From the Sector

Source Fashion, a European leading fashion sourcing show, will once again champion the power of collaboration at its upcoming 2026 edition opening 13-15 January at Olympia London. Building on its strong partnerships with WRAP, Products of Change, and now Euromonitor International, the show will unite sustainability leaders, innovators, and analysts to inspire meaningful industry progress. Through expert-led sessions, actionable insight, and shared initiatives, Source Fashion will spotlight practical steps towards a more responsible, circular, and insight-driven global sourcing ecosystem.

Championing Circularity with WRAP
Continuing its close collaboration with leading climate action NGO WRAP, Source Fashion will highlight the organisation’s pivotal work in driving circularity and sustainability across the global textiles sector. Ahead of and during the January show, WRAP specialists will contribute a series of expert guest blogs and articles, offering valuable insight from their latest research, including the Durability in Focus report, the Textiles EPR report, and the UK Textiles Pact Roadmap. 

At the event itself, WRAP will take to the stage for a thought-provoking debate session, bringing together industry leaders to explore the challenges and opportunities shaping a more circular future for fashion. Mark Sumner, Programme Lead at WRAP said, “WRAP’s continued collaboration with Source Fashion demonstrates how we are working with organisations to inspire meaningful climate action. The union takes our expertise beyond the sustainability circles to direct the sector towards Circular Living. Through the UK Textiles Pact and our recently refreshed UK Textiles Pact Roadmap, we’ve seen game-changing advances in the technologies and business models of the future, with new collaborations challenging old assumptions and turning what was niche into mainstream consumer behaviour. Source Fashion is a proven platform for bold, challenging conversations so we are proud to bring our insights to these important discussions to help propel the industry.

Driving Inclusion and Innovation with Products of Change
Source Fashion will also partner with Products of Change, highlighting the organisation’s commitment to inclusion, equity, and sustainable innovation across the fashion supply chain. Products of Change case studies and content will be featured in the show’s newsletter and content hub, offering practical examples of how inclusive practices can drive positive change within the industry.

At the January show, Products of Change representatives will share their expertise on stage, engaging in discussions around inclusive and responsible business practices. In addition, Helena Mansell-Stopher, CEO Products of Change will further support the show by joining its advisory board, helping to guide programming and initiatives that reflect the sector’s evolving sustainability and inclusion priorities. Helena Mansell-Stopher said, "At Products of Change, we believe that meaningful progress in sustainability and inclusion can only be achieved through shared commitment and collective action. Our continued collaboration with Source Fashion enables us to continue to engage directly with brands, manufacturers, and industry leaders, particularly in the fashion space, who are ready to challenge norms and embrace responsible business practices. By working together and showcasing real-world examples of positive change, we can inspire a more equitable, innovative, and future-fit fashion supply chain."

Driving Market Insight with Euromonitor International
Source Fashion is also delighted to announce a new partnership with Euromonitor International, the world’s leading provider of strategic market research. Through this collaboration, Euromonitor will deliver exclusive insight sessions on commodity shifts and pricing trends across the next two editions of the show, as well as host a senior sourcing leaders’ breakfast briefing on 14 January. Beyond the event, Euromonitor will also contribute bi-monthly digital content, providing Source Fashion’s community with ongoing analysis of global sourcing and market dynamics. 

Marguerite LeRolland, Senior Global Insight Manager at Euromonitor International said, “Global sourcing is going through one of its most unpredictable periods in recent memory, and access to reliable insights is critical. By partnering with Source Fashion, we can help retailers and brands forecast more confidently and build resilience into their supply chains and business models -sharing our latest data, commodities analysis and market intelligence directly to sourcing and buying teams.”

The Source Fashion January 2026 show at London Olympia, 13–15 January, will continue to champion collaboration as a driving force for progress in fashion. Through expert-led sessions, in-depth case studies, and cross-industry debates, the event promises to equip attendees with the knowledge, tools, and inspiration to build a more sustainable, circular, and inclusive future.

FutureScape, the UK’s leading and largest landscaping industry event, has announced that its 2026 edition will be held at the Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre. 

First launched in 2012, FutureScape has grown from a modest gathering into a two-day event that brings together thousands of professionals, suppliers, designers, contractors and innovators with seminars, live demonstrations, awards, and networking. 

Formerly held at ExCeL, the move marks the next phase in the event’s growth and aims to deliver a more expansive, accessible, and immersive experience for exhibitors, visitors, and partners across the landscape, design, and outdoor living sectors. With more than 20,000sqm of unpillared indoor space and 100,000sqm of outdoor hard standing, Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre provides the ultimate platform for the event’s future success and expansion.

