AATCC Foundation Increases Scholarships And Fellowships For 2024-2025

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. — January 22, 2024 — The AATCC Foundation scholarship and fellowship application is now open for the 2024-2025 academic year. Undergraduate and graduate students in any textile-related discipline may apply for more than a dozen separate scholarships and $100,000 total funding with one simple online form. Students enter their school, education level, major, and other criteria once. The system automatically lists matching scholarships and any required personal statements. There’s something for everyone — from an Indian citizen studying fashion design in Rhode Island to a U.S. citizen pursuing a materials science Ph.D. in Texas.

All scholarships have a deadline of February 29, 2024. Recipients will be notified over the summer. In addition to the tuition funding, all Foundation scholars receive free registration for the 2023 AATCC Textile Discovery Summit (www.aatcc.org/summit) and up to $500 travel reimbursement. This year, the Foundation has established three new $2,000 scholarships in specialized areas: the Textile Design Scholarship, Textile Merchandising Scholarship, and Textile Chemistry Scholarship.

The 2024-2025 scholarships can be divided into the following categories: Textile Chemistry, Other Textile-Related, Local Section, and Graduate Fellowships. The details about the specific scholarships in the categories are listed below. Students interested in applying should contact the foundation at india@aatcc.org or visit its website at www.aatcc.org/foundation/#scholarship.

Textile Chemistry Scholarships

Textile Chemistry Scholarship

The AATCC Foundation Textile Chemistry Scholarship is a $2,000 scholarship for undergraduate students of textile chemistry, polymer and color chemistry, or related topics.

Charles H. Stone Scholarship

Four $6,000 scholarships are available to juniors and seniors at North Carolina State University and Clemson University.

Charles E. Gavin III Family Scholarship (Auburn University)

Rising freshmen, sophomores, juniors, or seniors attending Auburn University are eligible for the $8,000 Gavin Family Scholarship.

Gordon & Marjorie Osborne Scholarship

The Gordon and Marjorie Osborne Scholarship is a $5,000 per year scholarship that supports students pursuing a career or coursework in textile engineering, textile chemistry, textile science, or a related discipline.

Woodruff Textile Manufacturing Scholarship

The Percy W. Woodruff Jr. Textile Manufacturing Scholarship is a $2,500 scholarship supporting a non-traditional, undergraduate student at Clemson University.

Other Textile-Related Scholarships

At the undergraduate level, the Darsey Family Scholarship has grown from $1,500 to $2,500.

AATCC Corporate Member Scholarship

The AATCC Corporate Member Scholarship is a $1,000 scholarship available to AATCC corporate member employees and their children, for the Fall semester.

Textile Design Scholarship

The AATCC Foundation Textile Design Scholarship is a $2,000 scholarship for undergraduate students of textile design or related topics.

Textile Merchandising Scholarship

The AATCC Foundation Textile Merchandising Scholarship is a $2,000 scholarship for undergraduate students of textile merchandising, management, and retail programs.

National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) Paul T. O’Day Scholarship

To be eligible for the $5,000 Paul T. O’Day Scholarship, a parent or guardian must be an employee of an NCTO member company and/or organization.

Charles E. Gavin III Family Scholarship (Georgia Institute of Technology)

Rising freshmen, sophomores, juniors, or seniors attending Georgia Institute of Technology are eligible for the $6,000 Gavin Family Scholarship.

Varley Family Textile Technology Scholarship

AATCC Foundation’s Varley Family Textile Technology Scholarship is a $7,500 scholarship that supports students pursuing a textile-related career at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) or Cornell University.

Martin J. Bide University of Rhode Island Scholarship

The Martin J. Bide University of Rhode Island Scholarship is a $1,500 scholarship for undergraduate students studying Textile Fashion, Merchandising and Design at the University of Rhode Island.

Darsey Family Scholarship

The Darsey Family Scholarship is a $2,500 scholarship available to undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in a textile- and/or fashion-related program at a US university with an AATCC student chapter.

Kanti & Hansa Jasani Family Scholarship

The Kanti and Hansa Jasani Family Textile Scholarship offers three $1,000 scholarships to Indian students, specifically Indian citizens with student visas, who are attending a US university. Undergraduate AND graduate students may apply. Three scholarships are available for each academic year.

