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Sustainability of E-Commerce Platforms in Colombia: AnalysisofShein and Temu
The expansion of e-commerce platforms has transformed consumption patterns, logistics, and access to low-cost goods in Latin America. In Colombia, Shein and Temu have gained visibility for their ability to offer products at reduced prices, a wide variety, and cross-border delivery, but they have also raised questions about environmental sustainability, production conditions, overconsumption, and their effects on local commerce. This working paper analyzes the sustainability of both platforms through a literature review of recent research and a systematization exercise using R Studio. The analysis is based on articles retrieved from Scopus published between 2023 and 2026, using the search equation: TITLE-ABS-KEY (digital AND platforms) AND TITLE-ABS-KEY (e AND commerce) AND TITLE-ABS-KEY (sustainability) AND PUBYEAR > 2022 AND PUBYEAR < 2027. The analysis shows that sustainability in digital platforms depends not only on logistical efficiency but also on environmental transparency, circular design, product durability, and corporate responsibility. In the case of Shein and Temu, international evidence suggests tensions between economic accessibility and the socio-environmental costs associated with ultrafast fashion, transportation footprint, packaging, and waste generation. The paper concludes that, for Colombia, consumption on these platforms requires critical purchasing criteria, public regulation, and the strengthening of sustainable production alternatives.
