Innovation has been the driver of Colombia’s apparel industry and it believes in social responsibility and sustainability. Sportswear and swim company Tejidos Gulfer is helping the country cut back natural resource use and minimize poverty with its latest outreach efforts. Tejidos Gulfer currently has an environmental policy that incorporates Greentec technology stamping machines, which minimizes the amount of water used in apparel production. The company also runs a social responsibility program that builds homes for people in need.

With more than 24 years in the business, True Shapers, another Colombian brand, is making moves in the lingerie space. As a leading brand in control clothing and girdles, True Shapers is available in more than 14 nations. The company manufactures its garments with advanced fabrics, including 3 Structured D and 3 Plus D, that offer wearers comfort without restricting body movement.

Lafayette, one of Colombia’s leading sports fabric suppliers, is also a major player in recycling and water conservation. The company currently reuses 24 per cent of its water for other production processes, while reducing water consumption from 43.5 to 36 liters per meter of fabric. In addition to engaging in water conservation, Lafayette also uses boiler conversion technology to reduce carbon emissions from apparel production.