Local Section Scholarships

The AATCC Foundation Metro Scholarship has expanded in two ways – it now has awards of $3,000 and $2,000 available, and eligibility has extended beyond New York to include all undergraduate students in New England, New York, and New Jersey. The West Scholarship has also seen an increase from $2,000 to $2,200 for 2024-2025.

Piedmont Section Scholarship

The AATCC Foundation Piedmont Section Scholarship is a $3,000 scholarship available to students attending an educational institution in the AATCC Piedmont Section (VA, WV, NC, SC).

Delaware Valley Section Scholarship

Members of the AATCC Delaware Valley Section (DE, MD, NJ, PA), as well as spouses, children, and grandchildren are eligible for this $500 scholarship. Undergraduate students studying textiles at a school in the Delaware Valley section are also eligible.

Metro Scholarship

The Metro Scholarship offers two scholarships valued at $3,000 and $2,000 for students attending schools in New England, New York, or New Jersey.

Western Region Scholarship

This $2,200 scholarship supports undergraduate students studying a textile- or fashion-related field in colleges/universities located in the states encompassed by the California, Northwest, Midwest, and Pacific sections of AATCC.

Graduate Fellowships

The Grady, Houser, Hauser, Daniels Graduate Fellowship has increased from $3,500 to $5,000 for the coming academic year. The Connelly-Perkins Graduate Fellowship has also increased from $3,500 to $5,000. Graduate students are also eligible to apply for the Darsey Family Scholarship and Kanti & Hansa Jasani Family Scholarship.

Connelly/Perkins Graduate Fellowship

AATCC Foundation Connelly/Perkins Graduate Fellowship is a $5,000 fellowship for Ph.D. candidates at the Clemson University Department of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE).

Grady, Hauser, Houser, Daniels Graduate Fellowship

A $5,000 fellowship for Ph.D. candidates in Fiber and Polymer Science at the North Carolina State University Wilson College of Textiles.

Posted: January 22, 2024

Source: The AATCC Foundation Inc.

Celanese And Under Armour Develop Innovative New NEOLAST™ Fiber For Use In Performance Stretch Fabrics

New NEOLAST fiber For Sustainable Stretch Fabrics

DALLAS And BALTIMORE — January 22, 2024 — Celanese Corp., a global specialty materials and chemical company, and Under Armour Inc., a global supplier and innovator in athletic apparel and footwear, have collaborated to develop a new fiber for performance stretch fabrics called NEOLAST™. The innovative material will offer the apparel industry a high- performing alternative to elastane — an elastic fiber that gives apparel stretch, commonly called spandex. This new alternative could unlock the potential for end users to recycle performance stretch fabrics, a legacy aspect that has yet to be solved in the pursuit of circular manufacturing with respect to stretch fabrics.

NEOLAST fibers feature the powerful stretch, durability, comfort, and improved wicking expected from elite performance fabrics yet are also designed to begin addressing sustainability challenges associated with elastane, including recyclability. The fibers are produced using a proprietary solvent-free melt- extrusion process, eliminating potentially hazardous chemicals typically used to create stretch fabrics made with elastane.

NEOLAST fibers will be produced using recyclable elastoester polymers, a critical first step for the industry to address the challenge of recycling blended fabrics containing elastane. As end users transition to a more circular economy, Celanese and Under Armour are exploring the potential of the fibers to improve the compatibility of stretch fabrics with future recycling systems and infrastructure.

“Working with a leading global brand like Under Armour to elevate the performance and sustainability benefits of their products is just the first of many great things we hope to accomplish with this innovative NEOLAST said Tom Kelly, Celanese senior vice president, Engineered Materials. “Celanese is proud to bring its polymer expertise and technical know-how to help manufacture NEOLAST™ fibers for textiles and fabrics to meet the specific needs of our customers and other value chain partners. We are just beginning to unlock its potential and look forward to what’s ahead as we explore other opportunities with end users.”

“This new NEOLAST fiber represents a transformative innovation for Under Armour and the textile industry, embodying our commitment to building better products for our consumers and planet,” said Kyle Blakely, senior vice president of innovation at Under Armour. “Through performance-driven sustainability and innovation, we look forward to helping athletes play at the top of their game as we work with Celanese to realize this new fiber’s potential to forge a path toward circularity.”

In addition to the sustainability benefits, the new NEOLAST fibers deliver increased production precision, allowing spinners to dial power-stretch levels up or down and engineer fibers to meet a broader array of fabric specifications.

