Challenges of the Circular Economy in Cúcuta's Fashion Industry

This research article explores the implementation of the circular economy in the fashion industry in Cúcuta, Norte de Santander, Colombia, highlighting its relevance due to the significant textile contribution of the region. The circular economy, a sustainable alternative to the linear economic model, is based on reuse and waste minimization. This approach promotes employment, competitiveness and economic growth, thus offering more durable products and improving the quality of life of consumers. The research adopts a qualitative approach, using interviews with independent workshop owners to analyze the adoption of sustainable practices in the sector. A field design is employed to collect information directly from the natural environment, providing a contextualized understanding of sustainability practices and perceptions in fashion. The study focuses on textile companies in Cúcuta that implement circular economy, such as Proditextil Moda SAS, Fabricato and Lina's Closet, as well as three local microenterprises. An analysis of the infrastructure in Cúcuta revealed that, although there are significant efforts in the circular economy, such as in the Unicentro shopping center and the companies mentioned above, there are opportunities for improvement. The city has gained attention for events such as Colombiamoda and Cúcuta Moda (CUMO), attracting brands and entrepreneurs interested in sustainable fashion. However, it is necessary to strengthen the infrastructure for recycling and reuse of textiles, as well as to promote greater awareness of the circular economy. To promote the circular economy in fashion in Cúcuta, three main strategies are proposed: community education and awareness, incentives for local businesses and entrepreneurs, and infrastructure for textile recycling and reuse. With a gradual and collaborative approach, it is possible to transform the fashion sector in Cúcuta towards a more sustainable and circular model.