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once every five years to ensure it reflects current materials and technology, meets format guidelines, and contains no outdated references.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

Young talents honoured – 60 years Walter Reiners Foundation

At the Techtextil trade fair in Frankfurt at the end of April, Peter D. Dornier, chairman of the VDMA’s Walter Reiners Foundation, presented awards to five successful young engineers. Promotion and sustainability awards were presented in the categories of bachelor’s/project theses and diploma/master’s theses. Academic theses are eligible for the sustainability awards if, for example, they develop solutions for resource-efficient products and technologies.

BTMA backs global growth while investing in future UK leaders

As one of a number of new initiatives launched this year, the British Textile Machinery Association (BTMA) is launching the UK-India Textile Machinery Coalition. The UK-India Free Trade Agreement, signed in July 2025, has implications that extend across sourcing, competitiveness and long-term trade dynamics, believes BTMA CEO Jason Kent.

China projected to increase cotton production, yields, and imports in 2026/27

World cotton production in the 2026/27 season is projected at 25.9 million tonnes, exceeding global consumption of 25.2 million tonnes, according to the May 2026 issue of Cotton This Month. That means both production and consumption are expected to remain close to current season levels, while global cotton trade is projected to decline by 2.7% to approximately 9.6-9.7 million tonnes.

Itema to showcase weaving excellence at ITM 2026

From June 9 to 13, Itema will exhibit at ITM 2026 in Istanbul (Hall 8 – Stand 806D), unveiling a distinctive exhibition concept designed to highlight the Company’s expertise across the entire weaving value chain. For this year’s edition, Itema will introduce an innovative stand experience built around two core areas: advanced weaving and spare parts solutions and an immersive textile gallery featuring fabrics produced by Itema Customers worldwide.

Last chance to apply: ITMA 2027 Start-Up Valley closes tomorrow

Applications for the Start-Up Valley at ITMA 2027 close tomorrow, offering young technology companies the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of several successful participants from the 2023 edition. The initiative, organised under the CEMATEX Start-Up Grant programme, has already helped a number of textile start-ups accelerate their transition from early-stage concepts to industrial partnerships, funding rounds and commercial deployment.