The Global Textile Congress 2026 Philippine Textile Congress brought together experts from across the textile industry to discuss emerging developments in testing, performance, and quality assurance. During the event, Garry Atkinson, Technical Manager at AATCC (the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists), presented on AATCC TM218, one of AATCC’s newest published test methods.
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Advancing Objective Evaluation of Fabric Touch and Comfort
On September 14, 2026, Garry Atkinson, Technical Manager at the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC), was a featured speaker during the Textile Quality Assurance session of the Research Colloquia at the Global Textile Congress 2026 Philippine Textile Congress. His presentation, A Practical Introduction to AATCC TM218: Tactile Sensations of Textiles Using Instrumental Multi-Module Testing, introduced attendees to one of AATCC’s newest published test methods. Atkinson explained how AATCC TM218 evaluates five key aspects of fabric tactile sensation: thermal properties, compression, bending force, friction, and roughness.
“As consumer expectations for comfort continue to grow, objective methods for evaluating tactile sensation help manufacturers better understand and communicate fabric performance,” said Garry Atkinson, Technical Manager at AATCC.”AATCC TM218 provides the industry with a standardized approach to measuring characteristics that contribute to the tactile experience of textiles.”
Atkinson also discussed the specified test apparatus, the SDL Atlas Fabric Touch Tester (FTT), which evaluates physical properties on both the face and back sides of fabrics. The instrument provides objective measurements related to fabric hand, touch, and comfort in approximately five minutes. For more information about conducting AATCC TM218, visit www.AATCC.org. Information about the SDL Atlas Fabric Touch Tester is available at www.SDLAtlas.com.
This year’s Global Textile Congress 2026 Philippine Textile Congress was held under the theme, “Stitching Our Shared Textile Futures.” The Textile Quality Assurance session, moderated by Professor Annalyn N. Gebe of Technological University of the Philippines-Manila, brought together experts from industry, research institutes, and standards organizations to discuss advances in textile performance, testing, and quality assurance. Speakers represented the Taiwan Textile Research Institute (TTRI), Philippine Textile Research Institute, Solmax-Arizona Geosynthetics Inc., and American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC). Presentations covered topics ranging from geosynthetics in civil engineering to testing and certification frameworks for protective clothing materials and fabric selection for outdoor activities.
Textile Quality Assurance Session Speakers
Mr. Tan Jun Yuen
Technical Manager, Solmax-Arizona Geosynthetics Inc., Malaysia
From Textiles to Infrastructure: How Geosynthetics Are Transforming Civil Engineering
Ms. Chia-fen Tsai
Associate Researcher, Department of Testing and Certification, Taiwan Textile Research Institute (TTRI), Taiwan
Testing and Certification Framework for Heat and Wear Durability of High-Performance Fibers in Protective Clothing
Ms. Donna A. Uldo, M.Sc., RCh
Supervising Science Research Specialist/Quality Manager, Philippine Textile Research Institute, Philippines
Choosing the Right Fabrics for Outdoor Activities
Mr. Garry Atkinson
Technical Manager, American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC), USA
A Practical Introduction to AATCC TM218: Tactile Sensations of Textiles Using Instrumental Multi-Module Testing
AATCC connects the global textile community to empower an innovative, informed, and sustainable future. Headquartered in the Research Triangle Park of North Carolina, AATCC has provided standards development, testing materials, educational resources, and professional networking to the global textile industry for more than a century.
Technical Department Contact: Garry Atkinson; Technical Manager; [email protected]