Discussing the move for 2026, Tom Proudly, portfolio director for FutureScape event, said: “We’re incredibly excited to reveal the next chapter in FutureScape’s journey – moving our 2026 event to Farnborough International. This decision is driven by our commitment to both visitors and exhibitors; providing better access, indoor and outdoor space, and the perfect environment to showcase the very best in our industry.”

Sarah Marshall, Venue Director of Farnborough International, added: “FutureScape is a true game-changer for the landscape sector, and we’re delighted to welcome them to our venue portfolio. At Farnborough International, we’re passionate about partnering with ambitious organisers who utilise our indoor and outdoor facilities to turn their visions into reality, and we’re excited to collaborate with the dynamic FutureScape team to deliver an exceptional event next year.”

Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre is a nucleus for pioneering corporate and consumer exhibitions, offering award-winning customer service, event consultancy and first-class facilities. The venue continues to attract an increasingly diverse range of events, cementing its reputation as a venue where ideas, industries, and innovation converge to create extraordinary experiences. 

With adaptable external event space across secure, well-drained hardstanding areas and expansive grassland, Farnborough International’s outdoor setting transitions seamlessly from indoor halls to open-air zones, supporting everything from vehicle displays, stunt driving and interactive demos to large-scale outdoor activations and interactive attractions. 

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has launched an updated SME hub on its website to support smaller companies with their duties under European chemicals legislation. Helping SMEs is one of the Agency’s core tasks.

The SME hub contains online tools and materials from Member States and ECHA, including an AI-powered virtual assistant pilot. These online resources were presented today at the SME Assembly in Copenhagen, Denmark, held as part of the EU’s SME Week. 

Mercedes Viñas, ECHA’s Director for Submissions and Interaction said:
“ECHA’s strategy underlines the importance of providing tools, advice and support, particularly to smaller companies to help them fulfil their duties under the EU chemical legislation.

“We have met with SMEs and industry representatives to better understand the specific needs that smaller companies have. As a result, we can better address their concerns. We plan to continue engaging with SMEs and their representatives to make sure that we can address their needs in our current and future activities, for example, when designing new tools for industry. The competitiveness of European small and medium-sized enterprises is pivotal to our economy’s success and a priority on our agenda.”

ECHA is piloting uses of artificial intelligence (AI) in its work, in this case, we want to learn if AI can support SMEs in meeting their obligations under the EU chemicals legislation. This includes, for example, a webinar for SMEs from 22 October featuring AI-generated translations, and a pilot of an AI-powered virtual assistant. Available 24/7 in all EU languages, the assistant helps companies find reliable information about their duties by providing answers based on publicly available resources, including Q&As and other content from ECHA’s websites. During the pilot, ECHA will analyse the submitted questions and provided answers, as well as consider user feedback to continuously improve the assistant.

What if your clothes could sense, respond, and even help you move? That’s the vision behind the doctoral project on “textile nerves” – conductive fibres designed for electronic and ionotronic textiles. Claude Huniade, who is behind an innovative project, has woven together chemistry, mechanics, and sustainability to rethink how textiles and electronics can merge. 

The project had two main aims: first, to replace metals with alternative conductive materials like electronically conductive carbons, doped conducting polymers, and ionically conductive mediums; second, to lay the cornerstone for scalable production and realistic characterisation of textile nerves – especially for use in textile muscles. All of this was approached from a textile manufacturing standpoint, ensuring compatibility with weaving looms and knitting machines.

Improved properties to textile fibres
Among the most striking findings was the use of ionic liquids – liquids that are comprised entirely of ions – as electrical conductors in textiles. When applied to commercial fibres, they improved flexibility and stretchability, resulting in fabrics that were not just soft, but “conformal”, meaning they adapt closely to the body’s shape and movement.

“Our modern society has been shaped by textiles and electronics. When we think of the greatest example of an electronic device, a computer, it had at a point in time helped to bring the first men to the Moon in Apollo 11. Now, ionotronics – where electric currents are controlled by ions – open new doors for interfacing with biological systems like the human nervous system”, explained Claude Huniade.

Though these materials may not match metals in conductivity, their softness makes them ideal for wearable devices. The result? Electronics that feel more like clothing – and less like hardware.

