#Associations

2022-09-15

AATCC announces new nylon sleeve

The AATCC Nylon Sleeve 129 & Standard of Fade is now available in a new, more sustainable format. The nylon sleeve fabric, or standard control fabric, is used in AATCC Test Method 129, Test Method for Colorfastness to Ozone in the Atmosphere under High Humidities. The test method is popularly used by labs in the quality control of carpet materials and other textile materials. The purpose of the test is to determine a fabric’s resistance to color change as a result of Ozone in the atmosphere at elevated temperatures with relative humidity above 85%.

The Nylon Sleeve 129 & Standard of Fade help lab operators determine the duration of one test cycle, or ‘cycle of fade’. The 2-part set act as a guide, showing the before and after color of the standard fabric. Before the test, the Nylon Sleeve 129 is a tubular knit fabric displaying a hunter green shade. After the test is conducted for one ‘cycle of fade’, the Nylon Sleeve 129 displays a color that matches the Standard of Fade, a green-gold shade.

In conducting the test, the Nylon Sleeve 129 is placed inside the test apparatus, an Ozone chamber, along with the specimens to undergo testing. After one ‘cycle of fading’, the Nylon Sleeve 129 matches the color of the green-gold ‘Standard of Fade’.

NEW STANDARD OF FADE: IMPROVED SUSTAINABILITY, INCREASED VALUE

The material for the Standard of Fade is a foamboard material that has been painted using 100% Acrylic paint. In this process, less water and dye were used to develop Lot 11, compared to the dyed Standard of Fade of previous lots. The next iteration of AATCC TM129 will reflect the change to a non-fabric Standard of Fade, once completed by Committee RA33.

NYLON SLEEVE 129 FABRIC

The Nylon Sleeve 129 has been developed by traditional dyeing processes, using disperse dyes. It can be used in sizes as small as 1 x 1” to conduct AATCC TM129. Lot 11 of the product features a label on the bag, rather than on the fabric, allowing for more yield of the fabric. When not in use, the Nylon Sleeve 129 & Standard of Fade should be kept in the original packaging.

QUICK START GUIDE: IMPROVED GUIDANCE

The accompanying Quick Start Guide allows for ease-of-use of the standard reference materials for both new and seasoned lab operators. The Quick Start guide comes complete with visuals, a simplified version of the test method, removing the guesswork from the testing process. A Certificate of Analysis and Conformity explaining storage, shelf life, and composition is included.

ORDER TODAY

Are you conducting AATCC TM129 for your customers? For consistent results, use the standard control fabric. Restock your Nylon Sleeve 129 & Standard of Fade today with the new and improved Lot 11. To get more information or to order the new nylon sleeve, visit https://members.aatcc.org/store/

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.

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.

Uster FiberQ excels for recycled raw materials too

Uster FiberQ is a complete solution for raw material utilization, supporting spinners to achieve consistent quality and profitability every day, building further growth for the future. The Turkish company ORTA relies on FiberQ with recycled yarn for its denim production. Data-driven knowledge puts the producer in control of raw material utilization – ready to make the correct decisions for process efficiency, quality and productivity.

Mimaki ‘Powers Possibilities’ with a market-diverse application and printer line-up at FESPA 2026

Mimaki Europe, a leading manufacturer of industrial inkjet printers and cutting plotters, is bringing its “Print Different - Powering Possibilities” theme to life at FESPA Global Print Expo 2026 (Fira de Barcelona, 19-22 May 2026), demonstrating how digital printing technology can turn ideas into high-value applications and new business opportunities.

From advanced fibres to eco‑focused yarns: Yarn Expo Autumn 2026 set to welcome global industry to Shanghai

From 25 – 27 August, Yarn Expo Autumn 2026 will return to the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai) to reinforce its role as a key meeting point for the global yarn and fibre industry. With over 22,000 visitors, the previous edition gathered nearly 580 leading exhibitors from 16 countries and regions, showcasing advanced developments and creative applications that support innovative, sustainable textile design. The upcoming edition will not only present an extensive range of fibre and yarn products, but will also feature a comprehensive fringe programme, including industry forums and trend display areas, providing innovative upstream enterprises with a stage to introduce next‑generation materials and sustainable concepts.