In addition to Celanese exploring application opportunities with Under Armour, the company intends to make the fiber available to the broader apparel industry, potentially reducing elastane dependence.

Posted: January 22, 2024

Source: Celanese Corp./Under Armour Inc.

Kraig Biocraft Laboratories Targets Vertical Markets For Its Spider Silk And Shares Planned Applications

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — January 22, 2024 — Kraig Biocraft Laboratories Inc. shared an update on near-term commercial applications and opportunities for recombinant spider silk as the company prepares for expanding production in 2024. Spider silk has long been prized for its unique blend of chemical and mechanical properties, including strength and elasticity.

Kraig Labs is currently in the process of ramping up production trials of its recombinant spider silk under the trademark Dragon Silk™. The move to ramp up production follows on the heels of the company’s successful early production test announced in December.

During the ramp-up phase, while production quantities are relatively limited, the company is targeting end-product applications in fashion and performance apparel. “Because production quantities will be relatively limited during the early stages of the production ramp-up, and because we will have control of that limited supply of Dragon Silk, it makes sense for us to focus on markets where we can control the end use of the Dragon Silk That will allow us to potentially share in a portion of the value-added manufacturing and distribution beyond the creation of the recombinant spider silk itself,” said company Founder and CEO Kim Thompson. “In essence, we are looking for partial vertical integration in these early spider silk products to maximize our market position.”

As production quantities increase, the Company expects to begin addressing demand from additional market segments, including:

  • Engineering textiles;
  • Composites;
  • Cosmetics;
  • Defensive and protective textiles;
  • Bio-plastics that are biodegradable and bio-compatible;
  • Fiber optics; and
  • Medical textiles, fibers, ligaments, wound dressings, skin grafts, and tissue engineering.

The company believes that the enhanced strength and toughness of its Dragon Silk line of materials, combined with their bio-degradable and biocompatible properties, will be able to address existing material needs in these markets and many more.

Kraig Labs has already begun early-stage exploration into bio-plastics, medical textiles, cosmetics & defensive textile applications and expects to accelerate work in these fields as production of spider silk increases.

Posted: January 22, 2024

Source: Kraig Biocraft Laboratories, Inc.

NCTO Issues Statement Supporting House China Select Committee Leaders’ Letter To Homeland Security Secretary, Urging Him To Strengthen Enforcement Of UFLPA Activities

Washington, D.C. — January 22, 2024 — National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) President and CEO Kim Glas issued the following statement today in support of a letter from the chairman and ranking member of the House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the U.S. and the CCP, to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, urging him to step up enforcement of the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) and crack down on unfair trade practices facilitating the importation of products made with forced labor.

The letter can be viewed here. Attorney General Merrick Garland is copied on the letter.

Kim Glas

Statement by NCTO President and CEO Kim Glas:

“We sincerely thank Chairman Mike Gallagher (R-WI) and Ranking Member Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) for their letter, calling on Secretary Mayorkas to take immediate action to strengthen enforcement of the UFLPA and aggressively confront predatory trade practices employed by China that are undermining U.S. manufacturers and endangering American citizens.

The government’s failure to fully enforce the UFLPA and the de minimis loophole is devastating US textile and apparel manufacturers. Today, this vital domestic manufacturing industry is facing unparalleled demand destruction as a direct result of market forces that have been exacerbated by anemic customs and trade law enforcement. Chinese cotton from Xinjiang is flooding the global marketplace, making its way to our doorsteps and into our closets. As a result, we need a comprehensive and aggressive solution from the administration to confront these practices head on.

The concerns and steps outlined in the letter by Reps. Gallagher and Krishnamoorthi are critically important. The administration and DHS must step up enforcement of UFLPA, fraudulent origin claims and the gaping de minimis loophole that is facilitating millions of illegal and dangerous products a day to our market.

Without an immediate government solution, this strategic supply chain that produces lifesaving PPE and 8,000 different products for the U.S. military, will continue to shutter factories and lay off workers.

We cannot continue to reward China for egregious trade practices at the expense of American and regional manufacturers and workers. If these steps not taken immediately, we will fail to stop forced labor trade from entering our market and further jeopardize our vital domestic and Western Hemisphere supply chains.”