“The potential uses are vast: bioelectrodes, sensors, heaters, lights, even textile-based batteries. But the most transformative application may be in rehabilitation – textile muscles could enable more accessible exoskeletons and prosthetics, giving people greater autonomy and mobility”, he said.

Sustainability at the core
This research aligns with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production. By avoiding metals and embracing green chemistry principles, the project offers a more sustainable path forward for two of the world’s most waste-intensive industries combined – textiles and electronics.

What will be your next step after the dissertation?
“I will take a well-deserved break! I have a new project already in the works; all I will say is that it involves textile muscle fibres innervated by ionofibres.”

Link to dissertation

Scientists have unlocked a way to dye polyester using 90% fewer chemicals and 40% less water. 

Fizzy water was the key to making polyester dye less harmful to the environment in the creation of a new method developed by an interdisciplinary team at the University of Leeds spin-out company, SwitchDye.  

Polyester makes up more than half of all global fibre output, with production increasing each year – but it takes centuries to decompose and it can be difficult to recycle from garment-to-garment. Textile production is estimated to be responsible for about 20% of global clean water pollution, largely due to chemicals released in the wastewater from dyeing.  

The startup aims to tackle these challenges at the dyeing stage by reducing harmful chemicals, water waste and costs. This could also make it easier and safer to recycle polyester garments, according to researchers and co-founders Dr Nathaniel Crompton, Dr Harrison Oates, Professor Richard Blackburn and Professor Chris Rayner.  

The concept was invented by Professors Blackburn and Rayner, and Dr Crompton developed the SwitchDye technique as his PhD project in the Schools of Chemistry and Design. Now Chief Executive Officer of the startup, Dr Crompton said: “SwitchDye could transform the textile industry by reducing its huge water use footprint and its pollution problem.   

“Not many people know that even more toxic chemicals are used to turn brightly coloured wastewater into transparent liquid. When released into freshwater, this is a secret killer that harms people, animals and the environment.   

“We can't solve this problem without the backing of industry, investors and policymakers, so we’re excited to share SwitchDye publicly as we aim to scale up.”  

Collaboration
Born from an ongoing collaboration between the Schools of Design and Chemistry at Leeds, SwitchDye makes it easier to insert and remove dyes from the fibre by injecting a small amount of carbonated water into the dye bath. This triggers the dyes’ unique switching behaviour within the polyester fibres.  

SwitchDye, which is based at the University’s innovation community, Nexus, also works on other synthetic fibres, such as nylon and elastane, and is just as effective as widely used dye, without compromising on colour. Importantly, it uses all the same equipment that manufacturers already have.   

Dr Oates, SwitchDye’s Chief Technology Officer, who carried out his PhD as part of the Priestley Centre for Climate Futures, said: “Polyester is highly durable, and straightforward to recycle, however the main issue is the colour in the fabric.   

“SwitchDye can be more easily removed from the fibre, making the clothes much more recyclable. Ultimately, SwitchDye helps to make the textile industry more circular and sustainable, in both the dyeing and recycling stages."  

Dr Crompton and Dr Oates met while carrying out PhDs in the Wolfson CO2 Chemistry lab, a unique facility for developing novel carbon dioxide-based processes in the School of Chemistry, where they quickly became friends and then business partners.   

Industry standards
Using facilities at the University’s School of Design and the Leeds Institute of Textiles and Colour (LITAC) the researchers have rigorously tested the dyes over many years, making sure they meet or exceed industry standards for colour fastness.  

Chris Rayner, Professor of Organic Chemistry in the School of Chemistry, said: “Richard and I have collaborated together for nearly 25 years on sustainability and green chemistry for coloration and textiles, combining our individual expertise. We are proud of how our multidisciplinary approach continues to pioneer innovative solutions to solve real-world problems.”  

Richard Blackburn, Professor of Sustainable Materials in the School of Design, added: “It’s been really exciting to see how the technology has developed, and we are especially grateful to The Clothworkers’ Foundation for funding our initial concept that was the subject of Nat's PhD, and to The Clothworkers’ Company for continuing to support the commercialisation of the technology through LITAC.”   

To date, the project has received funding from organisations including The Clothworkers’ Foundation, The Dyers' Company, LITAC, The John Lewis Partnership Circular Future Fund in collaboration with Hubbub, the Northern Triangle Talent Project (led by the University of Sheffield), and the UKRI Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).  

