At Alpaka, we have always been committed to creating sustainable, high-quality knitwear that respects both people and the planet. Today, we are proud to share a significant step forward: we have successfully removed polyester from our knitwear collections.
We have been working on it for some years now on trying to avoid polyester in our products and this year we might have just succeeded. This transition is both a reflection of our commitment to create more sustainable products as well a demonstration of our love and respect for high-quality natural fibres.
Why we consider Alpaca Wool a Sustainable Fiber
Alpaca wool is truly a super fiber created by nature which is why it has its solid place in sustainable fashion. It is seven times warmer than sheep’s wool (read more here), yet incredibly lightweight and breathable. Unlike synthetic fibers, alpaca wool is biodegradable and does not contribute to microplastic pollution.
Since alpaca wool is also naturally free from lanolin it does not require harsh chemical treatments nor an elevated use of water in the washing process. By focusing on this exceptional natural fiber, we are reinforcing our commitment to timeless, high-quality garments that last for years which helps to reduce overall textile waste.
The Challenge of Wool-Polyester Blends
Sustainability in fashion is no longer just about choosing the right materials; it’s about designing with circularity in mind. Even though we strive to make our products as durable as possible—thus minimizing their impact on the planet—there comes a time when they can no longer be repaired or used.
This is where designing for circularity becomes essential. To make our consumption more sustainable for our environment—our home—we must keep existing materials in use for as long as possible.
Wool is an excellent example of this, as it can be recycled up to six times. Recycling and reusing materials are at the core of circular fashion, but current technologies still face significant challenges when dealing with wool-polyester blends.
These mixed fibers are nearly impossible to separate and recycle efficiently, often ending up in landfills or incinerators. This is why eliminating polyester is a crucial step toward a truly sustainable future.
By keeping our knitwear 100% natural, we ensure that our garments can be more easily recycled, repurposed, or biodegraded at the end of their lifecycle.
Alpaca wool is such an incredible material that we always knew we would not want to mix it with synthetics and by eliminating polyester, we preserve the purity of our knitwear and allow wool’s natural benefits to shiene through.
A Commitment to Quality, Sustainability, and Innovation
This change is part of our broader vision for a future where fashion is both luxurious and responsible. We believe that sustainability is not just about making eco-conscious choices ourselves—it’s about leading by example.
Our decision to eliminate polyester is a reflection of our core values: respect for nature, craftsmanship, and a long-term commitment to responsible fashion.
Join Us on Our Sustainable Journey
As we continue to innovate and refine our production processes, we invite you to be a part of this journey towards a more sustainable future. By choosing natural, high-quality knitwear, you are supporting a movement that values both environmental responsibility and timeless elegance.
Thank you for being part of this change. Together, we can redefine the future of sustainable fashion—one fiber at a time.