The alpaca is a noble and generous, legendary and sensitive animal. In Peru, it is a national symbol dating back to 5000 BC. Currently, 80% of the world's population of this camelid is found in the Peruvian Andes. Each of these alpacas represents the work and progress of thousands of Peruvians living far from modern life. For them, raising alpacas means preserving a remnant of ancient history. For us, it is about keeping history alive and making it our reason for being every day.
In addition to their cultural significance, alpacas provide a durable, sustainable, and unique fiber, in a context where fashion is increasingly disposable, plastic, and homogeneous. We believe there are four main reasons to promote and use this wonderful raw material.
Alpacas are gentle on the earth
Alpacas feed only on the tops of grasses and other plants. By not pulling them out of the ground, they alter the vegetation less and allow it to regrow.
Their efficiency is particularly outstanding, as alpacas require less food intake than most other fiber-producing livestock. Furthermore, they graze on natural grasses, so no land or water needs to be allocated to cultivate their food.
Alpacas save energy
Alpaca fiber is classified into more than twenty-two natural colors. These originate from nine pure colors: white, light beige, light camel, beige, light brown, brown, gray, brown-black, and black, with many other subtle shades and hues. This eliminates the need for the dyeing process, which is the most intensive in terms of water, chemicals, and energy use.
Alpaca fiber is an excellent insulator, both for heat and cold. Due to this property, home products made with this fiber, such as rugs, blankets, bedspreads, and curtains, are highly recognized and useful.
Alpacas are present in history
Alpaca is a Spanish word derived from the Aymara name allpacu or the Quechua names pacos or pacoshas. Cave paintings from over 8000 years ago refer to the interaction between ancient Peruvians and alpacas.
The use of alpaca fiber in textiles began approximately in 2500 BC and became increasingly important over time in ancient Peruvian cultures.
For more than a million small alpaca producers in the central Andes of South America, these animals are a fundamental pillar for their subsistence. Alpacas are also an extremely significant element of cultural identity.
Products made with alpaca fiber are unique
The fineness of alpaca fiber ranges from 18 microns to more than 35 microns, making it possible to produce all types of garments: from extremely fine and light products to thick blankets with significant thermal properties.
The physical characteristics of alpaca fiber allow for the creation of durable products with superior performance in extreme climates, both cold and warm.
But our fascination with alpaca was born not only from its evident beauty or the history behind it, nor from its magical and unique fiber, recognized worldwide. For us, the world of alpaca is full of lessons that we have decided to apply in everything we do. If you want to know more about this majestic animal and its sustainability credentials, you can visit whyalpaca.com.
Author: Andrés Chaves