Jane Nicholson, Executive Director of Research at EPSRC said: “Sustainable approaches to polyester dyeing are paving the way to a cleaner, more circular textile industry. This startup company is an excellent example of how EPSRC investment in training, specifically in sustainable chemistry, is not only developing leaders of tomorrow but leading to new discoveries that fuel innovation.”  

Over the next six months, the team aims to close its first investment round, scale up dye synthesis and begin trials of its dyeing process on commercial scale machines.

Leading Japanese computerized flat knitting technologist SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD. of Wakayama, Japan, together with its sales representative in Saudi Arabia Star Sewing Machines Trading L.L.C., will participate in the upcoming 21st International Expo for Textile, Garment, Printing, Yarn and Fabric Machinery, Technology and Innovations (Saudi Stitch & Tex 2025) to be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia this month.

SHIMA SEIKI will be exhibiting at Saudi Stitch & Tex for the first time with a lineup of knitting machines and design software.

SWG®091N2
SHIMA SEIKI’s SWG®091N2 compact WHOLEGARMENT® knitting machine can produce a wide range of WHOLEGARMENT® items in their entirety without the need for linking or sewing. The SWG®-N2 series “Mini” range is suited to the production of small knit items and accessories such as gloves, socks, hats and scarves as well as pet wear, cozies, shoe uppers, bags, card cases, glasses cases, smartphone covers and other personal items, as well as functional items such as for sports and medical applications. At Saudi Stitch & Tex SWG®091N2 will be shown in 15 gauge.

N.SSR®112
N.SSR®112 is a computerized flat knitting machine that offers leading technology in an economical yet reliable package. Featuring industry-leading innovations such as the R2CARRIAGE® that yields quicker carriage returns for greater efficiency, spring-type moveable sinker system, DSCS® Digital Stitch Control System, stitch presser and takedown comb, Made-in-Japan quality, reliability and productivity, as well as user-friendliness and cost-performance combine to satisfy the high expectations of the world’s fashion industry. Shown in 12 gauge at Saudi Stitch & Tex, N.SSR®112 is even capable of WideGauge® knitting whereby a number of different gauges can be knit into a single garment.

SDS® KnitPaint-Online
KnitPaint is proven software used by knitting companies across the globe to create knitting data for programming SHIMA SEIKI computerized flat knitting machines. Previously available only as part of SHIMA SEIKI's SDS®-ONE APEX series all-in-one design system, with SDS® KnitPaint-Online, KnitPaint software becomes available as standalone software that carries over the same familiar KnitPaint functions, but enhanced with basic planning and design functionality as well.

APEXFiz®
SHIMA SEIKI’s APEXFiz® subscription-based design software supports the creative side of fashion from planning and design to colorway evaluation, realistic fabric simulation and 3D virtual sampling. Virtual samples are a digitized version of sample making that are visually accurate enough to be used effectively as prototypes, replacing physical sampling and consequently reducing time, cost and material that otherwise go to waste. When a design is approved for production, knitting data which is automatically generated can be converted easily to machine data, allowing smooth communication for digitally bridging the gap between design studio and factory. Before going to production however, the same virtual sample can be used in retail, for example in e-commerce, to gauge consumer response to items before going to market, effectively realizing production based on demand forecasting. In such a way, inventory can be optimized to minimize deadstock waste. APEXFiz® therefore helps to realize sustainability while digitally transforming the fashion supply chain.

RadiciGroup has published its 21st Sustainability Report, covering the year 2024, confirming more than two decades of transparency and measurement in the economic, environmental, and social dimensions. From its first Social Report in 2004 to the current reporting aligned with the GRI Universal Standards, the Group is now preparing for its next challenge: the adoption of the criteria that will be set out by the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). 

Between 2020 and 2024, RadiciGroup invested €277 million to strengthen competitiveness and sustainability, including €44 million in 2024 alone. Environmental investments totaled €3.3 million, focused on energy efficiency, emission reduction, and the introduction of the best available technologies. 

Two years ago, the Group defined “From Earth to Earth”, a sustainability roadmap outlining objectives and concrete actions in the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) fields to be achieved by 2030. And 2024 marks the achievement of several important goals, including the reduction of direct emissions (Scope 1), which have been cut by 81% compared to 2011. In addition, the use of electricity from renewable sources (63.5%)—with a growing share self-produced—together with the circular management of water, materials, and waste, achieving a packaging recovery rate close to 100%, testify to an increasingly sustainable industrial model and mark the achievement of further objectives set by RadiciGroup in its From Earth to Earth roadmap. 

