DLI CEO Mary Scalco to Chair AATCC Professional Textile Care Test Methods Committee

DLI CEO Mary Scalco to Chair AATCC Professional Textile Care Test Methods Committee

Mary Scalco, CEO of The Drycleaning & Laundry Institute (DLI) accepted an invitation to serve as the new Chairperson for the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) Research Committee RA43 (Professional Textile Care Test Methods, formerly Drycleaning Test Methods). The committee develops, maintains, and supports test methods for measuring the effect of professional textile care including drycleaning, wet cleaning, finishing, and spot removal, on the properties of textiles.

Scalco began working with the AATCC through her work as a textile chemist for DLI’s Textile Testing Department in the late 1970s. Her department’s work helped advance standardized cleaning procedures and textile care test methods. DLI’s laboratory capabilities have supported AATCC initiatives over the years by providing access to specialized equipment and solvents that are not widely available in many testing environments.

“AATCC is excited to reactivate a research committee with a specific focus on drycleaning and professional care of textiles.,” said Gregg Woodcock, AATCC Executive Director. “This is an important area in the care of textiles, and it has been under-served in recent years. Mary’s extensive experience will bring instant credibility and leadership to this committee. The world continues to evolve and change, and AATCC, along with strong partners like DLI can ensure that industry-accepted test methods are accurate, up-to-date, and reflect the current environment in the industry.”

As committee chairperson, Scalco will help guide conversations and standards development at a time when the drycleaning industry is rapidly evolving, particularly as legacy processes and test methods tied to perchloroethylene (perc) are replaced by new alternatives.

“This invitation melds two worlds: the garment manufacturing world and the drycleaning professional care world, essentially before care and after care,” Scalco said. “The people who generally attend AATCC meetings tend to be garment manufacturers and chemical suppliers. I will be able to highlight the drycleaning industry and put more of a focus more on after care considerations. Garment manufacturers don’t focus too much on after care.”

AATCC develops test methods and standards to ensure textiles perform as intended through real-world care processes. Historically, one widely used drycleaning test method has included perc, meaning updates will be needed as perc is phased out and alternative processes become more common. DLI expects Scalco’s leadership to amplify the practical “after care” perspective: how garments actually hold up once they reach professional cleaners and consumers.

“We have participated in several AATCC projects over the years,” she said. “We influenced all sorts of test methods using the specialized equipment in our lab. Not everyone has access to the various solvents we have here in our facility. We took part in AATCC studies on shrinkage, color fastness, water repellency, to name a few,” Scalco said.

She noted that AATCC’s work often begins with textiles and chemical innovations, then must be proven through standardized methods that reflect real cleaning environments.

“Let’s say a manufacturer comes out with a new dye. They want to put a “Dryclean Only” label on garments using the dye. AATCC develops standardized test methods by using our lab and other labs across the U.S. Then they’ll take a test sample to a drycleaner to see if the method works as intended,” Scalco said.

“Mary brings instant credibility and experience to this committee,” Woodcock said. “By bringing her experience, Mary will be able to ensure that the existing test methods are accurate and valid in the present environment.” Woodcock noted some of the current tests were developed as long ago as 1957. “Mary will also be able to guide the committee to develop new test methods that are important in today’s marketplace,” he said.

With both U.S. and international stakeholders watching how professional textile care evolves, Scalco said the committee’s work has meaningful implications beyond any single method or region.

“It’s exciting because we’re at a crossroads. Perc drycleaning is being phased out. We have to come up with new methods. There is an opportunity to make sure the American standards and the European standards match,” Scalco said.

About DLI

The Drycleaning & Laundry Institute (DLI) is the international trade association for garment care professionals, providing education, training, technical resources, and research support to help members improve quality, profitability, and sustainability.

Learn more at DLIonline.org or call 800-638-2627.

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