The American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) will host its Coloration Conference on February 24–25, 2026, at the StateView Hotel in Raleigh, North Carolina. The two-day program brings together researchers, product developers, lab managers, brand and mill representatives, and sustainability specialists to explore the pressing challenges and innovations shaping modern textile coloration.

Why this conference matters

Coloration sits at the intersection of aesthetics, performance, and sustainability. As brands and mills chase lower environmental footprints and faster time-to-market, dyeing practices, color communication, and lab capabilities must evolve. The AATCC program is designed to deliver practical insights — from hands-on lab practices to strategies for managing color across digital supply chains.

Program highlights

Program content is currently in development, but confirmed topic streams include:

• Designing & Modernizing Dyeing Labs for the Future — strategies for lab layout, equipment selection, and workflows that support speed, reproducibility, and sustainability.

• LEDs and Their Challenges — how LED lighting affects color perception and lab measurement.

• Digital Standards & Color Communication in the LED/UV Era — tools and protocols for maintaining color consistency in a digital-first workflow.

• Color Matching & Control — best practices for achieving repeatable color across substrates and processes.

• Panel Discussions — multi-stakeholder perspectives on circularity, regulation, and market demands.

• Fibre52: Natural Fibers & Efficiency Analytics — innovation for cotton and other natural fibers.

• Preparation for Synthetic Fibers — improving dye uptake and performance in synthetics.

• Challenges of Recycled Fibers — coloration strategies for circular textile systems.

• Natural & Bio-Based Dyes — new dye sources, applications, and performance trade-offs.

• New Color Application Technologies — automation, digitalization, and robotics in dyeing.

• Innovations in Waterless Dyeing — approaches for reducing water use and wastewater impact.

• AATCC Test Methods & Advances in Colorfastness Testing Equipment — updates and demonstrations of test methods and evaluation tools.

Hands-on learning: NC State Wilson College of Textiles tours

Attendees will also participate in guided tours of the Wilson College of Textiles facilities at NC State — including analytical service labs, digital design labs, the TPACC center, and dyeing & finishing pilot labs. These behind-the-scenes sessions translate conference learnings into actionable lab and production strategies.

Who should attend

This event is ideal for professionals involved in textile coloration, product development, R&D, testing, quality control, and sustainability — as well as brand and mill representatives seeking the newest methods for color performance and environmentally responsible coloration.

Practical takeaways

Participants can expect:

• Actionable guidance to modernize labs and reduce variability.

• Insights into color communication across digital platforms and LED-influenced workflows.

• Case studies and solutions for recycled and synthetic fiber coloration.

• Exposure to cutting-edge waterless and bio-based dye technologies.

• Networking with industry leaders and researchers.

Registration & next steps

Check the AATCC events page and the NC State Wilson College of Textiles announcements for registration details, program updates, and lab-tour signups. Early registration often includes discounted rates and limited-capacity lab tours.

Conclusion

The AATCC Coloration Conference 2026 is a must-attend for anyone who wants to stay at the forefront of textile color science. With a strong focus on sustainability, lab modernization, and digital color solutions, this event offers both practical techniques and strategic perspectives needed to deliver consistent, responsible color in today’s complex textile supply chains.