The Golden Alpaca brand is a guarantee of quality
Ruukin Kehräämö's long-standing work on ecologically, socially, culturally, and economically sustainable alpaca fiber production has been recognized with the Golden Alpaca mark, awarded by the Peruvian International Alpaca Association (IAA). The organization has been in operation since 1984, and during these years, 49 international companies have been accepted as members. The organization's mission is to offer the international market high-quality, sustainably produced, and innovatively designed alpaca products.
With the Golden Alpaca recognition, Ruukin Kehräämö has joined the ranks of internationally renowned manufacturers of quality alpaca products. The companies include those from Italy, Japan, and Australia, among others. The mark is awarded only to products that contain 100% fiber of at least Baby Alpaca quality.
In Finland, alpaca products are available with different fiber qualities and concentrations. The most commonly used is Superfine Alpaca fiber, which is coarser than Baby Alpaca. Ruukin Kehräämö's products primarily use Royal quality alpaca fiber, which is significantly finer than Baby Alpaca fiber. The availability of such fine quality fiber is very limited, and therefore large fashion industry players cannot offer products of comparable quality.
Alpacas are native to Peru, where 80% of the world's alpaca fiber is produced. 80% of Peru's alpaca farms are still small farms with fewer than 100 alpacas. Part of Ruukin Kehräämö's responsibility work is to support the indigenous people of Peru in alpaca breeding and to ensure that ecological and ethical principles are observed in alpaca fiber production. Ruukin Kehräämö's partners in Peru include IAA and the research and breeding center Pacomarca.
Alpaca fiber also has excellent properties for Finnish conditions, as it is light, dirt and water repellent, and regulates body temperature. Products made from Royal quality alpaca fiber are suitable for all ages, from babies to grandfathers, as fine alpaca fiber is naturally soft and hypoallergenic.
