#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once every five years to ensure it reflects current materials and technology, meets format guidelines, and contains no outdated references.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.

Keeping products moving with Swedish automation at FILTECH 2026

At FILTECH 2026, taking place in Cologne from June 30th to July 2nd, members of TMAS – the Swedish textile machinery association – will highlight how the country’s engineering expertise is enabling filtration manufacturers to increase productivity, improve traceability and reduce dependence on labour-intensive manual processes.

Results of the 38th ITMF Global Textile Industry Survey

The global textile industry appears to be turning a corner, but this is more likely a fragile and possibly temporary improvement than the start of a durable recovery. According to the 38th ITMF Global Textile Industry Survey, conducted worldwide during the second half of May 2026, business sentiment, order intake, order backlogs and capacity utilization all improved versus March — yet every indicator remains weak by historical standards, and rising costs cast doubt on how long the upturn can last.

“Innovation, resilience and international experience remain the great strengths of the Swiss textile machinery industry”

Geopolitical uncertainty, growing competitive pressure from China, new free trade agreements and the shift towards a circular economy are currently reshaping the global textile industry. In this interview, Cornelia Buchwalder discusses the current mood within the Swiss textile machinery sector, the industry’s distinctive innovative strength, new market opportunities in India and Asia, and the technological trends that could shape the upcoming trade fair cycle leading up to ITMA 2027.

DYNEEMA® and NP Aerospace advance personal protection for military servicewomen

Dyneema®, owned by Avient Corporation, an innovator of materials solutions, is supplying its high-performance unidirectional (UD) materials to world-leading armor manufacturer NP Aerospace, enabling the production of armor systems designed specifically to fit the female body. With 2,000 new armor systems, including 4,000 plates, made in the United Kingdom (UK) and delivered in June 2026, this collaboration addresses a long-standing lack of high-quality personal protection specially built for female defense and security personnel.

Textile Exchange publishes comprehensive polyester LCA study

Textile Exchange has released a new Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) study on polyester, providing detailed data on the environmental impacts of both virgin and recycled polyester production. The study aims to strengthen understanding across the fashion, textile and apparel industries and support more informed decision-making regarding polyester sourcing and production.