Alpacas living in Peru typically graze freely. In Peru, Alpacas are treated with respect as they are culturally and historically important animal for the local people. There are only approximately 6 million alpacas in the world and around 4 million of them live in the Peruvian highlands. Even though alpaca wool has great and exceptional qualities it is really rare material.

Compared to sheep and goats alpaca is kinder to the environment. Alpaca belongs to camelids family and has soft feet instead of hard hooves. Therefore, grazing alpacas do not cause soil erosion. Alpacas are also gentle with plants as they do not eat roots.

Alpaca wool is always mulesing free.

We have worked with our Peruvian partner since 2012, the year Alpa was founded. Our partner has specialised in alpaca wool and knows the best and sustainable practices. Our partner has their own farm where small amount of alpaca wool is gathered. Most of the alpaca wool comes from local small and medium sized farmers across the Andes. All the alpaca wool used in our products come from these smaller local farmers. 

Tracking the origin of alpaca wool in Peru has taken big steps ahead in recent years. Our partner has launched a service in which we as customers can track the origin of the alpaca wool we use in our products. The service allows us to see which region the alpaca wool is originated from and some of the wool can be tracked down to the farmer.