Today, the alpaca is among the precious producers of noble fibres, with a world population of an estimated five million animals. In the highlands of the Andes, alpacas live under significantly harsher conditions than in Europe – they can easily withstand temperature fluctuations from -25 degrees at night to +18 degrees during the day. Nature has gifted them a unique fibre to help balance these extreme temperature differences. The alpaca is the only animal in the world whose fibre colours range across more than 22 natural shades – from white through various browns to grey and deep black. The often environmentally damaging dyeing of the fibre is therefore not necessarily required.
At the beginning of the warm season, alpacas must be shorn. They produce 2 to 3 kg of the sought-after luxury fibre, which is highly valued especially in the world of fashion and processed into exclusive garments. Traditional spinning with a spinning wheel is also being rediscovered by many, and alpaca wool is also very well suited as a filling for duvets due to its outstanding properties. Knitted and woven goods made from alpaca fibre are wonderfully light, warm and pleasant to wear against the skin.
