#Associations

2021-07-29

Form is not a factor - AATCC Gray Scale update

The AATCC Gray Scales for Color Change and Gray Scales for Staining have a new base and sleeves. The color chips, size and functionality remain the same. The base and sleeves went from paper to plastic. This change provides a more durable and consistent feel when handling. The change from paper to plastic allows the scales to handle the rigors of laboratory life better than its predecessor. Scales should be replaced as directed by AATCC EP1 and AATCC EP2.

This change will be a flow-in. As the inventory of the current scales are depleted, AATCC will transition to the newer version. AATCC cannot accommodate product requests but rest assured that the performance and functionality remain unchanged regardless of the version you receive.

Dashes & Dots

AATCC is in the process of transitioning from Dashes to Dots. Some AATCC Gray Scales may have half steps expressed in dashes (-), while others have dots (.) Either is acceptable and usability is comparable. AATCC cannot grant requests for one version over the other. Once all inventory of Dashes are depleted AAATCC will fully convert to Dots. For mathematical calculation, a decimal representation works with most applications. If you have a dash scale simply convert to decimal when inputting details into a mathematical based application.

The table below illustrations the equivalent scale values.

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.

Joint Statement: Urgent clarification needed on scope of Textiles EPR for PPE and Medical Devices

EDANA, the voice of nonwovens, alongside fellow industry associations CIRFS (European Man-Made Fibres Association), EURATEX (The European Apparel and Textile Confederation), ESF (European Safety Federation), and EuroCommerce (Retail & Wholesale), has issued a joint statement raising critical concerns regarding the transposition of Directive (EU) 2025/1892, the targeted revision of the Waste Framework Directive.

Young researchers recognised for cutting-edge work in recycling, fibre technology and textile mechanics

At the Aachen-Dresden-Denkendorf International Textile Conference held in Aachen at the end of November, Peter D. Dornier, Chairman of the Walter Reiners Foundation of the VDMA, honoured five successful young engineers. Promotion and sustainability prizes were awarded in the categories bachelor/project theses and diploma/master theses. Academic theses that develop solutions for resource-saving products and technologies, for example, are eligible for the sustainability awards.

Level playing field at stake: Europe’s textile industry demands decisive action

Yesterday, the European Parliament took a welcomed and necessary step by voting a resolution calling for stronger market surveillance, reinforced customs controls and faster enforcement of the Digital Services Act in case of infringements. For Europe’s textile and clothing manufacturers, this is the first political acknowledgement that the system is broken — and that enforcement must finally match the scale of the problem.

38th International Cotton Conference Bremen: Let´s Talk about Cotton!

The 38th International Cotton Conference Bremen, to be held on 25-27 March 2026 in Bremen’s parliament building on market square, once again sends a powerful signal for professional excellence and international dialogue. The focus is on the latest market trends and technical innovations throughout the entire value chain – from agriculture and quality assurance to processing and the circular economy. With its high-calibre speakers, the conference remains an indispensable forum for anyone involved in shaping the cotton industry scientifically, technically, or economically.

More safety and comfort for protective clothing thanks to auxetic fabrics

When everyday materials are pulled, they stretch or elongate in the direction of the pull and become narrower in cross-section. We can also observe this property in two-dimensional textiles. Auxetic structures behave differently here. They have the striking property of not changing under tensile stress or even increasing their width or thickness. These properties are advantageous, for example, in protective textiles or textile filter media. The DITF are researching auxetic fabrics for various applications.