Stefan Krueger
Director, Marketing & Engagement
November 1, 2024
At the IAC, we are proud to announce that we are a sponsor for the upcoming AATCC Odor & Microbial Management Conference that will be taking place on December 3rd and 4th, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. It is set to bring together industry leaders, innovators, and experts in antimicrobial and odor control technologies to explore the latest advancements, challenges, and future direction in managing odor and microbial growth on textiles. This event represents a unique opportunity for brands, retailers, and industry professionals to deepen their understanding of the science and technologies shaping this essential field.
At the heart of this year’s conference is a comprehensive program designed to build foundational knowledge on odor generation, release, and the human perception of odor. Attendees will gain insights into the latest environmental and performance standards in antimicrobial and anti-odor technologies, with a strong emphasis on creating solutions that provide performance while also being sustainable. These solutions are increasingly essential as brands seek to meet consumer demand for products that keep garments fresh while minimizing their environmental impact.
The conference will also delve into the technical side, including newly standardized odor detection techniques and the critical challenges around ensuring test accuracy and reproducibility. This exploration is critical for anyone aiming to make accurate claims about their products' antimicrobial or odor-controlling efficacy, as reliable testing and compliance with global regulatory standards remain essential for responsible innovation. Brands and retailers attending will leave equipped with actionable insights on making informed product choices and claims that meet regulatory requirements and align with consumer expectations for effective, sustainable, and safe textile solutions.
The IAC is proud of its continued relationship and support of AATCC in this endeavor. With our expertise in antimicrobial and odor control technologies, applications, testing, and regulatory compliance, we are grateful to support in the planning and coordination of this year’s conference. Several high-profile brands have already committed to attending, emphasizing the importance of events like these, where knowledge from accredited experts informs strategic decisions in product development and compliance.
IAC Participation at the Conference
TUESDAY – DECEMBER 3, 2024
WELCOME & OPENING REMARKS
Conference Chair: Robert Monticello, International Antimicrobial Council
SESSION 1: UNDERSTANDING THE ODOR CONTROL INDUSTRY AND ITS NEEDS
Moderator: James Krueger, International Antimicrobial Council
This session will give perspectives to the odor control industry in general and will discuss the detailed studies and the human sensory evaluations that are used identify the problems. Odors associated with the human body or environmental conditions are measured and perceived differently. Odors on textiles come from many sites. This session will outline the fundamental problem with odors on textiles and will begin to identify what the textile industry needs to do to solve them. Includes unique perspectives on the North American, European, South Asian, and East Asian markets.
Panelists:
Prem Sadhwani, ProTecht
Yihong Li, Microban International
Connie Rudwall, Akcel Partners
SESSION 2: DIFFERENT APPROACHES TO ODOR MANAGEMENT
Moderator: Robert Monticello, International Antimicrobial Council
There are many different approaches for managing odor on textiles. These include preventing bacterial growth or attachment, preventing specific odor generation, adsorbing, or neutralizing odors and masking odors. These new ideas revolving around the control of bacterial growth and odors on textiles and in the environment where textiles are used (ie. laundries). This session will discuss these different mechanisms of odor control on textiles and will include new innovative approaches. This section will provide a basic understand of microbiology and how microorganisms contribute to the production and release of bacterial odors, generation of biological biofilms, and substrate decomposition.
Panelists:
Laura Gage, Arxada
Rosie Broadhead, Ghent University
Martin Cadek, Sanitized AG
Matt Hardwick, ResInnova Laboratories
WEDNESDAY – DECEMBER 4, 2024
SESSION 3: REGULATIONS AND CONSUMER MARKETING CLAIMS
Moderator: Jamie Griggs, Hohenstein
In today’s competitive market, brands are under immense pressure to differentiate their products through performance features. However, making claims around these benefits is fraught with regulatory complexities and potential pitfalls. In this session, legal and technical experts will discuss the requirements and regulations that govern marketing claims for products with odor and antimicrobial technologies. From the brand perspective, Carhartt will share lessons from learned regarding technology and compliance. Antimicrobial agents are one of the most regulated technologies in the world (justifiably). Most countries have specific regulatory bodies that are involved in managing the production, use and distribution of both the antimicrobial agent and the article that is treated with the antimicrobial agents. Appropriate claims for antimicrobial and anti-odor properties on textiles are critical as inappropriate claims on treated articles can lead to enormous penalties and fines. This session will outline the key provisions within the U.S. EPA, Canadian HS and EU BPR related to odor control and antimicrobial claims.
Panelists:
James Krueger, International Antimicrobial Council
Jeffrey Margulies, Norton Rose Fulbright
Saif Islam, Carhartt
SESSION 5: ODOR AND MICROBIAL CONTROL PERFORMANCE: TESTING FOR COMPLIANCE AND DEVELOPMENT
Moderator: Yihong Li, Microban International
This session will focus on test methods that have been used to measure odor control on textiles. These methods will include antimicrobial tests that measure specific bacterial levels or bacterial generated odors and anti-odor tests that measure both adsorption and release of specific odor molecules. This session will also outline other modified methods that are being developed that can be used to measure not only odor generation but odor retention and release. Controlling odor is key to meeting consumer expectations for performance and protecting people and planet. This session delves into methods for measuring odor, including bacterial control, wear trials and professional odor testers. We’ll discuss some standard and customized testing options that generate data for product development and quality assurance processes—as well as how to choose the right test method and interpret the results.
Panelists:
Jaime Griggs, Hohenstein
Robert Monticello, International Antimicrobial Council
David Proctor, International Antimicrobial Council
Join us at the conference, and be part of shaping the future of antimicrobial and anti-odor technologies for textiles.
REGISTER HERE
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