The American Association of Textile Chemists & Colorists, or AATCC, recently inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with The Textile Association (India) (TAI) as part of the Association’s global expansion.
The MOU aims to increase communication between the two organizations, prevent duplication of work when feasible, raise awareness of AATCC standards in India, engage in educational activities along the fiber-to-fashion chain, and use the resources of AATCC and The Textile Association (India) to support each other’s efforts to benefit individuals and businesses in the Indian textile industry.
“India’s textile industry is a strong and vibrant sector. “Our Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with TAI represents an exciting milestone in our mission to promote global connections among textile, chemistry, and color science professionals,” said AATCC President Christina Rapa. “In the upcoming years, we look forward to providing the Indian market with excellent testing standards, extensive training programs, and beneficial networking opportunities.”
For the benefit of members of The Textile Association (India) as well as other people and businesses in the Indian textile sector, the organizations committed in the MOU to developing collaborative educational and training initiatives, including conferences.
“We are proud and honored to announce that the American Association of Textile Chemists & Colorists (AATCC) and The Textile Association (India) (TAI) have signed an MOU,” said Kanti Jasani, the membership chair of the AATCC. Through crucial educational, training, and networking opportunities at every level—from textile students to designers, manufacturers, and retailers to the professionals operating and overseeing the sector—this will strengthen the ties between two well-known organizations and support the entire textile industry chain.
Members of either organization are also eligible for a 30% membership discount in the other organization under the terms of the MOU. In addition to these actions, the MOU states that AATCC will provide corporate and individual TAI members with a unique introductory pricing.
With more than 26,000 members, the Textile body (India) (TAI) is the biggest trade body in the textile industry. We are happy to join together with AATCC to improve textile relations between India and the United States. This partnership will facilitate the planning of international conferences, webinars, seminars, and cooperative educational initiatives. “By increasing their knowledge and market opportunities, individuals and business members can gain advantages,” said Tulsi L. Patel, President of TAI.
The Association has designated AATCC Chapin Award winner Seshadri Ramkumar as AATCC Ambassador to India in addition to the MOU as part of AATCC’s outreach to India. He has the authority to represent the Association in negotiations with Indian businesses and associations. Ramkumar is also a member of The Textile Association (India) and an Honorary Fellow. Ramkumar is a professor of advanced materials at Texas Tech University, in Lubbock, TX, USA.
“International textile commerce is a significant economic activity that provides many people with a means of subsistence. This agreement between two prominent international organizations will encourage the necessary information sharing between countries. In order to give business, research institutions, and academics a platform to collaborate and expand the fiber to fashion and advanced textiles sectors, the partnership entails coordinating international conferences and cooperative educational initiatives, said Ramkumar.
According to AATCC Executive Director Gregg Woodcock, “the Board unanimously approved the naming of Seshadri Ramkumar as its first textile Ambassador to India during the November 2024 Board of Directors meeting of the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC).” “With the establishment of the Ambassadorship of Seshadri Ramkumar, AATCC looks forward to increased activity and Association membership from corporations and individuals in the Indian textile community.”
