Background Information
The alpaca is a species indigenous to the Andes. Members of the South American camel family, alpacas, along with the vicuņa, guanaco and llama, live at altitudes ranging from 2,500 to 4,500 meters above sea level. Here these animals tolerate temperature variations of more than 40°C.
Due to harsh weather conditions prevailing in the Andes and a unique protein-free diet, alpacas grow a fine hair with remarkable softness, fineness, length and strength.
The unique fibre offers a wide range of natural colours up to 30 standard shades.
Types
There are approximately 4 million alpacas in South America; Eighty percent of them are in Peru, which are mostly found in the southern region called Puno. The trade of alpaca has always been in Arequipa, a city strategically located in the gateway to the main alpaca production regions. A predominant alpaca type characterised by its fine fleece, spongy, fluffy look and wide range of natural colours. About 95 percent of the fibre processed is Huacaya. The least common alpaca type, it has a lustrous and silky fibre. This animal has an eye-catching appearance, and produces the highest quality alpaca fibre. Most of the Suris are white and in colour.About 3 to 5 percent of the fibre processed is Suri. Of the main production, this can be sub-divided into the following main fineness grades: -Baby Alpaca "Premium Alpaca" This is selected and graded into the most fine commercial grade if Alpaca being 21.5 to 23.5 microns in fibre diameter. FS Alpaca This is known as 'Superfine Alpaca', although not quite as fine as the Baby type, this still has superb handle and appearance.The micron range is 25/27.AG Alpaca This type represents much of the character of the finer grades. Whilst not as soft as the finer types it retains the unique handle and look. The advantage of this grade is that it is more economic than the finer types and is most suitable for fabrics and garments that require greater surface fibre.
Properties
The micron range is 31/32Alpaca is a superb fibre for blends with other fibres and is most suitable for use with wool where the two fibres complement each other well.
Uses
Prestige Fibres sells all these types of Alpaca as well as suitable blends with other fibres and specialises in blends with wool.
