By Cristina Rivas / Translated by Laura Osuna
In a world where awareness of climate change is becoming increasingly urgent, Latin American fashion is joining the fight for a more sustainable future.
The Role of Technology in Sustainability
Technology is essential for achieving a more sustainable future, and in the fashion industry, its potential is huge. Technological innovations can help improve efficiency in production and distribution, reduce the waste, and promote the use of sustainable materials. For example, 3D printing and additive manufacturing help minimize waste in production, while artificial intelligence optimizes supply chains and reduces environmental impact.
The Importance of Education and Awareness
Education and awareness play a key role in the development of sustainability. Consumers must be informed about the environmental and social impact of their purchases and have access to responsible options. Brands, in their side, must be transparent in their production and distribution practices, in addition to implementing recovery, reuse, and waste reduction programs.
In Latin America, awareness of the importance of sustainability in fashion is growing. Consumers are increasingly interested in purchasing products that are not only visually attractive but also environmentally responsible and socially just. Brands leading this change are finding that sustainability can be a competitive advantage: consumers are willing to pay a little more for these products.
Brands Leading the Change
D.R.Y. Coats, an Argentine brand, has found a unique way to combine sustainability with design. It specializes in recovering unused umbrellas to create unique, gender-neutral clothing and accessories. Its goal is to reduce this particular waste and transform it into durable products. D.R.Y. Coats bets for fashion with a lower impact, without destroying or polluting the planet in the production process.
In Chile, Piña Zero Waste is a sustainable venture that promotes the circular economy. It uses recycled plastic to create long-lasting sustainable fashion. Each of its products reuses around 50 plastic bags, and the founder, Carolina, plans to expand production to provide jobs for women and increase the amount of plastic being reused. This brand not only contributes to the environment but also creates a positive social impact, proving that circular fashion can be a transformative force.
INNER Fashion Solutions, located in Uruguay, specializes in providing digital patterning services, 2D and 3D design, pattern grading/progression, size charts, and technical sheets. Through its technological solutions, INNER facilitates more efficient and sustainable production in the fashion industry, enabling brands to create products with a lower environmental impact while optimizing development and production processes.
A Call to Action
It is crucial that consumers demand more from brands and that brands remain transparent about their practices. Governments must also implement policies that promote sustainability in the fashion industry, and companies should invest in technologies that help reduce their environmental footprint.
Sources:
https://www.instagram.com/d.r.y.coats/
https://www.instagram.com/pinazerowaste/
