Sustainability in the fashion sector for its internationalisation

Introduction

This Initiative was a Triangular Cooperation effort, developed with the support of the ADELANTE Window, aimed at supporting companies in the fashion sector, with a strong focus on sustainable production in Colombia.

Objectives

This Triangular Cooperation Initiative sought to share the expertise of the Partnership member entities to develop and apply models of support to businesses in the fashion sector, with the aim of promoting sustainable production in line with the highest international standards.

Leveraging expertise in sustainable production for the fashion sector

Through this Triangular Cooperation Initiative, the experience, knowledge and good practices of the Partnership was harnessed to jointly develop tools to support entrepreneurs in the fashion sector who wish to access the European market, with the higher standard on responsible production and environmental sustainability.

The Partnership entities included:

• Bogota Chamber of Commerce (CCB, Colombia)
• Sustainable Fashion Cluster (FAIR, Peru)
• Finnova Foundation (Spain)

The Partnership pursued to maximise the knowledge shared on the obligatory requirements and regulations in the framework of the European Green Deal, and other laws or certifications that allow them to support local companies to access new markets, as well as on strategies for strengthening business models, minimising environmental impact.

As a result, this Initiative developed incentives for internationalisation and support tools for the creation of circular economy ecosystems, as well as sustainable standards or certifications, which ultimately means that the sector is competitive in a globalised world.

Project activities

The work plan of this Triangular Cooperation Initiative aimed to create training opportunities for businesses in the fashion sector, particularly for Colombian entrepreneurs, through a process that would allow them to quickly learn and apply this knowledge. At the same time, exchanges were made between the Partnership member entities and entities in the fashion industry in Colombia, Peru and Spain, in order to produce a practical guide that would encourage the replication of the support plan for businesses in the sector.

Key activities included:

• Capacity building: training employees and officials from the three Partnership entities on European market access requirements, sustainability, gender, and human rights.
• Model implementation: development of a knowledge management guide compiling insights acquired through the initiative, supporting internationalisation with an emphasis on sustainability and responsible business practices.
• Community engagement:
  • Inclusion of entrepreneurs and fashion sector stakeholders in Colombia to gather input for the practical guide.
  • Open training opportunities and a public call for businesses to participate in study visits to Spain and Peru.
• Collaboration and networking:
  • Two study visits providing networking opportunities with sustainability and innovation-focused fashion companies.
  • A select group of Bogotá-based companies, chosen through a public call, participated in visits to Spain and Peru.

Cross-cutting themes

Throughout the Initiative, a cross-cutting approach was applied, integrating:

• Human rights
• environment sustainability
• climate change considerations

These themes were applied, by highlighting and sharing specific experiences on these issues and by integrating them in the joint work sessions, and in the knowledge management guide, including good practices related to Human Rights promoted by the business sector focused on the work with artisans and communities to gained fair remuneration, among other practices that promote social welfare and equality. As well as issues related to the care and reuse of water, energy efficiency, reduction or reuse of textile waste and the promotion of the circular economy were highlighted.

By supporting Partnership with an interest in innovation and responsible business practices, this Initiative contributed to a more sustainable, equitable, and environmentally responsible fashion sector in Latin America and Europe. 

Results

Through this Triangular Cooperation Initiative, the knowledge and expertise of the Partnership's member entities in the field of the fashion business was used to design:

• The Sustainability in the fashion sector for internationalisation knowledge management guide.

This resource was designed to promote sustainability in entrepreneurship from the fashion sector by:

• Advancing the circular economy
• Strengthening business models
• Minimising environmental impact throughout innovation 

Contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The results of this Initiative have contributed and aligned with the SDG 12, particularly by:

• Target 12.2 ‘By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources’

As well as, contributing to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals 10, 13 and 17.

Implementing partner

Bogota Chamber of Commerce - CCB, in Colombia