SUSTAINABLE FIBRE
Alpaca
Since our establishment in 2015, we proudly use the highest quality of Peruvian alpaca fibre for crafting our knitwear.
The alpaca is one of the four South American camelids that inhabit the andes and are native to this area.
These beautiful iconic creatures are raised with respect and equality being the primary source of livelihood for many rural communities.
Peru is the largest producer of alpacas in the world and are part of Peruvian heritage. They are very important animals for Andean people, for the economy and cultural identity.
Some of the properties of alpaca fibre are:
- superior softness, warmth and lightweight
- alpaca hypoallergenic makeup does not contain lanolin oil, which is generated by sheep causing multiple allergic reactions.
- alpaca has a diverse natural colour gradient, which spans 22 naturally occurring colours.
Photo: An alpaca shepard of Puno holds one of his Suri alpacas in Peruvian altiplano. By Kiko Castro-Mendivil
superior softness & weight
Andean Highland Wool
Our Andean wool, a blend of Merino and Corriedale, flourishes in the rugged high altitudes of the Peruvian Andes. This sturdy yet soft wool carries a long history of adaptation to its harsh surroundings.
Available in a variety of natural colours, this wool grows softer with each use.
Photo: An Andean women walking along her sheep in Puno, Peruvian altiplano. By Kiko Castro-Mendivil
committed to sustainability
YARN CERTIFICATIONS
Since our very beginnings, OUAA has partnered with Peruvian suppliers that offer the highest quality of alpaca fibre and high environmental and social standards.
Our knitwear is made with yarn certified for:
- OEKO -TEX STeP. Accrediting sustainable textile production, it guarantees the establishment of processes that respect the natural environment and optimum working conditions.
- OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100. This certifies that our yarn has been tested for harmful substances and is harmless for human health.
- Reach. The dyes used to get the beautiful tones we offer are reach-certified, (registration, evaluation, authorization and restriction of chemicals, legislation created by the european union), which means that they have been tested and have no harmful chemicals.