#Associations

2022-08-18

Science versus Art: A Friendly Competition

The AATCC Foundation provides scholarships and grants to students with an interest in any or all aspects of the textile industry. The Foundation recently launched a fundraising campaign to endow two of its most popular scholarships: the Textile Chemistry Scholarship for undergraduates pursuing courses or programs related to textile, polymer, or color science; and the Textile Design Scholarship for undergraduates pursuing courses or programs in textile, apparel, or home fashion design.

The goal for this year is to raise $6,000 for each scholarship.

The big question is which scholarship will be endowed first? AATCC Foundation is dedicated to connecting the textile community, but a little friendly rivalry never hurt. Cast your vote for Chemistry or Design—or both—with a donation to the Foundation.

Donate to the Textile Chemistry Scholarship at:

https://members.aatcc.org/store/chemistry/2432/

Donate to the Textile Design Scholarship at:

https://members.aatcc.org/store/design/2433/

This year, AATCC Foundation celebrates a quarter of a century! Over the course of these 25 years, the Foundation’s mission has flourished! In 2007, the Foundation offered its first undergraduate scholarship; today, the Foundation offers 19 undergraduate scholarships, two graduate fellowships, and 10 student research support grants to undergraduate and graduate students studying textile-related fields in colleges and universities across the US!

AATCC Foundation is funding the future in textiles! Make your mark today, donate or get more information at:

https://www.aatcc.org/foundation/.

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.

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.

VDMA members at Techtextil: Smart technologies for technical textiles

At Techtextil 2026 in Frankfurt, the members of VDMA Textile Machinery underline their key role as global technology leaders for technical textiles and textile processing. With a strong presence of more than 50 members they will highlight how engineering excellence, innovation strength and sustainability expertise from Germany and Europe are shaping the future of the textile industry. Seven companies will be present at the VDMA group stand in the centre of hall 12.0.

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.

ECCO introduces first shoe featuring innovative protein-based fibre

ECCO, in partnership with Spinnova, announces the launch of the limited edition ECCO BIOM® 720, a first-of-its-kind shoe utilising an often overlooked leather by-product, transformed into a protein-based fibre. The fibres are produced using patented technology that advances material innovation while reducing waste and supporting full resource use across the leather and textile industry.

The LYCRA Company strengthens sustainability leadership, appoints Alistair Williamson as VP of Product Sustainability

The LYCRA Company has appointed longtime executive Alistair Williamson as vice president of product sustainability, reaffirming its commitment to developing sustainable solutions for apparel and personal care products. In this role, he will guide the company’s next chapter of sustainability strategy and oversee all initiatives aimed at reducing environmental impact across products, operations, and innovation platforms.