Editor’s Note – US Textile Industry Snap-Shot:

  • U.S. employment in the textile supply chain was 538,067 in 2022.
  • The value of shipments for U.S. textiles and apparel was $65.8 billion in 2022.
  • U.S. exports of fiber, textiles and apparel were $34 billion in 2022.
  • Capital expenditures for textiles and apparel production totaled $2.27 billion in 2021, the last year for which data is available.

Posted: January 22, 2024

Source: National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO)

Shape The Future Leadership Of AATCC

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. — January 19, 2024 — AATCC is currently accepting nominations for open positions on its 2025-2026 Board of Directors. As a member-led organization, serving on the AATCC Board provides a valuable opportunity to guide the direction of the association while advancing your industry knowledge and professional relationships.

Board members are elected by their peers to represent the diverse interests of AATCC’s global membership. By bringing your unique perspective to the table, you can leave a positive mark on the textile industry while gaining skills and connections to boost your own career.

AATCC members will vote by emailed ballot this Fall. The new Board members will be announced in November and serve from January 2025 through December 2026.

President-elect

The AATCC President-elect serves in this role for two years before serving as President for two years, and then serves as Immediate Past President for another two years, serving six years in total as a member of the Board of Directors. In that time, he or she is a member of multiple administrative committees and helps set the strategy for the Association. Each President brings a new passion and focus.

Interest Group Officers

Each interest group is represented by an interest group Chair. Nominees must be a voting member of the interest group they represent.

  • Chemical Applications Interest Group
  • Concept 2 Consumer Interest Group
  • Materials Interest Group
  • Rising Professionals Interest Group

If you are interested in nominating yourself or someone else to join the AATCC leadership, please submit completed nomination forms by March 31, 2024. This is a volunteer-led commitment invested in shaping the future of textile knowledge exchange, research, and testing standardization.

Get involved with AATCC and play an integral role in driving innovation for the wider industry. The organization needs engaged members who can offer their talents to further AATCC’s vision.

More Information

Do you want the opportunity to vote and help lead the direction of not only AATCC but the textile industry? Become an AATCC member now! You can get more information on membership at www.aatcc.org/join.

Posted: January 19, 2024

Source: AATCC

Mahlo Measuring, Control And Automation Systems At Colombiatex


SAAL ON THE DANUBE, Germany — January 19, 2024 — Mahlo GmbH + Co. KG — manufacturer of measuring, control and automation systems of Germany — will participate in the Colombiatex textile show, held in Medellin January 23-25. This year, Mahlo will be joining forces with Brückner Textile Technologies to present comprehensive and innovative solutions for the textile production sector at their joint booth.

Both companies appreciate the power of Colombia’s textile industry. Textile is one of the most important industrial sectors in the Latin American country with an export value of clothing of more than $600 million . The United States are also the main export destination for apparel products. At Colombiatex 2024, Mahlo’s Head of Sales, Thomas Höpfl, will be present to share insights and discuss how Mahlo’s innovative technologies can address the specific challenges faced by Colombian textile manufacturers. Sustainability of process efficiency being among the most pressing ones. “Our advanced technologies align seamlessly with the industry’s focus on sustainable practices and heightened process outcome”, says Höpfl.

Mahlo Orthopac RVMC

German world market leader Mahlo provides straightening technologies with the weft straightener Orthopac RVMC or energy saving concepts such as the stenter process control system Optipac VMC or the drum dryer control system Atmoset SMT.

Visitors of Colombiatex are welcome to visit Thomas Höpfl at the joint Mahlo/Brückner booth to discuss the individual solutions for their specific line of work.

Posted: January 19, 2024

Source: Mahlo GmbH + Co. KG

Manufacturing Solutions Center (MSC) Offers M1 Programming Training For Stoll Flatbed Knitting Machines

CONNOVER, N.C. — January 19, 2024 — The Manufacturing Solutions Center (MSC) at Catawba Valley Community College will provide M1 Programming training for Stoll Flatbed Knitting machines from February 12 through February 16 to individuals interested in learning about flatbed knitting or improving their flatbed knitting skills.

Class size is limited and is structured to the individual needs of attendees.  Core concepts covered in the program include the functions of the M1 software, stitch formation, programming of various stitch structures, and shape attributes.  The program will be held at the MSC II facility in Conover, N.C.

