Createx Exhibitors Commit to Sustainable Practices in Textile Production

Sustainability in Colombia's textile industry is an increasingly relevant and prioritized topic. Many initiatives and practices aimed at promoting sustainability in this sector will be showcased at the sixth edition of Createx, the Textile Industry for Apparel Trade Show, to be held from May 7 to 9 at Corferias.

During this three-day event at the capital's exhibition center, exhibiting companies leading this field, such as Atexco Services, Icoltex, Tessilarte, Quiromar, Ecodigitaly, Teks, and Kad Textil, will highlight their efforts to reduce waste and streamline processes in the apparel industry. Through their initiatives, they contribute to the improved sustainability of Colombia's textile sector, fostering environmental responsibility and awareness.

Guillermo Elías Criado, President of the Colombian Chamber of Clothing and Related Products and co-organizer of the event alongside Corferias, emphasizes: "Sustainable production and a circular economy are an urgent and irreversible path. Moreover, they represent an opportunity, as companies and brands that integrate environmental and social criteria into their operations tend to be more resilient and competitive in the market." Criado further states, "Local sustainable production encourages responsible consumption by prioritizing domestically made products, which benefit our fellow citizens and emit up to 100 times fewer CO? emissions than clothing manufactured in Asia." In recent years, Colombia has stood out for its commitment to sustainability in the textile industry.

The country promotes responsible and eco-friendly practices, including the use of organic, recycled, or certified low-impact textile fibers such as organic cotton and recycled polyester, which significantly reduces the industry's environmental footprint. Additionally, companies are adopting measures to reduce water and energy consumption in textile and apparel production processes. These efforts include adopting more efficient technologies, water reuse, and optimizing climate control and lighting systems within their facilities.

Lilian Conde, Createx Project Manager, adds, "Social responsibility and sustainability are not just about financial gains but also societal well-being. Reducing, reusing, and recycling natural resources, properly managing waste, and adopting best practices are essential for the planet's health. Furthermore, these efforts result in savings that, when monetized, positively impact the finances of fashion system companies." Thus, the national industry also emphasizes the promotion of circular fashion, encouraging business models based on the circular economy.

These models foster reusing, recycling, and extending the lifespan of garments, including textile collection and recycling programs. Some of the initiatives and practices implemented by organizations participating in the sixth edition of Createx to promote sustainability in the sector include:

• Use of new materials: Many Colombian textile companies are choosing organic, recycled, or responsibly sourced materials in their production processes, thereby reducing their environmental impact.
• Energy efficiency: Technologies and practices are being implemented to reduce energy consumption in textile factories, such as the use of more efficient machinery and optimized production processes.
• Pollution mitigation: Companies are making efforts to incorporate inputs or raw materials that reduce pollution in chemical processes associated with fabric dyeing and coloring garments.
• Packaging reduction: Businesses are reviewing supplier processes to minimize costs associated with unnecessary packaging or wrapping in the apparel production process.
• Water conservation: The industry is focusing on reducing water consumption during clothing manufacturing by assessing water usage at each stage of production.
• Avoidance of harmful chemicals: Organizations are steering away from substances like sulfur, copper, and chromium-based dyes and are reusing other elements in the production of various types of fabrics.