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Meet 5 sustainable product bets in Colombia
Discover how Colombia is committed to the development of sustainable products with local talent and environmental commitment.
In Colombia, the commitment to the environment is reflected in a series of sustainable projects that combine creativity, local talent, and ecological awareness. From a solar vehicle and an ecological valve for cars to durable headphones for children and a water reuse system, these initiatives show how the country is betting on the development of sustainable products that transform daily life and contribute to planet care. Learn in detail about each of these projects and discover how Colombian knowledge and talent drive solutions that make a difference.
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1. Solar vehicle
The first Colombian solar vehicle, named “Primavera”, was created by Universidad EAFIT in partnership with Empresas Públicas de Medellín (EPM). This innovative car was designed to participate in the World Solar Challenge in Australia, competing alongside teams from universities worldwide. The project, known as “Desafío Solar”, aimed to break paradigms and demonstrated the cutting-edge technology that can be developed in Colombia. This vehicle not only highlights Colombian talent and technological capacity but also promotes the use of clean and alternative energies, inspiring new forms of mobility through sustainable innovations.
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2. Ecological valve for cars
Since 2012, the Colombian company Marclais has been exporting its renowned ecological valve for cars to several Latin American countries—such as Chile, Bolivia, Costa Rica, and Ecuador. This device, designed specifically for vehicles operating above 1,000 meters, regulates air intake to the engine, balancing the air-fuel mixture automatically without manual adjustments. Thanks to its technology, it achieves fuel savings of 10% to 15%, while studies conducted above 2,700 meters above sea level report a 23% reduction in consumption and a 20% decrease in carbon monoxide. Marclais is also currently developing a version for diesel engines in cargo vehicles, continuing its commitment to environmental innovation.
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3. Solar-powered phone charger
A team of Electronic Engineering students from the Universidad Nacional de Colombia in Manizales created a solar-powered phone charger that operates solely with natural light thanks to its integrated solar cells. Manuel Felipe Quintero and Santiago Sánchez, two of the project’s creators, developed this ecological invention to address the rapid battery drain of phones and the frequent lack of access to conventional chargers. Sánchez also highlighted the ecological benefits of the invention, as it promotes the use of renewable energy sources. This prototype demonstrates how Colombian talent can transform solar energy into practical, portable, and Learn how to be eco friendly from these Colombians on World Environment Day.
4. Unbreakable headphones for children
Unbreakable headphones for children are an example of how Colombian creativity can make a difference in everyday products. This innovative idea came from the talent of Juan David Galindo, an industrial designer from Universidad Icesi in Cali, who in 2013 traveled to Florida, USA, as an intern at the company Marblue. There, he developed HeadFoams, headphones made from EVA foam—also known as foamy—a recyclable, non-toxic, washable, highly durable, and easily moldable material. This product, reflecting the principles of sustainable engineering, was awarded the Good Design Award in 2014 by the Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design, standing out for its safety, durability, and environmental respect.
5. Water reuse system
Colombian designer Alberto Vázquez created in 2014 a practical shower water reuse system—named Gris—consisting of four concave modules that can collect up to 90% of the water used, equivalent to 30 to 40 liters per shower. This invention collects residual water for reuse in toilets, irrigation, or household cleaning, proving that ecological products don’t always require high technology. Alberto’s design not only provides an efficient and cost-effective solution for household water use but also reinforces how Colombian creativity turns simple ideas into sustainable, high-impact results.
