• The project co-funded by the European Union under the AL-INVEST Verde programme, concludes after 26 months of work strengthening the capacities of MSMEs in the textile and fashion sector in Peru and Colombia.
• With a total budget of €372,424.72, the project closes having promoted the adoption of sustainability certifications and opened new business opportunities in international markets.
• AL-INVEST Verde Moda Sostenible has been led by the Finnova Foundation (Spain), the Bogotá Chamber of Commerce (Colombia), and the Sustainable Fashion Cluster of Peru, with the support of academic and governmental institutions committed to building a more circular, competitive and environmentally responsible fashion industry.
31 May 2026. The fashion industry is undergoing an unprecedented transformation. The growing demand for more responsible production models, the advancement of the circular economy and the new requirements of international markets have turned sustainability into a strategic factor for business competitiveness. In this context, AL-INVEST Verde Moda Sostenible was launched as an initiative aimed at supporting micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in the textile and fashion sector in Peru and Colombia in their transition towards more sustainable and resilient business models, strengthening their ability to compete in an increasingly demanding global environment.
Today, 31 May 2026, the project officially comes to an end after 26 months of work, collaboration and innovation, establishing itself as one of the leading initiatives supporting the sustainable transition of the fashion sector in both countries.
Co-funded by the European Union under the AL-INVEST Verde programme, the project has had a total budget of €372,424.72 and has been implemented in Lima and Ica (Peru), as well as Bogotá and 59 municipalities in the department of Cundinamarca (Colombia).
A commitment to competitiveness and the circular economy
AL-INVEST Verde Moda Sostenible was designed to address an increasingly evident need within the industry: helping companies integrate sustainability as a competitive advantage rather than merely a regulatory obligation.
The project has worked to strengthen the business capacities required to advance certification processes and obtain sustainability labels, promote more efficient resource management, and facilitate access to commercial opportunities in international markets, particularly in Europe.
Throughout its implementation, the project has developed training activities, specialised advisory services, knowledge exchange initiatives, best-practice transfer and collaboration spaces between companies and institutions, with the objective of generating a lasting impact on the fashion sector ecosystem.
One of the project’s key pillars has been the training of participating companies in crucial areas related to sustainability, competitiveness, and adaptation to the evolving demands of international markets.
In addition, the project has provided tailored technical assistance to selected companies to support their progress in sustainability certification processes, helping them identify gaps, implement improvements and strengthen their positioning in markets increasingly oriented towards responsible products and supply chains.
Results that reflect the project’s impact
As of June 2026, AL-INVEST Verde Moda Sostenible had exceeded several of its initial objectives, reflecting the growing interest of the sector in advancing towards more sustainable and competitive business models.
Among the main achievements are:
• 474 MSMEs participating in project activities, significantly surpassing the initial target of 330 companies.
• 300 companies trained in sustainability, certifications and business strengthening.
• 95 companies integrating sustainability practices into their operations.
• 26 MSMEs reporting increased turnover as a direct result of the project.
• 22 MSMEs reporting savings in resource use.
• 20 B2B meetings organised.
• A Sustainable Fashion Best Practices Guide developed as a support tool for companies in the sector.
These results continue to evolve, and final figures are expected to increase once the project’s administrative closure has been completed. The consortium unanimously agrees on the strategic value and remarkable success of this transatlantic partnership: “Sustainability is no longer an option for the fashion industry: it is the new language of international competitiveness. The companies that participated in this project are now better prepared to lead this transformation. This project demonstrates that sustainability and access to global markets go hand in hand. We have successfully equipped MSMEs in Colombia and Peru with the tools and certifications needed to align with demanding international and European Union regulations, turning environmental commitment into a genuine driver of exports and competitiveness.”
Sustainability as a gateway to new markets
The relevance of AL-INVEST Verde Moda Sostenible goes beyond the quantitative results achieved. The project has helped prepare participating companies to navigate an international environment in which sustainability is increasingly decisive in accessing new commercial opportunities.
Today, consumers, distributors and investors demand greater transparency in supply chains, as well as compliance with increasingly stringent environmental and social standards. In this context, sustainability certifications have become a strategic tool to improve competitiveness and facilitate access to international markets.
For this reason, a fundamental component of the project has focused on supporting companies throughout this adaptation process, providing knowledge, tools and specialised guidance to successfully address the challenges of the green transition.
The final phase: connecting to continue growing
The final stage of AL-INVEST Verde Moda Sostenible has been marked by the organisation of B2B meetings between beneficiary companies and strategic market actors.
These meetings, held during the final weeks of project implementation, have helped consolidate partnerships, generate new business opportunities, and strengthen connections established throughout the project.
More than a closing activity, these sessions have represented the culmination of a strategy aimed at fostering business collaboration and the internationalisation of participating MSMEs.
A legacy that continues transforming the region
Beyond the indicators achieved, AL-INVEST Verde Moda Sostenible leaves behind a legacy of knowledge, tools and collaborative networks that will continue generating impact long after the project’s conclusion. The Sustainable Fashion Best Practices Guide developed within the projectconstitutes one of its most significant long-term outcomes, providing companies with a practical reference to continue advancing towards more responsible, efficient and competitive business models.
Likewise, the capacities acquired by participating companies, the partnerships established and the business opportunities identified throughout these 26 months will continue contributing to the strengthening of the sector in the years ahead.
AL-INVEST Verde Moda Sostenible has been led by the Finnova Foundation (Spain), the Bogotá Chamber of Commerce (Colombia), and the Sustainable Fashion Cluster of Peru, with the support of academic and governmental institutions committed to building a more circular, competitive and environmentally responsible fashion industry.
After 26 months of work, the project comes to an end, but it leaves behind a lasting legacy of knowledge, business capabilities and strategic partnerships. A legacy that demonstrates that sustainability is not only a response to environmental challenges, but also an opportunity to boost competitiveness and growth in the fashion sector across Latin America.