From the Sector

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. 

A new chapter for circular plastics in Europe began November, 5 with the official opening of Områ, Norway’s new national facility for sorting all types of plastic packaging waste—including plastic that previously had no other option than to go to incineration.

Jointly owned by TOMRA (65%) and Plastretur (35%), the state-of-the-art facility has the capacity to process 90,000 tonnes of plastic per year, transforming plastic packaging waste into uniform polymer fractions ready for recycling.

Områ uses advanced sensor-based technology to sort mixed plastic waste into ten separate monofractions— including polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polystyrene (PS), and others — enabling improved recovery and increased recycling rates. This innovation closes the loop for plastics and represents one of the most advanced installations of its kind globally.

“Områ is more than a facility — it’s a missing link in Europe’s circular economy,” said Tove Andersen, President and CEO of TOMRA. “This facility has the capacity to receive and transform all of Norway’s household plastic packaging waste into recyclable fractions, essentially closing the loop for plastics. It is a cornerstone piece of infrastructure providing reliable offtake for mixed waste sorting facilities, and can help recover more resources from source separated material.”

The new facility, located at Holtskogen, just outside Oslo, will serve as a reliable offtake solution for municipalities and waste management companies considering the introduction of automated mixed waste sorting (MWS), a crucial step for increasing recycling rates without depending solely on household source separation.

By 2030 the EU requires minimum 55% of plastic packaging waste to be recycled (i.e., collected and recycled at scale) under the forthcoming PPWR. Today, approximately one-third of Norway’s plastic packaging waste is recycled; the rest is mostly incinerated. 

“Områ gives municipalities and the entire value chain a clear signal: there is now a scalable, high-quality route for plastic packaging,” said Karl Johan Ingvaldsen, CEO of Plastretur. “It provides the infrastructure needed to meet EU recycling targets and supports our shared ambition to build a truly circular plastics economy.”
 
About Områ
Områ is a joint venture between TOMRA Systems ASA (65%) and Plastretur AS (35%), established to develop and operate Norway’s first national fine-sorting facility for plastic packaging waste. The facility is located at Holtskogen, approx. 45 min outside Oslo, and has an annual processing capacity of 90,000 tonnes. Using TOMRA’s world-leading sensor-based sorting technology, Områ separates mixed plastic streams into up to ten distinct polymer fractions for high-value recycling.