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Fibre FocusAlpaca – Nature's Elite FibreAlpacas, traditionally raised as fibre producing livestock, grow deluxe fibre valued by the textile industry and high fashion houses for it's desirable attributes. It is sought after for its luxurious softness, warmth without weight, range of natural colour and strength. The world alpaca fibre production is around 5,000 tons. Peru is the largest producer of alpaca with 90% share of the world market followed by Bolivia, Chile, New Zealand, Australia and North America. Most of the South American fibre is produced exclusively for oversea markets. There are two types of alpaca: the huacaya and the suri. Although identical in body, these animals grow different fleece types. The huacaya, which comprises over 90% of the world alpaca population, has a teddy bear like appearance. Its fleece grows perpendicular to the body and is crimped or ridged. The suri's fleece hangs down from the body in a variety of ringlet-type lock structures. Suri fibre is very smooth which gives this fleece high lustre. Alpaca is a natural, eco-friendly, product. It is grown organically and therefore contributes positively to the growing important 'green' conscientious market. The absence of grease avoids a heavy scouring process and the variety of natural colours minimizes the need for dyeing. The absence of lanolin or grease in alpaca fibre is desirable for those who are sensitive to sheep's wool or allergic to the lanolin; they might be able to comfortably wear garments made of alpaca fibre. Alpaca is easily dyed and retains its natural lustre. Alpaca feels smooth and silky to the touch. The scale like cells (cuticle), which make up the outer cells of the fibre protrude half as much as that of the sheep's wool resulting in a smoother, slicker feel. Alpaca is fine, soft and warmer than sheep's wool. The fineness of the fibre is measured in microns (1 micron =1/1000 of a millimeter). The lower the micron, the finer the fleece; demanding a higher monetary value. Alpaca is strong and resilient, thus making it an ideal fibre for industrial processing. It is naturally water repellent. Alpaca does not easily tear or pill and is cleaned without trouble. Alpaca has good thermal capabilities and is an ideal product for the Canadian climate. Alpaca is an elite fibre. It is extremely versatile and is desired by clothing manufacturers around the world. Fibre Market in CanadaAlpaca end products will drive the industry. Canadian alpaca fibre producers have the option of marketing their raw fleece or value-added products from their own farm or as part of a national producer-owned cooperative. The Canadian Camelid Fibre Co-operative is the national camelid fibre co-operative that has developed a world-class system of classing alpaca fibre by length, grade and colour, similar to that of the International Wool Standard. This base level quality control used by the cooperative is a valuable step to more efficient processing at the mills. It also ensures an end product of consistent quality. The co-operative's goal is to enable the industry to move alpaca onto the larger Canadian marketplace through volume and quality control. The co-operative pools member's fibre into large batches of classed fibre for cost efficient processing at commercial mills. The Canadian Camelid Fibre Co-op offers a range of quality, Canadian made, finished products, efficiently distributed from the business centre in Innisfail, Alberta. Members and retailers may purchase these retail ready products at price categories based on the value of their fibre contribution or quantity purchased. The co-operative's vision is to be a wholesale source of quality Canadian alpaca products. Visit the website www.fibrecoop.ca for more information. Alpaca producers may choose to sell their farm's raw fibre or value added products at farm gate or web based stores. Raw fibre can be sold to the artisan community, or value added by processing the fleeces at numerous custom mills around the country equipped to spin small batches (as low as 5lbs) of fibre into various sized yarns or to make batts for felting and/or stuffing for bedding. Canadian alpaca producers have support in learning how to deal best with the fibre clip through seminars and workshops offered at various alpaca show events and by consulting the Fibre Harvest Code of Practice. A Certified Camelid Fiber Sorter training program is available at the The Natural Fibre Centre at the Old's College in Alberta. Your Fibre/Product Committee Mission: Resources
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