GPSR Compliance Information
We are committed to ensuring the safety and quality of all the yarns and supplies we provide. We comply with the General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) which requires that all our products placed on the market are safe to use.
Manufacturer and Customer Support
UK Alpaca Ltd, Vulscombe Farm, Pennymoor, Tiverton, Devon EX16 8NB UK. Telephone Mobile +44 07970 415638; VoiP Line +44 1884 243579
Website: www.ukalpaca.com Email: info@ukalpaca.com
Authorised Representative for GPSR
Easy Access Systems Europe, Mustamae tee 50, 10621 Tallin, Estronia Email: gpsr@easproject-com
Product Categories
Textile Products: Yarns, fibre tops, cotton bags and socks.
Paper Products: Patterns and instruction sheets; Shade cards; Cardboard packaging.
Metal Products: Small tins for knitting kits
Safety Information
Superfine Alpaca Yarns. These yarns are 75% British alpaca fibre and 25% wool.The wool is sourced in the UK from specialist wool stockists. Nearly all people find that this blend does not cause irritation to the skin. For sensitive skin it is advised to test the yarn against the skin before purchasing.
Baby Alpaca Yarns These yarns are 80% British baby alpaca and 20% silk. The silk is sourced in the UK from specialist stockists. It is very unusual for these yarns to cause any irritation to the skin. Most who are sensitive to wool find that this blend does not cause irritation. For very sensitive skin it is advised to test the yarn against the skin before purchasing.
Kit Tins: Some of the kits contain small crochet hooks. Care must be taken in handling the hook to avoid puncturing the skin.
Alpaca Toys: These are either made from natural alpaca skin or recycled plastic and are fully compliant with all necessary regulations. Not suitable for very young children.
Posh Socks: Lounge Socks These are made from 90% British alpaca and 10% nylon with a small amount of elastic added. The Town&Country and Walking socks are 75%alpaca and 25% nylon and elastic. They are unlikely to cause any irritation to the skin.
Technical Information
Posh Socks. Machine knitted with all seams either linked or on the outside surface of the sock. They are made within the EU to our own specification and with our own supplied yarn.
Yarns: All our yarns are processed worsted. The alpaca fleeces will go through a number of different processes on its journey to finished yarns. These include hand sorting and grading, scouring, carding, combing, blending, spinning, dyeing, conditioning and winding to balls or cones.
Scouring: The scouring is done in an approved process and in an approved establishment. The fibre goes through a set of 5 wash bowls at temperatures between 73degC and 55 degC with an approximate immersion time of 7 minutes. Agents used are biodegradable alcohol ethoxylate detergent & sodium carbonate. A neutral pH is achieved in the final rinse using formic acid. The scoured fibre is then dried at between 95degC and 65degC for approximately3 minutes where the centre is heated to at least 70degC is free from blood and pieces of skin.
Top Making, Blending & Spinning: Small amounts of mineral oil and antistatic sprays will be sued during these processes to maintain quality and smoothness of operation.
Dyeing and Finishing: A mix of chemical and natural dyes are used, all EU sourced. The yarns are steam treated and then wound to balls or onto cones.
After Care
Care must be taken in the after care washing of all natural fibres. Hand washing and air drying is recommended. Modern washing machines with a delicate cycle can be used at 30deg temperature. Use a wool or gentle detergent designed for natural fibres..Do not tumble dry. Lay flat to air dry and to maintain shape.