This U.S. Mill Cites Alpaca as ‘Key Part of Future’

American Woolen Co. said it now spins and weaves alpaca at its vertical mill in Northeastern Connecticut, signaling continuous, growing interest in the sustainable fiber. Jacob Long, chief executive officer at A.W.C., said the company “believes in American made and is expanding its homegrown and woven fabrics,” adding that the mill already sources wool from Chargeurs, a U.S. fiber pool, and fine merino from the Helle Rambouillet ranch in Montana. “A century ago, sheep grazed on New England pastures. Today, some of that land is used to raise alpaca. As a modern New England mill, we see alpaca as a key part of our future.” Alpaca’s light, feathery-feel, softness and adaptability to dyeing and weaving has made it a favorite among fashion brands, in addition to its natural range of 22 colors that eliminates the need to dye it. But brands — and consumers — are choosing alpaca for its most basic characteristics: It is hypoallergenic, water-resistant, temperature controlled, biodegradable, antimicrobial, breathable, lightweight and obtained annually through “ecological and ethically sound practices,” according to the trade commission of Peru in New York. Photo courtesy of American Woolen Co.  Once considered the “gold of the Andes” and worn by Incan royalty, alpaca has become known

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