#Associations

2024-08-01

AATCC Textile Standards adopted by Colombian and Sri Lankan Governments

AATCC test methods and procedures are international standards, meeting the criteria set forth by the World Trade Organization and used around the globe. The standards gain additional recognition through Memoranda of Understanding with Colombia and Sri Lanka.

The Colombian Institute of Technical Standards and Certification (ICONTEC) recently translated and adopted three AATCC colorfastness to water test methods as a Colombian Technical Standard (NTC). NTC 6706 is technically equivalent to AATCC TM107 Test Method for Colorfastness to Water. AATCC TM106 Test Method for Colorfastness to Water: Sea was adopted as NTC 850 in 2022, replacing an older standard. AATCC TM162 Colorfastness to Water: Chlorinated Pool was adopted as NTC 2292-2.

Each of the standards is translated from the original English to Spanish. A cover page indicates the exact designation of the AATCC method on which the NTC is based. The cover page also indicates whether the adopted version is identical to the original or if modifications were made. In the case of the colorfastness methods, water and chlorinated pool water are identical; sea water is modified.

ICONTEC is also pursuing adoption of several other AATCC standards including additional colorfastness method, dimensional stability, and smoothness appearance.

Carolina Angulo Fandiño, ICONTEC Standardization Leader Manager, also noted that AATCC TM20 and TM20A for fiber analysis are particularly important since the withdrawal of ASTM D629.

The Sri Lanka Standards Institution (SLSI) is also in the process of adopting AATCC standards. Nivanthi K Jayaweera, SLSI Assistant Director, says, “We believe that the expertise and resources offered by AATCC will be invaluable in guiding us through this process of standard identification and adoption.”

AATCC standards are created by a consensus process. All are invited to participate and contribute. Every comment is considered and addressed. The published document reflects a thorough review by diverse stakeholders. In addition to adoption as national standards, many AATCC test methods are adopted by ISO. Test methods published by ISO Technical Committee 38 on Textiles for colorfastness, dimensional stability, appearance, and more are technically equivalent to earlier AATCC methods. In most cases, the relationship is noted in the History section of the relevant AATCC standard.

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To learn more about AATCC standards, visit www.aatcc.org/standards. The complete collection of more than 150 active textile standards is available in the annual AATCC Manual of International Test Methods and Procedures.

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.

Mongolia: Workshop on Italian textile technologies kicks off in Ulaanbaatar

The workshop dedicated to Italian textile technologies will kick off in Ulaanbaatar from 21 to 23 June 2026. Focused on the most advanced innovative solutions for the textile industry, the initiative will bring together 13 Italian textile machinery manufacturers, confirming the growing interest in strengthening industrial cooperation between the two countries and highlighting Mongolia’s strategic importance for Italian textile machinery producers.

Towards pragmatic and harmonised labelling in the EU

EDANA, alongside 14 European associations, urges the European Commission and Member States to adopt a pragmatic approach for the future harmonised packaging labels, in line with the EU’s agenda for the EU Single Market, simplification and competitiveness. The system should rely on text-free pictograms, available in achromatic or monochromatic versions matching the packaging palette, with the possibility of using digital labelling as a core element. Our associations represent manufacturers of consumer goods across Europe.

Textile PRO Forum calls for greater harmonisation of textile EPR systems across Europe

The Textile PRO Forum has published a new analysis highlighting the need for greater harmonisation of textile Extended Producer Responsibility systems across Europe. The document, Toward harmonised Textile EPR Systems in Europe: analysis and recommendations, presents the results of work carried out by Workstream 1 of the Textile PRO Forum, led by Dr. Eng. Viola Corbellini, Strategic Development and Innovation Expert at Erion Textiles, and Eng. Luca Campadello, General Director at Erion Textiles. The workstream focused on reducing administrative burden for textile producers by identifying areas where procedures could be better aligned across countries.

Mario Jorge Machado re-elected President of EURATEX

The EURATEX General Assembly has re-elected Mario Jorge Machado as President of EURATEX, renewing its confidence in his leadership at a crucial moment for the European textile and clothing industry. The sector is facing rising costs, global competitive pressure and an increasingly challenging transition towards sustainability and digitalisation.

New spinning package with two-step filtration for recycled yarns and more

At the ITM in Istanbul, BB Engineering unveiled its new, patented ValuePack spinning package for the first time, which features a two-stage filtration system. This is particularly beneficial for re-cycling processes. Until now, spinning packs have used either metal powder (“sand”) or filter candles as filter media. Both options are suitable for differ-ent applications, and each has its own specific advantages and dis-advantages.

ITMA 2027 gains strong momentum

In line with the theme "Co-creating the future of textiles", ITMA continues to strengthen its support for start-ups, recognising their role in driving innovation and shaping the future of textile and garment manufacturing. Through the Start-Up Valley, emerging companies gain access to a global marketplace where they can connect with industry leaders, potential partners, investors and customers.

The textile industry in transition

Recycling, traceability, eco-design and digitalisation are among the key future challenges facing the European textile industry. The Erasmus+ project Skills4Circularity, involving 21 partners from twelve countries, is investigating the skills required to address these challenges. As the German industry partner, the Industry Association for Finishing – Yarns – Fabrics – Technical Textiles (IVGT) is bringing the industry’s perspective to the project.