Our Story

Learn about our journey toward sustainable, plastic-free fashion

Tip of the Day

When washing synthetic clothing, use a microfiber catching laundry bag to prevent plastic microfibers from entering waterways. These tiny fibers are a significant source of ocean microplastic pollution.

Alpacarf Finance Founders

How It All Began

Alpacarf Finance was born in 2018 from a simple yet powerful idea: fashion shouldn't come at the expense of our planet. Founded by two friends in Helsinki who were frustrated by the abundance of plastic in everyday clothing and accessories, our company set out to create beautiful, functional items without using any plastic materials.

Our founders, both with backgrounds in sustainable design and Finnish textile traditions, combined their expertise to develop innovative approaches to plastic-free fashion. What began as a small workshop in Helsinki has grown into an internationally recognized brand, while staying true to our original mission.

Our Finnish Roots

Finland's deep connection to nature and tradition of sustainable living is woven into everything we do. The Finnish concept of "sisu" (determination and resilience) drives our commitment to finding solutions to difficult challenges in the fashion industry.

We draw inspiration from Finland's pristine forests, thousands of lakes, and the Nordic philosophy of minimalism and functionality. These influences are evident in our clean designs, durable construction, and thoughtful approach to materials.

Our Mission & Values

Plastic-Free Commitment

We're committed to creating products without any plastic components, from the visible materials to the smallest details like threads and labels.

Circular Design

We design with the entire lifecycle in mind, creating products that can be repaired, recycled, or biodegraded when they eventually reach the end of their useful life.

Ethical Production

We ensure fair working conditions throughout our supply chain and partner with workshops that share our values of respect and dignity for all workers.

Environmental Stewardship

Beyond avoiding plastic, we continuously work to minimize our environmental footprint through water conservation, renewable energy, and carbon offset programs.

Innovation

We're constantly researching and developing new sustainable materials and production techniques to push the boundaries of what's possible in plastic-free fashion.

Community Impact

We dedicate a portion of our proceeds to environmental initiatives and education about plastic pollution, extending our impact beyond our products.

Our Process

1

Material Selection

We carefully source natural, renewable materials that meet our strict no-plastic criteria, including organic cotton, hemp, linen, wood, and innovative plant-based alternatives.

2

Thoughtful Design

Our designers create timeless pieces that prioritize functionality, durability, and aesthetic appeal, avoiding trendy styles that quickly become obsolete.

3

Ethical Production

Working with skilled artisans and small-scale manufacturers in Finland and neighboring regions, we ensure quality craftsmanship and fair working conditions.

4

Rigorous Testing

Each product undergoes testing for durability, comfort, and performance to ensure it meets our high standards and will stand the test of time.

5

Sustainable Packaging

We package our products in plastic-free, biodegradable materials that protect items during shipping while minimizing environmental impact.

Meet Our Team

Elina Virtanen

Elina Virtanen

Co-Founder & Creative Director

With a background in sustainable textile design, Elina brings creativity and innovation to our product development process.

Mikko Korhonen

Mikko Korhonen

Co-Founder & Sustainability Officer

Mikko's expertise in environmental science helps guide our sustainability initiatives and material selection.

Sofia Nieminen

Sofia Nieminen

Head of Production

Sofia ensures our manufacturing processes maintain the highest ethical and quality standards.

Henrik Jokinen

Henrik Jokinen

Materials Researcher

Henrik leads our research into innovative sustainable materials and plastic alternatives.

Our Impact

5+ tons
of plastic avoided since 2018
10,000+
plastic-free products created
15+
environmental partnerships
100%
plastic-free operations

Beyond the numbers, we measure our success by the positive changes we inspire in the fashion industry and consumer behavior. We regularly share our research and innovations with other brands to accelerate the transition away from plastic materials industry-wide.

We're proud members of the Plastic Free Alliance and active supporters of the Clean Baltic Sea initiatives, contributing both financially and through volunteer efforts to protect our natural environment.

Join Us in Creating a Plastic-Free Future

Explore our blog to learn more about sustainable living and the latest developments in plastic-free fashion.

Read Our Blog