessed more carefully – even as the need to upgrade production systems continues to intensify.

Techtextil 2026: Between innovation pressure & market reality

From 21 to 24 April 2026, Techtextil in Frankfurt am Main will once again become the central meeting point for the international technical textiles and nonwovens industry. Running in parallel, Texprocess will focus on the industrial implementation of textile processing technologies as the leading platform in this field. Together, the two trade fairs form a closely integrated presentation and working platform along the entire textile value chain – from material development to finished applications.

Between geopolitical pressure and industrial resilience

In this interview, Dr. Janpeter Horn (VDMA) discusses the current challenges facing textile machinery manufacturers, shaped by geopolitical tensions, regulatory developments and subdued investment. He also outlines why innovation strength, integrated solutions and strategic positioning remain key to global competitiveness.

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.

Monforts sees growing potential for technical textiles in Türkiye

For many years now, Türkiye has been one of the most important markets for textile finishing, coating and continuous dyeing equipment, making ITM 2026 from June 9-13 a key event for Germany’s Monforts. At the Istanbul exhibition at stand 1117D in Hall 11, the company will put the emphasis on its machines which continue to lead the field in conventional dyeing and finishing, and also highlight the strong opportunities for Turkish textile manufacturers in the growing field of technical textiles.

SOKO presents low-impact denim finishing innovations at Denim PV Milan

SOKO will present a range of sustainable denim finishing technologies and collaborative projects at the upcoming Denim Première Vision Milan on 20–21 May in Milan. At booth G27 in Superstudio Più, the company will showcase new chemical solutions designed to combine fashionable denim effects with reduced environmental impact.

Kornit Digital announces commercial availability of Atlas MATRIX following successful global Beta program

Kornit Digital (NASDAQ: KRNT, "Kornit Digital", "Kornit", or the "Company"), a global leader in sustainable, on-demand digital fashion and textile production technologies, today announced the commercial availability of the Atlas MATRIX platform following the successful completion of a global beta program across leading production environments in Europe and North America. The announcement, made ahead of FESPA 2026 in Barcelona, marks a major milestone in the evolution of digital apparel production.