For the first time, the 2024 report includes the calculation of the Group’s Scope 3 emissions, in line with the GHG Protocol guidelines. Future challenges will involve increasingly extensive and accurate measurement of the value chain footprint, through a shared, synergistic, and collaborative effort involving RadiciGroup, its suppliers, and its customers.

On the social front, the year closed with a significant improvement in health and safety performance and with new training and professional development initiatives tailored to the different cultural contexts in which the Group operates. RadiciGroup also continued to promote an inclusive work environment based on respect for human rights. 

To RadiciGroup, sustainability also means product innovation, through the use of recycled and bio-based materials, solution dyeing to reduce water and energy consumption, and low-carbon-footprint solutions measured through Life Cycle Assessment. Thanks to its know-how in nylon recycling, the Group promotes eco-design and embraces the circular economy model, with the aim of enhancing every phase of the production cycle in collaboration with the value chain. 

From a governance perspective, the Group’s management systems continued to strengthen its systemic and integrated approach to ESG topics and ensure increasingly comprehensive traceability of information. Finally, digitalization is confirmed as an enabler of the company’s strategy, with advanced systems for data management, production efficiency, and cybersecurity.

Source Fashion, the UK’s leading responsible sourcing show, returns to Olympia London from 13 -15 January 2026, introducing Fashion Deconstructed, an immersive, hands-on feature designed to give buyers and visitors an unprecedented look behind the scenes of fashion production. From upcycling and denim workshops to live factory production line and expert repair sessions, attendees will have the chance to explore the craft, quality, and construction that define great fashion. Whether it’s learning how to create a high-end garment in an hour or understanding the properties of premium fabrics, Fashion Deconstructed brings the making of fashion to life, offering practical insights and interactive experiences with some of the industry’s top experts.

Attendees can take part in a variety of hands-on workshops led by some of the industry’s most respected names. Stuart Trevor, Fashion Designer and Founder of All Saints, will host upcycling sessions, while Ross Barry Founder of Reskinned will deconstruct denim to reveal its fibres and fabric properties. A mini production line, brought to life in partnership with Apparel TASKER, the innovative East London-based garment development and sustainable production unit, will showcase machinists creating garments in real time, demonstrating both volume production and the techniques needed to construct high-quality pieces efficiently. 

Additional workshops will teach participants how to produce multiple T-shirts in an hour and explore high-end construction with small teams. Leather repair sessions and practical demonstrations will be running throughout the show, offering plenty of opportunities for visitors to learn, experiment, and network with peers and industry experts. With a lively, interactive atmosphere, Fashion Deconstructed promises not just insight, but a chance to connect, share ideas, and have fun while exploring what makes fashion truly well-made.

Suzanne Ellingham, Director of Source Fashion says, “Fashion Deconstructed is about showing what good looks like in the most practical way. It’s also about showing how human fashion still is.  We want visitors to see and understand the skill, care, and craft that go into every garment, experiment with techniques, and connect with the people behind the industry. It’s hands-on, it’s interactive, and it’s fun."

The European Union remains largely on track to achieve its 2030 targets to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions, according to the latest annual check-up on EU progress to its energy and climate targets published by the European Environment Agency today. Total net greenhouse gas emissions in the EU fell by a further 2.5% in 2024, according to estimated figures included in the ‘Trends and projections’ report.

The latest data show that collectively, EU Member States expect to achieve a net emissions reduction of 54% by 2030 compared with 1990 levels, which is just under the 55% reduction target, provided that EU Member States implement both current and planned policies and measures in full.

The EEA ‘Trends and projections’ report says that in 2024, EU net greenhouse gas emissions (as defined in the 2030 target under the EU’s Climate Law) fell by 37% compared to 1990 levels. Focusing on domestic EU net greenhouse gas emissions, hence excluding emissions from international aviation and maritime transport, the overall reduction exceeds 39%.

As in recent years, the largest reductions in 2024 occurred in the energy supply sector. Year-on-year reductions in other sectors like agriculture, buildings and waste were more limited, while emissions even increased slightly in industry and in both domestic and international transport.

The report notes several developments that will require focused attention in the coming years to maintain progress. These include a year-on-year decline in electric vehicle sales in 2024, stagnation in GHG emission reductions in certain sectors and Member States and the long-term negative trend in carbon sequestration of the EU’s forests and soils. Together, these trends all highlight the need to maintain a strong focus on, and investment in, climate action.

