William Armando Parrado leads initiatives that are steering Colombia’s footwear and leather goods trade towards a future focused on sustainability, transparency and innovation.
Translated by: Jorge Mojica, Written by: Pilar Ramos Santos
William Armando Parrado - Executive Vice-President of ACICAM.
In an industry facing growing environmental challenges and market demands, talking about sustainability means far more than introducing responsible materials or processes. For Willian Armando Parrado, Executive Vice-President of the Colombian Association of Footwear, Leather and Leather Goods Manufacturers (ACICAM), transformation begins by creating spaces where companies, suppliers, institutions, producers and buyers can grow together and learn from one another.His career at ACICAM began as an economic analyst. Over the years, his experience and knowledge enabled him to become the Association’s Executive Vice-President, bringing more than 14 years of experience in the sector.
Today, Willian Parrado leads projects that strengthen Colombia’s footwear, leather and leather goods industry. Among them is IFLS+EICI, the sector’s leading trade platform in Colombia. From August 3 to 5, it will bring manufacturers, suppliers and buyers together at Corferias in Bogotá to drive business, encourage exchange and showcase sustainable initiatives.
Through spaces like these, he promotes the sector’s competitiveness and recognises companies advancing more responsible and environmentally friendly production processes.
Sustainability as a necessity for the industry
In an exclusive statement to the Foundation, Parrado highlights the changes (or the beginnings of them) taking place across the sector in both consumption and production. He points to growing adoption of more sustainable processes within companies.
"That's what the market and humanity are asking of us. We all have to move towards that point,"he says.
His vision starts from a clear idea: responsible production is no longer simply a business choice. Environmental regulations, consumers and international trade now demand more transparent and efficient processes. This is why IFLS+EICI puts this vision into practice by providing a platform and support to traders, exhibitors and entrepreneurs who promote and communicate these ideals, accompanying Colombian companies through their transformation and giving them recognition for their progress.
Supporting businesses that want to make a difference.
ACICAM, along with initiatives such as IFLS+EICI support and promote this change through training programs, certifications and recognition for initiatives that adopt more responsible practices. Parrado specifically highlighted cases like the tanneries of San Benito, which use wastewater treatment systems to reduce their environmental impact, as well as companies that have earned carbon-footprint certifications or developed alternative materials based on circular-economy principles.
“We are on a journey. We are only beginning, but some initiatives have already borne fruit,”William Parrado says in an exclusive interview with Universo Mola.
Annual edition of IFLS+EICI
By creating these spaces for recognition, they help spread a positive message about sustainability, transparent production processes and environmental awareness. They promote not only networking among traders, but also
The future of IFLS+EICI and environmentally friendly practices.
Far from viewing sustainability as a passing trend, Willian Armando Parrado presents it as a development strategy for Colombian trade. His vision is to consolidate a more innovative industry that is ready to compete in international markets and able to generate growth without losing sight of the environmental and social impact of its processes.
