Alpaca is a
fine fibre recognized by the fashion industries as a luxury fibre.
Alpaca contains
no lanolin. This means it is hypoallergenic. Many people that cannot
wear wool can wear alpaca.
High grade
alpaca has a low prickle factor. It does not feel itchy and can be worn next to the
skin.
Alpaca fibre is
naturally water repellent. It is stronger and warmer than other fibres.
Alpaca comes in
an infinite variety of colours and takes dye very well.
Alpaca can be
processed into worsted or woolen style yarns and has many different uses.
The amount of
alpaca fibre produced world wide is a fraction of one percent of total wool production.
High quality, versatility, non-allergenic and rarity are some of
the factors about alpaca that will keep it in demand.
Fibre production is the cornerstone of
the alpaca industry. Virtually all of South American alpaca fibre is exported to
Europe and Japan for use in the high fashion industry. North American alpaca fibre
is presently used mainly at a cottage industry level by hand spinners, knitters and
weavers. Commercial processing is done on a small scale but is an area that is
receiving tremendous attention and input in capital. At present, several quality
commercial processing options are available to producers. The Canadian Camelid
Fibre Co-op(CanCam) collected its first clip in the fall of 2000. They collected 2700
pounds of fibre. A variety of knitting yarns and products have been made and are
available for sale. For more information on joining the co-op or acquiring product
you can either contact Trudy (Board Director)
or go to the CanCam website. This can only
be a positive thing for the future of the Canadian Alpaca industry. Australia and
the United States both have producer cooperatives in place.
Current production rates are the limiting factor in moving alpaca into the commercial
textile industry in North America. As alpaca numbers rise and breeders become more
proficient and knowledgeable, fibre production will increase to a level where North
American alpaca fibre can be competitive in the global market, while influencing and
expanding that same market.
