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About SDC

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The SDC is the world's leading independent, educational charity dedicated to advancing the science and technology of colour worldwide. Established in 1884, we have been representing our members and our industry for over 125 years. The SDC is a professional, chartered society. We are also a global organisation, with our Head Office in Bradford UK, we have an international network of regions and activities. We are governed by a Board of Trustees and three Governance Documents - our Royal Charter, By-Laws and Rules. Our mission is to communicate the science of colour in a changing world.

Our services and activities include:

  • Membership – open to everyone, with a range of different membership types for individuals, colleges, companies and students
  • Professional Colouration Qualifications - accredited qualifications that are recognised by industry worldwide. SDC is the only organisation in the world that can award Chartered Colourist status.
  • Bursaries - available to students (rules apply)
  • Awards - our annual presentation of diplomas, medals and awards recognise achievement in colour science and colour technology
  • Training - industry-proven courses
  • Publications - including Coloration Technology, The Colourist and text books
  • SDC Technology Transfer - environmentally friendly, cost-saving solutions for dyeing and finishing
  • Standards - SDC holds the secretariat for the BSI committee TC1/81 and ISO committee TC38/SC1 which have responsibility for the 105 series of test methods for Colour Fastness and Colour Measurement
  • Colour Index - the definitive reference for all dyes and pigments
  • Events - regional, national and international events on topics of interest to the textile industry
  • Competitions - open to students and others
  • Colour Experience - we work with groups of all ages, particularly children
  • SDC Enterprises - our wholly owned subsidiary. SDC Enterprises manufacture premium quality colour fastness testing consumables for use in BS, EN and ISO test procedures.

In 1962 SDC became a registered educational charity, and in 1963 SDC was granted a Royal Charter and became the only organisation in the world that can award the Chartered Colourist Status in recognition of individual professionalism. The Royal Charter in its original form includes a Schedule detailing the By-Laws the Society operates under. These By-Laws have been revised over the years and at the top right of this page is a link to the current By-Laws in force, which should be the ones referred to and not the original Royal Charter Schedule. Amendments to the Royal Charter and By-Laws must be undertaken via and agreed by the Privy Council. The Rules however are set by the Board of Trustees and agreed at the AGM. A copy of the most recent Rules currently in force is available via the link at the top right of this page. We operate globally, and run an international programme of events and activities.

Features

  • 27,000 individual products under 13,000 Colour Index™ Generic Names
  • Popular format with unique 'fingerprint' concept
  • Product listings, containing detailed information about individual products
  • All Part 1 information confirmed with manufacturers and suppliers
  • Part 2 information either confirmed with manufacturers and suppliers or marked as being carried over from the previous edition
  • Chemical structures depicted according to results of recent research on molecular conformation 

Designed for use by

  • Colourant users, manufacturers and suppliers
  • Textile manufacturers and suppliers
  • Paint manufacturers and suppliers
  • Plastics manufacturers and suppliers
  • Printing ink manufacturers and suppliers
  • Test houses
  • Libraries, regulatory authorities and academic institutions
  • Anybody with an interest in dyes and pigments

About SDCE

SDC Enterprises offers a comprehensive range of consumables for enhanced accuracy in BS, EN and ISO test procedures for textiles. Internationally-recognised as the industry leader, SDCE is specified by name by retailers worldwide seeking the assurance of reliability and consistency in textile testing.

About AATCC

AATCC is the world’s leading not-for-profit association serving textile professionals. AATCC provides test method development, quality control materials, and professional networking for thousands of members in 60 countries throughout the world.

These goals are achieved through the activities of three interest groups—Chemical Applications, Concept 2 Consumer®, and Materials—by Committee and Section activities, and through the award-winning publications, AATCC Review and AATCC News.

Interested in joining the Colour Index™?

We can provide both individual, company and university based subscriptions for the Colour Index™. Companies benefit from a reduced per user pricing structure with significant discounts available for Universities / Educational Establishments which come as part of the charitable activities of the Society of Dyers and Colourists (SDC) sdc.org.uk, to help students, researchers and anyone involved in the education of colour.