#Associations

2022-11-24

AATCC announces 2023 Board of Directors

This fall, AATCC members elected their 2023-2024 representatives to the Board of Directors. All officers will begin their term on January 1.

President-Elect

Andrew Fraser, Textile Color and Sourcing Solutions, will serve two years as President-elect before continuing to President for two years, and finally Immediate Past President for two years. Fraser will be a member of the Board for all six years, providing continuity and guidance to the Association. When Fraser become President-elect, John Crocker, SDL Atlas, becomes President and Harrie Schoots becomes Immediate Past President.

Interest Groups

AATCC members participate in one or more interest groups to network, learn, and share ideas with like-minded colleagues. Each member may select one “voting” interest group from which they elect representatives to the AATCC Board.

The Chemical Applications interest group elected Sabyasachi Gaan, Empa as Chair; Brian Alloway, Azelis as Secretary; and Dennis Scheer, SST Technology Solutions, as At-Large Member.

Tom Stutts, Color Solutions International and Tammie Rollins, UL were each selected to serve a second term representing the Concept 2 Consumer interest group. Stutts will continue as Chair and Rollins will continue as At-large Member.

The Materials interest group also re-elected an experienced slate of officers. Christina Rappa, WL Gore, will serve a seconds term as Chair and Apurba Banerjee, Glowforge, will reprise her role as At-large Member.

AATCC’s newest interest group is Rising Professionals. The group is focused on supporting individuals as they embark on a career in textiles. Members include recent graduates as well as seasoned professionals transitioning from other industries and those who just want to learn more about navigating opportunities for growth. The Rising Professionals interest group elected Jessica Brooks, WL Gore, as Chair and Bryan Ormond, NCState, as At-large Member.

Regions

AATCC members belonging to a local section had the opportunity to elect a Regional representative to the Board.

Beginning in 2023, Patrick Ayers, Noble Biomaterials, will represent the Central Atlantic Region, which is comprised of the Delaware Valley, Hudson Mohawk, and NY-Metro sections.

Nelson Houser will continue to represent the Midsouth Region made up of the Piedmont Section. Houser has served on the Board in many capacities, including as President.

The New England Region, covering the New England Section, elected Bethany Pollack, Draper Knitting.

Ashis Kumar Samanta, Calcutta University, was re-elected to represent the Southeast Asia Region. This region is currently composed of the India Section.

The Southern Region, including the Ozarks and Texas Sections will be represented by Ashley Handley, UL.

Western Region is comprised of the Northwest and California Sections. The region re-elected Karen Muhlin, The North Face, as its representative with an impressive 100% of the valid ballots.

Constitutional Amendments

Members also voted on approval of several amendments to the AATCC Constitution. This ballot is extended to December 23. If approved, the changes will take effect immediately.

Opportunities

While AATCC Board elections only occur every two years, there are many ways to get involved. Taking a leadership role on a committees or task group is an excellent way to make connections and gain valuable experience. To learn more about available opportunities, contact Diana Wyman, AATCC Executive Vice President (diana@aatcc.org; +1.919.549.3532) or any Board or staff member.

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.

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.

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.

Circulose restarts commercial-scale production at Ortviken plant in Sundsvall

Circulose today announced the restart of its commercial-scale production plant at Ortviken in Sundsvall, Sweden, marking a significant step in scaling next-generation materials for the global fashion industry. The company plans to resume production of CIRCULOSE®, a recycled pulp made entirely from discarded cotton textiles, in the fourth quarter of 2026.

VIATT 2026 to debut German Pavilion, strengthening European participation alongside key Asian textile hubs

Vietnam’s textile and garment sector continues to be a major contributor to the country’s economic growth, with export revenues expected to reach USD 46 billion in 2025, a 5.6% increase from 2024 . From 26 – 28 February, the Vietnam International Trade Fair for Apparel, Textiles and Textile Technologies (VIATT) is set to contribute to economic growth opportunities by accelerating digital transformation and green transition across the entire textile value chain. The upcoming edition will respond to the rising demand for advanced technologies and sustainable materials with the introduction of the German Pavilion, alongside strong exhibitor participation from key Asian sectors, as well as several high-profile fringe events.

Sustainable, lightweight, and sound absorbing: Polyester-based front trunk solution for BEVs

As car manufacturers look to further reduce their carbon footprint, Autoneum has developed an innovative front trunk solution for battery electric vehicles (BEVs), made entirely from polyester-based textile. The Ultra-Silent Frunk offers significant weight reduction, improved acoustic and thermal insulation, and uses up to 70 percent recycled material, supporting sustainable and efficient vehicle design. Autoneum, global technology leader in acoustic and thermal management for vehicles, has already received orders for the new frunk from three major OEMs in Asia and Europe to be built in three BEV models. Series production for two BEVs has been underway in China and Germany since last year.