For more information about the program and costs, visit www.manufacturingsolutionscenter.org

Posted: January 19, 2024

Source: The Manufacturing Solutions Center (MSC)

The International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF): Giltex LLC (Azerbaijan) Joins ITMF As Corporate Member

ZÜRICH, Switzerland — January 19, 2024 — GILTEX LLC is the only company built with a vertical integration system, not only in Azerbaijan but also in the entire South Caucasus region. The company covers the textile production flow and consists of a spinning factory, two weaving factories, two dyeing factories, a garment factory, and a medical masks factory.

Christian Schindler, director general of ITMF, stated: “ITMF is delighted to welcome Giltex in ITMF. That for the first time a fully integrated company from this region of the world joins ITMF shows that the textile business is truly a global industry. The desire to join an international network like ITMF that represents the entire textile value chain is an indication that companies around the world are looking for relevant information and networks. To successfully navigate these challenging times and to prepare for the future it is indispensable to have access to relevant facts and figures about the industry and to identify potential partners to collaborate with. ITMF is offering such a platform.”

Kanan Budagov, head of Procurement Dept. of Giltex LLC, pointed out that “ITMF is a unique global organisation that brings together like-minded industry people from around the world. It provides a special environment that allows to discuss pressing issues and trends that help to better understand the ongoing and constantly changing dynamics in the global textile industry. In today’s world companies must develop long-term strategies based on reliable information. ITMF offers such information as well as provides access to a unique network of industry experts. To learn from the industry and to discuss with the entire textile value chain – from fibre producers to producers of home textiles and garments – how to overcome the challenges and turn them into opportunities is crucial.”

Posted: January 19, 2024

Source: The International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF)

Bolger & O’Hearn To Sponsor ATA Military Division Booth At Shot Show, Jan. 22 & 23, In Las Vegas

FALL RIVER, Mass. — January 18, 2024 — The team from Bolger & O’Hearn will be onsite January 22 & 23, 2024, at the annual Shot Show in Las Vegas at Booth 52133 in the show’s Supplier Showcase.

B&O is a co-sponsor of the Advanced Textiles Association’s Military Division booth at Shot, which is located on Level 5 in the Palazzo Ballroom at the Venetian Hotel/Sands Convention Center.

The Supplier Showcase offers manufacturers a two-day sneak peak of products and technologies that add valuable performance and functional characteristics to apparel and gear developed for the military, hunting, and law enforcement industries.

Kelly Murphy, co-president of Bolger & O’Hearn and Mohan Rao, B&O’s technical director for Textile Innovations, will be on hand to discuss new chemistries B&O has developed that enhance the lifespan and functional performance for hard working gear and apparel. This includes Shell-Tech Free M325 SC1 & F3 — High Performance, PFAS-free Water-Repellents, and Shell-Tech Dual Action, a Repel & Release technology that adds oil repellency, water repellency and soil release to textiles in a single application.

B&O is a member of the ATA’s Military Division and the Association’s Emerging Technologies Council.

“Our high-performance products are manufactured in the USA and have been developed to meet the technical textile industry’s growing demand for fabric finishes that offer new levels of protection and durability,” said Murphy. “Our customers are asking for both and we are committed to meeting that demand.”

Posted: January 18, 2024

Source: Bolger & O’Hearn

RefrigiWear Acquires Avaska

DAHLONEGA, Ga. — January 17, 2024 — RefrigiWear, the largest supplier of insulated work apparel for the cold chain, announced today its acquisition of Avaska. A relative newcomer to the insulated workwear industry, Avaska built a solid reputation for offering premium quality products with a more modern, European style.

“Avaska really helps us round out our brand portfolio to serve customers in the cold chain and in any environment where extreme temperatures create challenges,” explained Ryan Silberman, CEO at RefrigiWear.

“Giving customers flexibility helps us serve the ever-changing and demanding environments they face in every step of the cold chain from food production, storage and distribution to bringing it home to our kitchen tables.”

The company’s portfolio now includes three insulated workwear brands — RefrigiWear, Avaska and Samco Freezerwear — more than doubling the company’s selection of products to keep workers warm, safe and productive.

All three brands deliver insulated apparel, footwear and accessories for people working in temperature-controlled production and distribution facilities that operate at temperatures well below freezing. Their products are also widely used in outdoor work environments where wet weather and cold temperatures are major challenges to safety and productivity. With such a wide variety of styles, selection and price ranges, this 3-brand family gives businesses large and small the most diverse options to protect their employees from the dangers of working in the cold.

Posted: January 18, 2024

Source: RefrigiWear, LLC

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