The American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists is set to host a series of conferences in 2025 focusing on sustainability and environmental challenges in the textile and apparel industry.
The American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) is preparing to host a series of conferences in 2025, aiming to tackle some of the most pressing environmental issues within the textile and apparel industry. These events are designed to serve as collaborative platforms for industry professionals to discuss innovative solutions for sustainability.
The first of these key conferences, the 2025 PFAS Conference, is set to occur on April 24-25, 2025, at the StateView Hotel in Raleigh, North Carolina. This event will focus on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are commonly used in textiles to provide enhanced water repellency and stain resistance. However, concerns over their health and environmental impacts have led to increased scrutiny. AATCC is seeking to expand the coalition of stakeholders involved in this discussion, emphasizing the importance of collaborative dialogue to develop best practices for PFAS usage while protecting consumers and supporting responsible industry growth.
In addition to addressing PFAS, the AATCC is also sponsoring a Digital Learning session on May 19, 2025, at 10 AM ET, led by Renée Lamb, an Assistant Professor at Virginia Commonwealth University. This session will compare the sustainability of cotton and rayon, two fibers that have gained traction in the context of eco-friendly fashion. As consumer demand for sustainable products escalates, Lamb’s expertise in sustainable design and ethical consumerism will guide participants through a detailed examination of the advantages and disadvantages of both materials, exploring whether one may emerge as a more sustainable option over the other.
Following these discussions, the Circularity Conference will convene on June 17-18, 2025, at the University of Rhode Island in Kingston, Rhode Island. This conference will draw together industry leaders, researchers, designers, and policymakers to confront the intricate challenges of implementing circular systems within the textile value chain. As the industry confronts escalating pressure to diminish its environmental footprint, the focus on circularity represents a vital shift towards sustainable transformation in textile practices. Attendees will engage in comprehensive discussions and develop strategies aimed at fostering more sustainable systems.
The AATCC’s upcoming conferences highlight an ongoing commitment to addressing environmental challenges in textiles, facilitating important conversations about innovative practices that could shape the future of the industry.
Source: Noah Wire Services
