The Association for Contract Textiles (ACT), a professional not-for-profit trade organization, was founded in 1985 by Dick Wagner of Knoll Industries, Sina Pearson of Unika Vaev USA, and Peter Layne of Arc-Com Fabrics. ACT has grown to more than 130 member companies. Members are among the industry’s most respected leaders. They represent all levels of the contract textile supply chain and are involved in the design, development, production, promotion and application of fabrics in commercial environments. The association’s initial efforts centered on educating the A&D community about the unique characteristics of contract textiles through trade show exhibits and seminars across the country.

In 1991, ACT Voluntary Performance Guidelines were launched and have been the seal of approval for designers for more than 30 years. Their associated icons—ACT’s registered certification marks—convey a massive amount of information in a visually succinct way and appear on millions of textile samples. Designers seek them out and rely on them in their day-to-day businesses. The association continues to expand their performance guidelines, which now cover woven, coated and knit fabrics for both indoor and outdoor applications.

In 2013 ACT created their Facts Sustainability Certification Program for Commercial Textiles. This program and related certification mark were developed to recognize commercial fabrics that conform to the rigors of the multi-attribute standard NSF/ANSI 336 and are third-party certified. A Facts sustainability rating indicates a textile has been evaluated for environmental, economic and social aspects across its life cycle.

In addition to Facts and the Voluntary Performance Guidelines, ACT has created a Guide to Textile Specification and also Voluntary Quality Guidelines—both of which connect designers with the textile industry. The association’s broad range of expertise has contributed to the creation of numerous practical tools: e.g., white papers; glossary of textile terms; accredited continuing education unit (CEU) presentations; online tutorials; technical pamphlets; and a test method for assessing a textile’s resistance to liquid cleaners, sanitizers and disinfectants. ACT also monitors pertinent government legislation and regulations (e.g., PFAS) so member companies stay informed and can in turn inform the A&D community.

ACT supports up-and-coming members of our community through annual scholarships at leading textile design programs. Over the years, the association has raised funds through a series of in-person quilt auctions, as well as an online art auction during the pandemic. Contributions have benefited outstanding students at the Rhode Island School of Design, Thomas Jefferson University, Cranbrook Academy of Art, and California College of the Arts.