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Excellent

Material Deep Dive

Alpaca Wool

Alpaca wool scores highly due to very low water stress, low pollution and chemical inputs, and rapid biodegradability with no microplastic risk.

Animal

Virgin

End of Life

3 months

100/100
Chemical Use

Low

80/100
Pollution

Low

80/100
Water Usage

520 L/kg

99/100
Carbon Footprint

3 kg CO₂/kg

80/100
Considerations

Still has a moderate carbon footprint from livestock

Can be expensive and limited in availability

Recycling infrastructure for alpaca is limited

Look for RAS certification for animal welfare assurance

Strengths

Exceptionally low water footprint for an animal fibre—alpacas graze on rainfall

Fully biodegradable with no microplastic concerns

Naturally durable, supporting long garment life

Often needs no dyeing thanks to natural colour range, reducing chemical use

Low environmental impact grazing compared to sheep

Carbon Footprint Analysis

80/100

Alpaca Wool produces approximately 3 kg CO₂-equivalent per kilogram of fiber.

The Data

Carbon Footprint

3 kg CO₂/kg

FSI Carbon Score

80/100

Sources: Higg Materials Sustainability Index, Textile Exchange Preferred Fiber Report

Sustainability Breakdown

Microplastic risk

None

Care level

Moderate

Available certifications

Responsible Alpaca Standard (RAS), OEKO-TEX Standard 100, bluesign potential, GOTS (organic alpaca)

Key properties

breathable, thermal-regulating, soft, lightweight, hypoallergenic, durable, moisture-wicking, low-pilling, naturally colored varieties, cruelty-free

Common uses

sweaters, cardigans, scarves, shawls, wraps, luxury knitwear, blankets, home textiles, performance wear, baby garments

Also known as

baby alpaca, fine alpaca, alpaca fleece, huacaya fleece, suri fleece

Alpaca Wool quick guide

Last updated: January 2026

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