#Associations

2023-04-06

Improved soil standards from AATCC

AATCC committee RA57 Floor Covering Test Methods recently voted to move its synthetic soil formulation to a laboratory procedure document, making it easier to find and use for multiple applications. Users can now reference AATCC LP4 Laboratory Procedure for Synthetic Soil. The new procedure is available immediately as a downloadable PDF file and will appear in the 2024 AATCC Manual of International Test Methods and Procedures, published in January 2024.

The committee also worked to clarify the materials included in the formula. Iron oxide is now specified as black iron oxide. Silica and peat moss are also described more precisely to ensure consistent performance and consistent test results.

The synthetic soil was developed for standardized carpet soiling. It is also referenced in a draft test method for stain resistance of launderable fabrics. The formulation originally appeared in AATCC TM123 Carpet Soiling: Accelerated Soiling Method. This method was withdrawn in 2010 and the soil preparation was transferred to an Appendix of AATCC TM122 Test Method for Carpet Soiling: Service Soiling. As the committee considers future changes to AATCC TM122 as well as related ASTM standards, it made sense to create a separate standard that all could reference for synthetic soil preparation.

Order AATCC LP4

https://members.aatcc.org/store/lp004/3785/

To provide input on these and other textile-related standards, register to attend virtual or in-person committee meetings. Learn more at https://www.aatcc.org/aatcc-events/research. There is no fee to attend, and meetings are open to all. Interested parties may join AATCC to participate as a voting member of one or more committees.

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.

EURATEX calls for a competitive and harmonised Circular Economy Act For Textiles

EURATEX, representing Europe’s textile and clothing industry with over 200,000 companies and 1.3 million workers, has submitted its official position paper to the European Commission’s consultation on the upcoming Circular Economy Act (CEA). The association welcomes the Commission’s initiative to shape a framework that strengthens Europe’s circular economy while maintaining industrial competitiveness.

ITMF and IAF conclude successful Joint Convention 2025 in Yogyakarta, Indonesia

The International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF) and the International Apparel Federation (IAF) have successfully concluded their second joint convention, held this year in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. In close collaboration with the host Indonesian Textile Association (API), the event gathered over 400 delegates from around the world from across the entire textile and apparel value chain.

VDMA members at ITMA ASIA + CITME in Singapore

With 69 exhibiting member companies, ITMA ASIA + CITME 2025 is once again marked by a strong presence of VDMA companies. Altogether 82 companies from Germany will exhibit at the show, covering about 3,500 square meters of exhibition space, topped only by China and Italy. VDMA initiated a German Pavilion with two group stands (spinning in hall 4 and finishing in hall 7) with a total of 30 exhibitors.

Toray develops recycling technology that retains carbon fiber strength and surface quality

Toray Industries, Inc., announced today that it has developed a recycling technology that can decompose diverse carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) made from thermosetting resins while retaining the strength and surface quality of those fibers. The company drew on this technology to create a nonwoven fabric employing recycled carbon fibers.

Panty liners prevent bacterial vaginosis

Worldwide, almost one third of women of childbearing age suffer from bacterial vaginosis. This is when the sensitive microbiome of the vagina becomes unbalanced. Such a disorder of the vaginal flora can cause urogenital infections, abscesses on the ovaries or fallopian tubes or premature births. This significantly increases the risk of infertility in women and of contracting a sexually transmitted disease or HIV.

PERFORMANCE DAYS sets benchmarks with record attendance & strong industry presence

With around 4,500 professional visitors and 515 exhibitors, PERFORMANCE DAYS closed its doors on October 30, 2025, after two highly successful days in Munich. Expanded show areas, an international audience, a top-class Expert Talks program, and an inspiring DAY 0 Conference with an innovative concept underlined one thing clearly: PERFORMANCE DAYS has become the leading business platform for the functional textile industry.