The Alpaca Collection
Renowned as one of the world’s most luxurious fibres, alpaca is silky soft to touch yet extremely strong and durable. Although mostly thought of as a clothing fibre, it has excellent inherent fire-retardancy, thermal and acoustic properties.
Velieris is the world pioneer of natural undyed alpaca carpets.
The Alpaca Collection is created from a blend of Australian and Peruvian alpaca. The natural colours of alpaca are very rich and diverse, with colours that are not found in the fleece of other animals.
The 5 wall-to-wall broadloom ranges in loop, cut and deep-pile styles are available in 6 lustrous colours ranging from clean white to deep charcoal.
The carpets in the Alpaca Collection have been tested by the Australian Wool Testing Authority and graded by the Australian Carpet Classification Scheme for Residential Extra Heavy Duty and Medium Duty Commercial applications.
In addition, to satisfy the very demanding European market, the Alpaca Collection has been tested for flammability and VOC emission, passing with excellent results. All products comply with the Green Star Criteria for low emissions and the Carpet Institute of Australia’s Environmental Certification Scheme standard.
» Learn more on the Velieris Pty Ltd website
Sustainability attributes
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Emits low VOCs
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emissions from carbon-containing compounds that pollute the air. VOCs are released from many common building products including solvents, paints and lacquers, adhesives, fabrics, carpets, printed paper, board products and composite timber. Rating schemes often categorize VOC content as low, very low, ultra low and zero.
Reduces water consumption
Products that reduce water consumption can make a valuable contribution to managing natural resources. There are several types of products that reduce water consumption – products that actively save water (water tanks, for example); products that enable the reuse of water (grey water recycling systems); and products that consume minimal water in operation (water-efficient tapware and appliances, self-cleaning glass).
Locally made
Specifying locally produced materials and products offers both economic and environmental advantages. Use of locally made products and materials minimizes transportation and shipping costs, as well as reducing the amount of energy used in transportation and any pollution that may result. In regard to natural resources – timber or stone, for example – locally sourced products can be better suited to a particular region’s climate and conditions. Further, choosing locally made products supports regional economies and local producers.
Made from rapidly renewable material
Rapidly renewable materials regenerate more quickly than their typical harvest demand – for example, grown and harvested in 10 years or less. Popular rapidly renewable materials include bamboo, cork, wool, straw, natural linoleum, soy bean composites, sugarcane bagasse, kenaf and hemp. Rapidly renewable materials should be produced naturally and quickly, without significant environmental or air-quality impact or increased erosion.
Recyclable
Recyclable products and materials can be reprocessed and transformed into new goods at the end of their useful life. Materials composed of a single substance (for example, aluminium or concrete) are generally easier to dismantle and recycle than those composed of multiple substances. Employing recyclable materials offers several benefits – reduced use of new resources, reduced landfill, reduced costs for manufacturers.
Production waste is recyclable
Manufacturing processes inevitably produce waste; environmentally responsible manufacturers ensure this waste is minimized and recyclable. Production waste can sometimes be reprocessed for reuse in the same production process. Alternatively, production waste may be reused in the manufacture of other products or materials (post-industrial recycled content).
Biodegradable
Where a product cannot be reused or recycled, biodegradability may be the next best thing. Typically, biodegradable products and materials can be decomposed into basic elements within a short period. Biodegradation of organic materials can occur with or without oxygen (aerobically/anaerobically).
Packaging is reduced
The aim is to reduce the amount of packaging required to effectively house and transport products and materials, resulting in less waste material destined for landfill, lower manufacturing costs for producers, and reduced transportation costs. Some manufacturers implement returnable packaging systems or heavily in recyclable packaging. Paper, glass, metal and board packaging can be readily recycled.
Low embodied energy
Like embodied energy, embodied water is the water used to create and distribute a product or material (as distinct from water used during its operation). Reducing the amount of embodied water in a product’s manufacture and distribution can lessen its impact on the environment.
Low embodied water
Embodied energy refers to the energy consumed in producing and distributing products and materials. This spans the extraction of resources, processing and manufacturing, and distribution of the final product. Products and materials with low embodied energy generally require simpler manufacturing processes – for example, natural resources such as timber require less processing than aluminium and other metals. Specifying products with low embodied energy can reduce pollution, depletion of resources and degradation of the environment.
Reduces waste or pollution
Streamlined production processes can reduce the environmental impact of manufacturing. Environmentally responsible manufacturers focus upon reducing emissions, minimizing waste created during production, and ensuring energy-efficient operation. Waste-reducing production can also reduce costs, as manufacturers can make better use of resources.
Reduces heating or cooling load
Heating and cooling load is the amount of energy consumed to maintain a desired temperature within a building. Project design – and the materials and products employed – plays a significant role in optimizing the performance of heating and cooling systems, to reduce the energy expended on internal climate control. Elements that affect heating and cooling load include heat transferred through glass windows and doors, infiltration of outside air, and the impact of people, lighting and electronic equipment.
Reduces energy consumption
Making use of materials and products that reduce energy consumption can have a major influence on the environmental impact of a building project. Teaming passive design strategies (orientation, building shape, natural lighting and ventilation) with low-energy lighting, thermally efficient insulation and low-e glass can reduce a project’s reliance on heating and cooling systems, resulting in lower energy consumption. Likewise, use of energy-efficient appliances, alternative energy systems (solar, hydro) and building management systems can also reduce the project’s carbon footprint.
