The American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) is set to host a series of conferences in 2025, tackling critical environmental challenges in the textile and apparel industry. These events will provide platforms for experts to collaborate on sustainable solutions.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) remain a focal point in textile manufacturing, widely used for water repellency and stain resistance but increasingly scrutinized for their health and environmental risks. The 2025 PFAS Conference, scheduled for April 24-25 at the StateView Hotel in Raleigh, North Carolina, will facilitate discussions on responsible PFAS management. AATCC aims to unite stakeholders in updating best practices that safeguard consumers while ensuring sustainable industry growth.
With rising consumer demand for eco-friendly fashion, the debate between cotton and rayon continues. Cotton is valued as a natural fiber, while rayon, a man-made cellulosic fiber, is seen as a sustainable alternative. Both offer advantages like biodegradability and minimal microplastic pollution.
Renee Lamb, Assistant Professor at Virginia Commonwealth University, will lead a Digital Learning session on May 19, exploring the sustainability pros and cons of each fiber. The discussion will assess whether one fiber stands out as the ultimate sustainable choice.
As the textile industry shifts toward a circular economy, AATCC will host the Circularity Conference on June 17-18, 2025, at the University of Rhode Island, Kingston. Industry leaders, researchers, and policymakers will address challenges in creating closed-loop systems and reducing waste across the textile supply chain.
These conferences mark AATCC’s commitment to advancing sustainability in textiles, offering valuable insights for professionals seeking innovative solutions.
