#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.

FITA, ABIT and EURATEX underline strategic importance of Mercosur – EU Partnership Agreement for the textile and apparel industry

The Argentine Textile Industry Federation (FITA), the Brazilian Textile and Apparel Industry Association (ABIT), and the European Apparel and Textile Confederation (EURATEX) continue to monitor the process of internalizing the Mercosur-European Union Partnership Agreement. This agreement is essential for the competitiveness of our industries, on both sides of the Atlantic.

European business associations celebrate the signature of the EU-Mercosur FTA

The 17th January marks a historic milestone with the signing of the EU-Mercosur Trade Agreement, creating the biggest trading block in the world. European business – represented by more than 28 associations across a wide range of sectors – warmly welcomes this signature. It sends a strong and timely signal that the EU remains open and is committed to rules-based global trade. In a time of global uncertainty, this agreement is a key growth booster.

“Action helps us change what we do!”

DAY 0 takes place deliberately before PERFORMANCE DAYS begins. It is conceived as a space for reflection, dialogue and active engagement — a moment to pause before the fair, rethink established systems and address sustainability not as a trend, but as a fundamental transformation challenge. Under the guiding metaphor “Turn the Tap Off”, DAY 0 focuses on root causes rather than symptoms, systemic change rather than isolated solutions, and collective responsibility rather than individual silos.

Pets in fashion: functional and sustainable textiles find new market at Intertextile Apparel

China’s pet economy is booming, especially amongst younger generations, and pet apparel – from designer outfits to functional garments – was a RMB 3.5 billion (over USD 500 million) market in 2024, growing more than 20% annually¹. To help exhibitors harness this trend, Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Spring Edition 2026 will launch the Pet Boutique, presenting a range of innovative, sustainable materials that prioritise both functionality and comfort for pets.

VAUDE eliminates PFAS from all products

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are now detectable worldwide – in drinking water, soil and the human body. These so-called “forever chemicals” are considered hazardous to health and potentially carcinogenic, as they do not break down and remain in the environment permanently. Despite these risks, PFAS are still used in a wide range of products. More than 15 years ago, VAUDE made a strategic decision to gradually eliminate PFAS from all product categories.

Lenzing AG to become majority owner of TreeToTextile AB and accelerates industrialization of new fibers

The Lenzing Group is taking another strategic milestone by acquiring a controlling majority in the Swedish innovation company TreeToTextile AB. This step strengthens Lenzing’s position as a leading provider of sustainable, wood‑based specialty fibers and expands its innovation pipeline with a highly scalable, patent‑protected technology platform. The transaction is executed through the issuance of new shares.