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once every five years to ensure it reflects current materials and technology, meets format guidelines, and contains no outdated references.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

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.

Testing and research laboratory ensures safe and more sustainable products worldwide

For 80 years, Hohenstein has stood for independent testing, scientific expertise and practical solutions. Today, the testing and research service provider supports manufacturers and brands worldwide in making textiles, hardlines and medical devices safe, more sustainable and market-ready – thereby building trust among consumers. With an international presence and interdisciplinary expertise, Hohenstein supports its customers from production through to market launch, helping them navigate an environment of growing regulatory and societal demands.

Perfect quality through collaboration: Machinery from Trützschler, Toyota and Murata at Zirve Tekstil

In today’s textile industry, excellence is not achieved by chance – it’s the result of deliberate decisions, technical expertise, and the courage to go beyond conventional paths. The Turkish company Zirve Tekstil has done just that: by combining the best technologies from Trützschler, Toyota and Murata, they’ve created a production setup that delivers outstanding yarn quality – recognized worldwide.

Award-winning research for sustainable carbon fibre cycles

Sustainable recycling of carbon fibres is possible through targeted electrochemical surface modification, which makes the sizing of carbon fibres resistant to solvolysis. ITA PhD student Sabina Dann was awarded the MSW Award from RWTH Aachen University for her master's thesis on this development. The award ceremony took place on 12 November 2025 in Aachen.