ALCAPA FIBER

ALPACA FIBER

Peru is blessed to have MachupIcchu as one of the 07 Wonders of the World, in addition to having a large amount of natural and historical riches that make it an inevitable visit destination for every tourist.
One of the wonders we have is the alpaca that abounds in the areas of the Peruvian mountains at more than 3,000 meters above sea level, raised in extensive plains of grasslands free of all contamination, where the ichu rich in protein content grows.
This has made alpaca fiber one of the most sought-after fibers for fashion and the production of fine garments worldwide, surpassing sheep and cashmere wool in quality.
Among the qualities that make it so special are the following:
1. Strength and Elasticity:
Compared to sheep wool, alpaca fiber is finer and 03 times more resistant, despite the fineness of the hair. This is because the alpacas were raised with good nutrition in pastures free of pesticides and pollution, especially in the Andes of Peru at more than 3,500 meters above sea level.
2. Soft and light:
The Alpaca fiber is fine, between 12 and 28 microns, this means that it does not cause itching when in contact with the skin.
3. Colorful:
There are approximately 22 shades of color, ranging from white to gray, or warm colors like coffee or beige, all in different shades. This means that customers looking for Andean garments, fabrics or textiles can find a variety of pleasant and elegant colors. At the same time, by finding a variety of colors, avoid the use of dyes, taking care of the environment.
4. It is Fire Retardant:
It does not burn and also retards fire. The Peruvian Association of Textile Technicians (APTT) explains on its page https://apttperu.com/es-la-alpaca-una-fibra-ignifuga/# it is measured and quantified and how it is related to the term LOI (index of limit oxygen), also the LOI in the alpaca fiber that makes it a self-extinguishing and fireproof material by nature.
Alpaca fiber has an LOI of 24-27%, this means that at least we need to have 25% oxygen in the environment and in our atmosphere we have 21%. It is concluded that when the alpaca fiber is set on fire, it is extinguished.
5. It is Hygroscopic:
Property of some products and substances to absorb and exhale moisture, depending on the environment in which they are found. Alpaca fiber has the property of absorbing moisture. The hygroscopicity of alpaca fiber is 50%, which means that it can absorb moisture up to 50% of its weight, without getting wet, and prevents static electricity.
6. Does not cause allergies:
Alpaca fiber contains minimal amounts of Lanolin, which is more typical in lamb’s wool. Lanolin is a natural wax that covers the coat of sheep. Lanolin sterols contain cholesterol and could be the main cause of allergies. The case alpaca fiber does not contain lanolin, making it hypoallergenic and brighter, ideal for some people who suffer from skin allergies.
7. Thermal properties:
Alpaca wool is 03 times warmer than sheep wool, alpaca fiber exhibits high tensile strength (with values ​​greater than 40 N/ktex), something important in the industrial process. These characteristics allow the body temperature to be maintained due to having microscopic air pockets in the medulla, which means that garments made with alpaca fiber can be used in various climates.
8. Visual Texture:
Containing little fat compared to sheep’s wool and being finer and silkier to the human touch, plus the properties mentioned above make it have an excellent drape in the manufacture of garments, being a highly valued product in the Andean and global textiles.