#Associations

2023-02-16

AATCC committee updates

As an international standards body, AATCC follow the Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations defined by the World Trade Organization (WTO). The first of these principles is Transparency—keeping members and the industry informed of standards-related projects.

AATCC research committees meet at least twice per year to develop and update textile standards, plan educational events, and share information. Following those meetings, AATCC publishes a status report on all open projects. The latest report is now available for view or download at www.aatcc.org/join/#committees.

Stain Resistance

There are several new test methods in development. The RA56 Stain Resistance Test Methods committee is working on two new projects. One working title is Stain Release: Household Soil Release Method. This method will help users evaluate residual staining after laundering. Based on AATCC TM130 for oily stains, the new method includes options for a variety of common solid and liquid soil materials including red wine and ketchup. Is there a stain that causes headaches for your end consumer? Join the committee and make sure the new method reflects your needs. The RA56 committee is also working on a spot cleaning protocol since not all textiles or soils are suitable for home laundering.

New Pool Chemicals

AATCC RA23 Colorfastness to Water Test Methods is creating a test method for evaluating colorfastness of textiles used in brominated water. While pools and spas have traditionally been sanitized using chlorine, bromine has become a popular alternative, particularly for spas and hot tubs maintained at high temperatures. Since dyes react differently to these chemicals, it is important to ensure swimsuits maintain their color in both chlorinated and brominated water environments.

Reviews

Some of the open projects are simply reviewing existing standards. Each test method or procedure is reviewed at least once every five years to ensure it reflects current materials and technology, meets format guidelines, and contains no outdated references.

Other Projects

Research committees address everything from color to conductance. There are even committees devoted to emerging issues and correlating lab results to end use performance. Visit the AATCC website to see what’s in process and attend the upcoming meeting to suggest new projects.

Meetings

In the spirit of transparency and openness (another of the WTO principles), AATCC research committee meetings are open to all. There is no fee to attend online or in person. Attending in person offers additional opportunities to meet with colleagues and industry experts, but a virtual option is available to ensure discussions include all interested parties. Your insights and opinions are an important part of what makes AATCC test methods and procedures some of the best in the world.

AATCC Spring Research Committee Meetings

May 16-18

Research Triangle Park & virtual (Teams)

www.aatcc.org/aatcc-events/research

Take the Lead!

AATCC research committees are a great place to learn AND to share your expertise. Consider volunteering to lead a task group, chair a committee, or take notes as secretary. All provide great leadership experience for you and ensure standards work continues to benefit the whole industry and the consumers who use textile products. To volunteer or learn more about the available roles, contact AATCC Technical Director Erika Simmons at simmonse@aatcc.org.

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.

European textile industry calls for €10 handling fee on ultra-fast-fashion imports

The introduction of the €3 customs duty on low-value imports marks an important milestone in Europe’s efforts to address the challenges created by the rapid growth of ultra-fast-fashion imports. Together with the abolition of the €150 customs duty exemption, it demonstrates that policymakers are willing to act when market distortions become impossible to ignore. However, the European textile and clothing industry considers this a first step rather than the final destination.

Business situation weakens slightly, but the industry stays cautiously optimistic

The International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF) has published the results of its 39th Global Textile Industry Survey (GTIS), conducted from 14 to 22 July 2026 among companies along the entire global textile value chain. Worldwide, 10% of participants rated their business situation as good, 53% as satisfactory and 37% as bad — a balance of -26pp, down from -17pp in May but still well above the 2023 lows. All regions are now in negative territory, from South Asia at -3pp to North & Central America at -58pp.

Italian textile machinery orders show quarterly recovery in Q2 2026

In the period between April and June 2026, order intake for Italian textile machinery manufacturers showed mixed but encouraging signals for the second half of the year. The order index at constant prices stood at 46.6 points (taking 2021=100 as the base year), showing a slight decrease of 3% compared to the same quarter of 2025. This trend was largely due to the contraction recorded in the domestic market, which fell by 25% compared to the corresponding period of the previous year.

3D designs with a wow factor made on HKS 4-M EL ECO: When crepe, ruffles, and sheer fabrics redefine fashion

Seersucker, flip-flap items, Fırfır, or crepe materials: structured fabrics have long been more than just a passing trend. They lend timeless looks depth, dynamism, and an exciting tactile dimension. Whether classic striped patterns or modern solid-color interpretations, these versatile pieces pair perfectly with casual and business-casual outfits and effortlessly create a modern look.

IFCO Istanbul strengthens international reach with 12,550 trade visitors

The tenth edition of Istanbul Fashion Connection (IFCO), held from 19 to 21 August 2026, attracted 12,550 trade visitors from 117 countries to the Istanbul Expo Center. More than 200 exhibitors presented collections, manufacturing expertise and sourcing solutions across womenswear, menswear, kidswear, denim, eveningwear, lingerie, hosiery, accessories and homewear.

Greater efficiency for tomorrow’s textile industry

From September 24 to 27, 2026, Barmag, together with BB Engineering (BBE), will present innovative solutions for the efficient and sustainable production of synthetic yarns at the Egy Stitch & Tex Expo in Cairo, Egypt. Under the motto “A New Era. Powered by Innovation.,” experts from Barmag and BBE will present technologies spanning the entire textile value chain — from melt to yarn — at the ATAG Ltd. booth (Hall 1, Booth C1).

Asia's premier fashion event CENTRESTAGE officially has kicked off

Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government, CENTRESTAGE, Asia’s annual premier fashion event and a flagship programme of the third edition of Hong Kong Fashion Fest, officially opened today at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). Running for four consecutive days until 5 September, the exhibition is open free of charge to both industry buyers and the public, and invites all to immerse themselves in the unique allure of Asia's fashion capital.