Is Alpaca Vegan? Material Facts & Alternatives

Vegan status: Not Vegan

Also known as: Alpaca fibre, Alpaca wool, Huacaya alpaca, Suri alpaca

Origin

Animal — fibre from the alpaca (Vicugna pacos), a South American camelid closely related to the llama. Peru produces approximately 80% of global alpaca fibre.

Environmental impact

Rating: medium. Alpacas have padded feet that cause less soil compaction than sheep. However, the Peruvian highlands where most alpacas are kept are facing overgrazing and land degradation. Alpaca is often marketed as more sustainable than cashmere or wool — this is partially true but does not make it vegan.

Durability

Excellent. Warmer than wool, hypoallergenic, soft, and durable. Water-resistant.

Common uses

Luxury knitwear, blankets, scarves, socks, hats.

Notes

Alpaca is frequently marketed to vegans as an 'ethical' alternative to wool, with claims that alpacas are not harmed in shearing. This is contested — shearing, restraint, and handling cause stress to the animals. The fact that they are not killed does not make the product vegan. The Alpaca industry is unregulated for animal welfare standards in Peru.