By Jaqueline Quesada / Translated by Samai Páez
In Latin America, sustainable fashion is shaping consumption habits, thanks to a growing attention of consumers towards responsible practices and products with less environmental impact. According to a recent report by Mercado Libre, the sustainable fashion category experienced a remarkable 83 % increase in sales between 2023 and 2024, stablishing itself as one of the sectors with the greatest development in the region.
This phenomenon is attributed to the increase in consumers looking for ecological alternatives in their purchases. México leads this trend with a 37 % increase in buyers of sustainable products in the first half of 2024. Countries such as Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia y Uruguay also show significant growth. Across the region, more than 2.7 million people purchased at least one sustainable product during the period analyzed, which represents an increase of 26 % over the previous year.
Among the most popular products, trousers and stockings made of recycled materials or sustainable fibers stand out, with increases of 325 % and 283 % respectively. In addition, the use of materials such as organic cotton and bamboo has become a key trend, reflecting the interest in responsible alternatives in the fashion industry.
The supply of products also grew remarkably: sustainable fashion sellers increased by 20 %, while posts available on e-commerce platforms increased by 70 % compared to last year.
In countries such as Brazil and Argentina, searches for terms related to sustainability, such as "bamboo" and "recycled", are among the most popular, which highlights the widespread interest in responsible consumption.
As sustainability is positioned as a priority, sustainable fashion consolidates itself as a key chance for entrepreneurs and companies throughout Latin America. In this way, the region continues to demonstrate its potential to lead consumption practices which mix environmental responsibility and economic development, setting an example for other global markets.
