The AATCC finishing event held in the US listed a number of new devils in this eco-conscious world, including carbon nanotubes, microplastics/microfibers, several metals and other items considered impurities. Comfort, performance, flexibility and durability in garments – while being environmentally safe and sustainable – were of great interest to a number of representatives throughout the textile and apparel supply chain.

The two-day event was divided into four segments by topics: Comfort Solution, Regulations and Environmental Concerns, Protection and Surface and Garment Finishing, with subject-matter experts within each session.

Mike Abbott, Director of research for Hanesbrands, opened the symposium with a presentation on performance and comfort from a brand’s perspective. Abbott stressed the need to engage across the entire consumer journey, on all platforms. He explained the physical aspects of comfort and performance in apparel, before pointing out that because today’s consumer is empowered, it is imperative to know your customer. As such, Data Analytics, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Voice of the Consumer (VOC) are important tools to interact with and market to consumers.

Kevin Myette, Director of Global Brand Services at Bluesign Technologies, noted traceability is hard work for brands and added many chemical companies fail Bluesign’s system partnership process on their first try.