The American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) has unveiled an exciting lineup of events in 2025 aimed at addressing some of the most critical environmental challenges facing the textile and apparel industry. These events will serve as dynamic platforms for industry professionals to exchange ideas, foster collaboration, and develop innovative approaches to sustainability.
PFAS in Textiles: Building a New Path Forward
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have long been valued in textile production for their ability to provide durable water repellency and stain resistance. However, growing concerns about their environmental and health impacts have made PFAS a key focus for the industry. Addressing these concerns requires open, multi-stakeholder collaboration and forward-thinking solutions.
AATCC’s 2025 PFAS Conference will take place on April 24-25, 2025, at the StateView Hotel in Raleigh, North Carolina. This event will convene diverse voices to discuss best practices for PFAS usage and explore strategies to safeguard consumers while maintaining industry resilience. The conference will serve as a springboard for actionable steps toward responsible innovation and sustainable progress.
Cotton vs. Rayon: Evaluating Sustainability in Fibers
As the push for sustainable fashion intensifies, the debate between cotton and rayon continues to be a central topic in discussions about eco-friendly fibers. Cotton, a long-established natural fiber, and rayon, a man-made cellulosic alternative, each bring unique attributes to the table. Both fibers are gaining renewed attention as consumers demand materials that avoid petroleum inputs, reduce microplastic pollution, and maintain qualities like comfort and dyeability.
Sustainable design expert Renée Lamb, Assistant Professor at Virginia Commonwealth University, will lead a Digital Learning Session on May 19, 2025, at 10:00 AM ET. This session will explore the environmental pros and cons of each fiber and examine which might emerge as the superior choice for sustainable fashion in the future.
The Circularity Conference: Transforming the Textile Industry
The concept of circularity has become central to reshaping the textile industry’s sustainability narrative. A circular approach entails designing products and processes that minimize waste, recycle resources, and reduce environmental impact throughout the entire value chain. However, implementing such systems comes with significant challenges that require collaboration across disciplines.
AATCC’s Circularity Conference will be held on June 17-18, 2025, at the University of Rhode Island in Kingston, RI. This two-day event will bring together researchers, designers, policymakers, and industry leaders to explore the complexities of circularity and discuss strategies for fostering a more sustainable future for textiles.
AATCC’s Commitment to a Sustainable Future
Through these events, AATCC is committed to empowering industry stakeholders with the knowledge and tools needed to drive meaningful environmental change. From PFAS alternatives to fiber sustainability and circular design, AATCC’s 2025 conferences promise to deliver impactful discussions and actionable insights, equipping professionals to navigate the evolving landscape of textile sustainability.
