AATCC launched its sixth annual design competition in August 2009, and received 70 entries from 16 schools and universities. The Summer Bling! theme gave students the challenge of creating fabric or product designs for pool and beachwear, based on color palettes from Pantone. Prizes included first-place cash awards of U.S. $1,000 (and a copy of [...]

According to the online database of companies certified to the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), just re-launched, approximately 1,500 companies with a total of 2,811 facilities in 55 countries were certified to the organic apparel and textile standard in 2009—a 40 percent increase over 2008. GOTS is a stringent voluntary global standard for the entire [...]

The Industrial Fabrics Foundation (IFF) announced the development of the Innovation Award, a new award program created to inspire imagination and innovation within the specialty fabrics industry. Any company that has developed and manufactured an innovative product related to the industry is eligible in one of three award categories: fabric, hardware and machinery; end product; [...]

The Leadership Development Committee of the Advanced Textiles Association (ATA) is now seeking candidates to be considered for three director positions on the ATA Board of Directors. All candidates must be employed by either an End Product or Supplier member who is in good standing. Interested parties must submit written confirmation of their wish to [...]

Cover-All Building Systems Inc., headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, has halted production and laid off hundreds of workers after being granted protection from its creditors by the Court of Queen’s Bench in Alberta on March 25. Most of the company’s 483 employees work in Saskatoon, with the rest located in Manitoba, Ontario, Alberta, the United [...]

AATCC’s Introduction to Textile Testing Workshop will cover tests of physical properties published by ASTM International, as well as performance tests published by AATCC. The workshop will take place April 28–29 at AATCC headquarters in Research Triangle Park, N.C., U.S.A. Featured ASTM methods will include tests for tearing strength, pilling resistance, and abrasion resistance. AATCC [...]

Even during a lingering recession, it’s business as usual for A&R Tarpaulins Inc., which recently expanded its facilities in Fontana, Calif., to add new workspace and renovate buildings. Business remains robust for the engineered fabric product manufacturer; the company recently passed its ISO 9001 and AS9100 certification reviews with zero corrections, certifying that A&R operates [...]