By Cristina Rivas - Translated by Laura Osuna
Sustainable fashion is gaining relevance by integrating eco-friendly materials and artisanal techniques from indigenous communities. In Latin America, indigenous peoples keep their traditions alive while promoting more responsible consumption.
In Colombia, the Arhuacos, Kankuamos, and Wiwas work with natural fibers to create sustainable textiles:
- Criollo cotton: grown without pesticides, hand-spun, without polluting industrial processes.
- Fique: a resistant and biodegradable plant fiber used in backpacks and tapestries, with a lower environmental impact compared to synthetic materials.
Support and marketing programs have allowed these textiles to reach both national and international markets. Initiatives like "Fibras Naturales Indígenas" provide training in design and business management, establishing links with ethical fashion brands.
Several Latin American brands have adopted these sustainable materials in their products, promoting environmental respect and social inclusion:
- PAZCA (Colombia): uses recycled fabrics made from plastic bottles and natural rubber soles with rice husks.
(Photo: Pazca)
- SISA (Chile): works with alpaca, wool, silk, cotton, and linen fabrics, also they implement 3D weaving technology.
(Photo: Sisa)
- PHILOMENA (Perú): specializes in alpaca fiber and collaborates with andina region artisans to strengthen the local economy.
(Iphone: Philomena Perú)
- MANOS DEL MONTE (Argentina): reuses textile waste scraps to make fabric bags, empowering women in rural communities.
(Photo: Manos del Monte Chaco)
Beyond the ecological benefit, the integration of these materials strengthens the community economy without compromising their roots. The growing demand for natural products promotes local development and ensures that the income reaches the producers directly.
La moda sostenible no solo es una alternativa ecológica, sino también una herramienta de inclusión social y preservación cultural. El futuro de la industria depende de valorar conocimientos ancestrales y asegurar la sostenibilidad ambiental, social y cultural.
Sources:
https://tintatic.com/comunidades-indigenas-tejen-su-futuro-en-la-industria-de-moda-sostenible/
https://www.instagram.com/pazca.co/
https://www.instagram.com/shopsisa/
https://www.instagram.com/philomenaperu/
