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Pro
– is lightweight
– is soft and smooth
– is durable
– retains warmth
– is breathable
– has hypoallergenic quality
– takes on dyes well
– is wrinkle and pill-resistant
Cons
– is sensitive to moths
– is possibly itchy
Advice
Make sure the alpaca fiber you want to use is certified organic and is fairtrade. Work with suppliers that are transparent, ethical and adhere to the strictest animal welfare standards as set forth in the IWTO Wool Sheep Welfare Specifications.
Alpaca
Alpaca is a natural protein fiber. Its wool fiber is obtained from the mammal alpaca, originating mainly from the Andes Mountains.
Alpaca wool has found its use in textiles for centuries. It is considered a premium fiber for its softness, so much so that it was formerly only used for royal garments.
The fiber is obtained from Alpacas that live in their native habitat in free-range. They are then shaved every 1 – 2 years. Its wool does not contain lanolin or grease, therefore making it easy to wash and a nice alternative to sheep wool since it lacks lanolin which makes it hypoallergenic.
Alpaca additionally has a less negative impact on the environment than sheep or goats since it demands very little washing during its garments phase of use.
Poor farming practices can result in excessive amounts of manure and other toxins entering the soil, causing contaminated waterways
Untreated alpaca fiber is completely compostable. Things like dye, toxic chemicals, blended fibers and trims can hinder compostability.
Sources
https://materialarchiv.ch/en/ma:material_434/?q=alpaca
https://www.enkev.com/en/products/
https://cfda.com/resources/materials
https://www.peta.org/media/news-releases/first-ever-alpaca-wool-expose-workers-tie-up-stretch-out-and-cut-animals-making-them-vomit/
Textilepedia, Fashionary International Ltd, 2020