#Associations

2021-06-17

Winners Announcement - 2021 Pitch it to Win it Student Competition

The Herman and Myrtle Goldstein Undergraduate Student Competition is intended to highlight projects conducted by students from all areas of the textile/apparel supply chain. Projects submitted may include academic research, technology and/or process investigations, and literature reviews. This competition is designed to enhance the textile education experience for student members of AATCC. The intent is to encourage independent student projects both within the USA and internationally.

AATCC is happy to announce the winners of the 2021 Pitch It to Win It Student Competition:

https://www.aatcc.org/students/competitions/pitchit/

First Place (US$1000)

Sophia Luu

Project: Optimizing 3D Fashion Design Software for Physically Disabled Populations

Major: Apparel, Merchandising, and Design: Creative and Technical Design

School: Iowa State University

Luu says “The Pitch It to Win It competition has helped me learn how to communicate very discipline-specific research endeavors into accessible presentations that anyone can understand and glean significance from. Additionally, this competition has further broadened my understanding of 3D fashion CAD systems and aspects that can be improved for inclusive apparel design purposes.”

Phase I Video Submission:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lChrYN8nb_s

Phase II Written Submission:

http://www.aatcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Optimizing-3D-Fashion-CAD-Software_Pitch-It-2021.pdf

Second Place (US$600)

Jessica Trippiedi

Project: Huubi

School: Fashion Institute of Technology

Major: Textile Development & Marketing

Trippiedi says, “Participating in the AATCC Pitch It to Win It competition gave me the freedom to ignite my passions and challenged me to explore the limits of endless possibilities.”

Phase I Video Submission:

https://youtu.be/ErRDLLRfwtY

Phase II Written Submission:

http://www.aatcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Huubi.pdf

Third Place (US$400)

Brooke McKee

Project: BooRay Clo.

School: University of Missouri

Major: Fashion Merchandising & Apparel Product Development

McKee says, “This competition taught me to be thorough in my work and to always back up my claims. As the process went on, I learned more and more about sustainability, humbling me on the amount of information I thought I already knew.”

Phase I Video Submission:

https://youtu.be/GmJHmJ5R0Ns

Phase II Written Submission:

http://www.aatcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/BooRay.pdf

Thank you to the following developers and judges!

Without their expertise and assistance, the Competition would not have been possible.

• Kanti Jasani, Performance & Technical Textile Consulting

• Kerry King, Vice President, R&D at Spoonflower Inc

• Janet Brady, Associate Professor Materials Technology, Thomas Jefferson University

• Martha Carper, Retired, University of Delaware & DuPont

• Nelson Houser, AATCC Board of Directors member

• Roland Connelly, RoLyn Group Color Consultants

• Ashley Handley, Senior Technical Services Specialist at UL Retail and Industry

• Alissa Baier-Lentz, Co-Founder and COO at Kintra Fibers

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.