Specialty Fabrics Review November 2021 - 38

" One of the best things EPMs
can do to support sustainability is
producing products that last, " says
Wyman. " Many AATCC standards are
used to verify quality and durability
of materials or products to avoid
premature disposal.
" Analysis methods for fiber and
chemicals ensure safe products
and inform recycling efforts, " she
continues. " Most recently, AATCC
completed work on a test method to
quantify fiber fragment ('microfiber')
shedding in laundering. "
The new test method will provide
EPMs with a reliable way to compare
fabrics and make more sustainable
choices, resulting in less pollution
of aquatic environments, Wyman
says. Other quality standards include
AATCC TM150, used for measuring
length and width changes in unseamed
areas of garment samples subjected to
home laundering, and AATCC TM130
for soil release, evaluating fabrics'
release of an oily soil after experiencing
home laundering conditions.
" There are also numerous colorfastness
test methods, " Wyman adds.
AATCC research committees and
training sessions can assist EPMs in
gaining a better understanding of
regulations, standards and labeling,
allowing them to learn about test
methods and to question industry
colleagues and AATCC staff.
Committee meetings give
FOR
DETAILS?
AATCC | www.aatcc.org
A list of new and revised standards is available online, as are all
projects the various committees are pursuing. AATCC publishes a
new volume of its Manual of International Test Methods and Procedures
annually, with a mid-year supplement in July.
ASTM | www.astm.org
Available to members and nonmembers, the Standards Tracker®
is a
free alert emailed each Monday and Thursday that lists new and revised
standards and standards development activity. Nonmembers may also
access committee activity via the Committee D13 on Textiles at https://
www.astm.org/COMMITTEE/D13.htm.
Hohenstein/OEKO-TEX | www.oeko-tex.com
The OEKO-TEX®
standards are available on the organization's website
at no cost. There are also free and accessible tools that enable EPMs
to check certificate claims and verify their validity.
UL/GREENGUARD | www.ul.com
The website details various GREENGUARD certifications and
standards, as well as other information of interest to textile EPMs.
38 SPECIALTY FABRICS REVIEW / November 2021
participants a way to stay ahead of
trends and changes and to take part in
discussions determining those changes,
Wyman says. Held each spring and fall
near the AATCC Technical Center,
meetings generally take place in
person but can be accessed remotely.
Committees may also meet between
these times at their discretion.
ASTM: Setting global standards
As a global standards development
organization, ASTM International,
headquartered in West Conshohocken,
Pa., is focused on serving societal needs
worldwide, says Nora Nimmerichter,
manager, Technical Committee
Operations, Committee D13 on
Textiles. As of this writing, ASTM
(formerly known as the American
Society for Testing Materials) has
developed 12,800 global standards
in its 120 years in operation. The
organization has 30,000 volunteer
members comprised of researchers/
technical experts, consumers,
manufacturers, retailers and others, and
counts more than 110 partner countries.
http://www.aatcc.org http://www.astm.org http://https:// http://www.astm.org/COMMITTEE/D13.htm http://www.oeko-tex.com http://www.ul.com
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