The antibacterial textile industry is at a pivotal moment of testing standard upgrades. In June 2025, the revision plan for Part 2 (Absorption Method) was assigned, and its review meeting was held in Zhejiang. Meanwhile, Part 3 (Shake-Flask Method) has entered the approval stage. This signals a systematic technical overhaul of the GB/T 20944 series, which has been in place for nearly two decades, directly affecting testing logic and market thresholds from raw materials to brands.
Background
The current GB/T 20944 series consists of three parts: the agar diffusion method and absorption method published in 2007, and the shake-flask method published in 2008. These standards have long served as the core evaluation framework for antibacterial textiles, covering categories such as underwear, socks, home textiles, sportswear, and medical textiles. However, over the past 20 years, antibacterial technologies have evolved significantly—new inorganic and organic antibacterial agents, natural antibacterial fibers, and advanced testing instruments have emerged, making the old methods and technical requirements increasingly outdated.
The revision is being carried out in steps: the shake-flask method (plan number 20241952-T-608) was assigned in June 2024, has been completed, and is now awaiting approval, after which it will fully replace GB/T 20944.3-2008. The absorption method (plan number 20251603-T-608) was assigned in June 2025, and the recent review meeting marks significant progress. The drafting units include testing institutions, research institutes, brand companies, and new material suppliers, reflecting broad industry consensus on unified evaluation criteria.
Industry Impact
The direct impact of the revision lies in the scientific accuracy and applicability of testing methods. The absorption method simulates contact with liquids like sweat during actual use; adjustments to inoculum volume, culture conditions, and result calculations will directly alter antibacterial performance outcomes. For factories, this means existing products may need re-testing to verify compliance with new inhibition rate requirements, increasing both lead time and costs.
A deeper impact is the reshaping of market order. Over the past two decades, some companies exploited standard loopholes to exaggerate antibacterial effects, leaving consumers unable to distinguish genuine products. The revised standards will provide more rigorous technical grounds to curb false claims, pushing companies from marketing-driven to technology-driven approaches. For buyers, the upgrade means supplier test reports must be updated, and procurement inspection should reference the new standard versions to avoid compliance risks.
Furthermore, the revision will enhance the international competitiveness of Chinese antibacterial textiles. The global market is growing rapidly, but testing methods vary by country. If China's revised standards align with mainstream international practices, it will help remove trade barriers and provide clearer guidance for exporters. New material companies will also benefit—if the new standards accommodate novel antibacterial agents, it will accelerate the commercialization of innovative products.