#Associations

2021-08-05

Transparency: A clear foundation for standards development

AATCC standards are developed, specified, and performed around the world. With such a global reach, transparency must serve as the foundation for standards development. AATCC standards adhere to the six principles defined by the World Trade Organization(WTO) for the development of international standards.

Transparency

Openness

Impartiality and Consensus

Effectiveness and Relevance

Coherence

Development Dimension

AATCC takes practical measures to avoid duplicating standards that exist in its own and other organizations. Harmonization may not always be possible or practical, especially if it compromises the method’s intent; however, when practical, AATCC works with other organizations to harmonize standards.

AATCC provides notice of draft standards and topics under consideration by posting research committee notes, minutes, and project listings. Twice a year, AATCC publishes new and revised standards in the AATCC Manual of International Test Methods and Procedures and in the mid-year supplement.

Ideation, diverse perspectives, and consensus are the cornerstones of AATCC standard development. Any interested party may join a research committee as a non-voting member or attend committee meetings to participate in discussions.

To see current committee projects, visit:

http://www.aatcc.org/join/#committees.

The next round of research committee meetings will be part of AATCC’s Week of Celebration, November 15-19, 2021 in Durham, NC, USA. There is no fee to attend, but registration is required for in-person or virtual attendance.

Register for free at:

http://www.aatcc.org/events/committees.

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.