Combining their passions
Sumaq Alpaca Rugs was founded by Derek Beech and Collis Verdicchio in 2010. After years of travelling through South America, the pair saw a way to combine their interest for design and travel with their passion for business. Rooted in ancient Peruvian traditions that date back to the Inca Civilization, Sumaq rugs are handmade by local artisans. Sumaq firmly believes in supporting local industry in Peru and South America, and promotes ethical manufacturing practices every step of the way. No alpacas are killed in the making of Sumaq rugs. Sumaq Alpaca Rugs is based out of Montréal and Vancouver.
Our Ethical Approach:
Every rug creates an opportunity
At Sumaq, we take pride in the fact that we are creating and keeping jobs in rural communities throughout Peru. Rug weaving is not a modern manufacturing process in these areas; it is a tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation. With a handmade loom and knowledge of this beautiful craft, local weavers can feed, clothe, and shelter an entire family. It is this way of life that inspires our motto—Every rug creates an opportunity. The Sumaq approach focuses on maximizing benefits for
people and communities while minimizing impacts on the environment. Together with local artisans, Sumaq works to foster a greener, more sustainable world. This is achieved through the use of alpaca fleece, an ecologically friendly natural fibre, and the fact that Sumaq encourages manufacturers to adopt ethical practices in every aspect of their supply chain. By purchasing a Sumaq rug, you are supporting independent local weavers.
Our Commitment
Sumaq’s commitment goes beyond the weavers; it extends to the communities in which our weavers live. To do this, we give back 5% of our profits to the communities where our rugs are made.