#Research & Development

2023-08-31

Project updates from AATCC research committees

AATCC is an international standards organization, following 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. The second is Openness—interested parties are welcome to participate in all aspects of the standard development process.

AATCC research committees meet at least twice per year to develop and update textile standards, plan educational events, and share information. The meetings are free, open to all, and held in a hybrid format to allow both in-person and remote participation. For those who cannot attend, AATCC publishes a status report on all open projects. The latest report is now available for view or download at www.aatcc.org/standards/#updates. A few projects are also highlighted here. To get involved, register for the upcoming series of meetings at www.aatcc.org/research.

AATCC Fall Research Committee Meetings

November 7-9

Research Triangle Park & virtual (Teams)

http://www.aatcc.org/research

Hand, Haptics, Touch & Tactile

The way a fabric feels is critical to many end uses. AATCC committee RA89 Hand Evaluation helps translate a subjective feeling to a quantifiable test result for valid comparisons and decision making. The committee has several current projects including terminology, modifying a procedure to incorporate a wet condition and instrumental evaluation, and development of a new test method. Members of the committee are also planning a Digital Lab exploring haptics and hand.

Save the dates!

November 8: RA89 Committee Meeting

December 13-14: Haptics Digital Lab

http://www.aatcc.org/calendar

Water Repellency for Today’s Fabrics

AATCC committee RA63 Water Resistance oversees a range of standards for evaluation water repellence and resistance of textiles. One of its iconic methods is the AATCC TM22 Spray Test. Simple, quick, and inexpensive, the test has been used to evaluate repellency for more than 80 years. But there is always room for improvement! The committee is considering options to more clearly define a “tap” and provide alternate evaluation metrics. Proposals also include suggestions for differentiating highly-repellent fabrics based on research at a member lab.

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.

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.

Exchange data between textile companies openly, securely and cost-effectively without a central platform – ITA makes it possible

The Institut für Textiltechnik (ITA) of RWTH Aachen University has launched a new demonstrator for an open and secure data space in the textile industry at the Digital Innovation Centre Europe (DICE). For the first time, the demonstrator shows directly and clearly how companies can share their data securely with each other without the need for a central platform. Data exchange is based on shared, freely usable technical foundations.

Sustainable athletic wear made from bio-based Polyethylene

Conventional sports textiles made from petroleum-based synthetic fibres are to be replaced in the future by sustainable, bio-based, cooling textiles. Polyethylene, previously used mainly in the packaging industry, is thus qualified for use in textiles and, as a bio-based drop-in solution, offers a cost-effective, sustainable alternative for the future.

Innovation center for textile circular economy inaugurated

Just over eight months after the foundation stone was laid, the new Innovation Center for Textile Circular Economy was officially inaugurated today at TITK Rudolstadt. Thuringia's Minister President Mario Voigt, TITK Director Benjamin Redlingshöfer, and other guests of honor cut the ribbon to the modern building complex and viewed the premises, which are now ready for occupancy. The “DICE – Demonstration and Innovation Center for Textile Circular Economy” is TITK's largest single investment to date. The Free State of Thuringia supported the total cost of €11.5 million with €8 million in GRW and FTI funding.

Cinte Techtextil China 2026: redefining business encounters for trending sub-sectors and cutting-edge technologies

The essence of a good trade fair is to create chance encounters to deliver tangible business value to its participants. Driven to stay ahead, Cinte Techtextil China is constantly seeking fresh strategies to keep the industry attuned to emerging trends, pinpointing high-potential segments for technical textiles and nonwovens. With a new zone and upgraded fringe events introduced, the last edition saw an impressive 17% increase in visiting numbers[1], and this year’s fair is set to leverage that success from 1 to 3 September at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre.

Epson launches SureColor G9000: high-production Direct-To-Film printer delivering greater productivity and reliability

Epson today announces the launch of the SureColor G9000, a new high-production Direct-To-Film (DTFilm) printer designed to meet growing global demand for flexible and efficient textile transfer printing. Expanding Epson’s DTFilm line-up alongside the SC-G6000, the SC-G9000 introduces enhanced speed, reliability and ease of maintenance for commercial garment decorators and textile producers.