Energy transition well underway
While there is more work to do, Europe’s shift away from fossil energy sources is well underway, the report says. The overall reduction in emissions since 1990 has been mainly driven by the energy transition. The EU has succeeded in significantly reducing the use of the most emission-intensive fuels, such as coal and oil, while accelerating the development of renewable energy.

The EU has set a common target of reaching at least 42.5% renewable energy use by 2030 and of further reductions in energy consumption. The distance to these goals remains significant, the report says. To reach the 2030 renewables target, the annual additions of renewable energy capacity must more than double compared to the previous five-year averages. For final energy consumption, annual reductions must also more than double.

These ambitions are achievable but will require full and broad implementation of legislation as well as maximum efforts to scale up the enablers of the transition. Technologies such as heat pumps and electric vehicles play a crucial role to play here, as they can help cut emissions and reduce final energy use compared with fossil-based alternatives.

Progress to 2030 and beyond
The report notes several developments that will require focused attention in the coming years to maintain progress. These include a year-on-year decline in electric vehicle sales in 2024, stagnation in GHG emission reductions in certain sectors and Member States and the long-term negative trend in carbon sequestration of the EU’s forests and soils. Together, these trends all highlight the need to maintain a strong focus on, and investment in, climate action.

This report shows that the foundation for this progress is in place: recent years have seen a rapid acceleration in emission reductions and the emergence of numerous technological and policy solutions. However, it also underscores the scale of the remaining challenge — in particular, the need to strengthen more resilient carbon sinks, accelerate transport decarbonisation and ensure delivery at national level.

Every tonne of emissions avoided reduces future risks and costs. Every renewable installation, building renovation, or electric vehicle deployed represents a step to a cleaner, more energy independent and more resilient Europe.

About the report
The EEA’s Trends and projections in Europe report explores historical trends, recent progress and projected future progress on climate mitigation through reduced greenhouse gas emissions, renewable energy gains and improved energy efficiency. It builds on data reported by the EU-27 Member States, five EEA member countries and nine Contracting Parties of the Energy Community.

With this package, the EEA supports the European Commission’s assessment of progress toward meeting the EU’s climate and energy targets. In its upcoming Climate Action Progress Report, the Commission will use recently submitted National Energy and Climate Plans from Member States as an additional information source.

The EEA today also published its latest EEA briefing outlining progress and challenges in Europe’s climate adaptation policies and actions. Both are being released at the same time with the European Commission State of the Energy Union and Climate Action Progress Report 2025.

OETI Slovakia, a subsidiary of the Austrian independent testing and certification service provider OETI, is launching the new “Fit & Proof” label.

The label provides manufacturers of apparel, personal protective equipment (PPE), and uniforms with independent garment testing for fit, workmanship, and durability. The service is now available at the new OETI location in Žilina, Slovakia.

The goal is to ensure product quality, reduce return rates, and verify garment fit in accordance with customer specifications and the finished size chart.

Broad Field of Application: for Retail, E-Commerce, and Public Procurement
Private-label retailers and brands can communicate their quality standards transparently with the label. Online retailers benefit from reduced return rates due to improved fit. Public institutions gain assurance during the tendering and procurement process for fit and durable, tested garments.

Detect Defects Early, Minimise Complaints
The ‘Fit & Proof’ label is based on comprehensive Fit testing on real test subjects by our experienced clothing engineers – a key advantage over standard material tests.

The service includes:

• Fit testing: With real test wearers to assess size consistency and pattern accuracy
• Workmanship assessment: Visual and functional checks of seams, closures, and construction details
• Durability testing: Stress tests simulating washing, abrasion, and everyday wear to determine long-term product performance

These analyses help manufacturers and brands identify potential weaknesses early and optimise product quality. At the same time, independent validation and transparent customer communication with the OETI ‘Fit & Proof’ label enhance brand reputation and strengthen competitive positioning.

‘Many manufacturers only test materials, but not the finished garment,” says Dana Rástočná-Illová PhD, Managing Director of OETI Slovakia. Our goal is to help manufacturers and brands to detect product flaws early and reduce returns and complaints.’

International Demand for Verified Garment Quality
‘We are pleased now to offer the ‘Fit & Proof’ service internationally. Our global OETI offices – including our location in Bangladesh – have already expressed strong interest in actively promoting this service in their markets,’ adds Dr Miriam Scheffelmeier, Head of Global Marketing & Sales at OETI.

The new location in Žilina expands OETI’s lab infrastructure and enables close cooperation with local universities and international brands.