We are Ceci and Lean
We met while studying Economics at the University of Buenos Aires. Since then, we’ve grown together, started a family, and—after 20 years supporting Argentine companies and entrepreneurs—we decided to start our own project.
That’s how HUANACO comes to life.
From day one, our goal is clear: to be part of the Argentine natural-fibers value chain with a sustainable approach.
The path is long. One of our main goals is to guarantee traceability from the origin, which leads us to get deeply involved across the value chain. We ask the essential questions: Where does the fiber come from? How are the animals treated? What are the environmental impacts of production?
This is how we connect with producers who work with nature’s cycles, fostering thriving ecosystems, greater biodiversity, cleaner water, and healthier soils. Along the way we also see an opportunity: the local market is missing hand-knitting skeins that combine high-quality fiber with reliable traceability.
After two years of planning, setup, and waiting, in January 2024 we take a major step: we launch local production of a yarn designed to preserve the fiber’s qualities, meet the expectations of demanding knitters, and deliver precise calibration with optimal performance.
This is how our Merino de la Patagonia line comes to life.
What guides us
Every decision has an impact; at HUANACO we aim for that impact to be positive from the origin.
Verified regenerative sourcing
Our primary material is merino wool from Argentine Patagonia, sourced from well-cared-for flocks and ranches where outcomes are measured in soil health, pasture condition, biodiversity, and carbon.
With Merino de la Patagonia we reach a milestone: we document the traceability of every skein in line with Land to Market™ standards and protocols, connecting yarns from regeneratively managed lands with the knitter (as indicated on each label).
Land to Market™ works with brands around the world to heal the planet by regenerating its grasslands. It is the world’s first verified regenerative sourcing solution for raw materials such as meat, dairy, leather, and wool.
This is more than tracking—it’s a commitment to integrity that protects origin and regeneration at every stage, from field to skein.
Animal welfare
Animal welfare matters as much as fiber quality. Responsible wool production must care for sheep and their environment. We partner with producers aligned with the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) and with Ovis 21’s advanced grading standards – Ultimate Merino Wool, which promote good flock management and humane shearing.
RWS is an international, voluntary standard by Textile Exchange that addresses animal welfare on farm. Chain-of-custody traceability to the final product is managed through Textile Exchange’s Content Claim Standard (CCS). Textile Exchange is a global non-profit driving sustainability in the textile industry.
Sustainable production process
HUANACO we produce locally and in small batches at our workshop in Loma Verde (Buenos Aires). Having in-house production lets us look after each step in detail, preserve the wool’s natural qualities through to the final product, and safeguard traceability from the origin—from field to skein.
We spin fine and superfine merino with environmental controls, without superwash treatments or plastic coatings, and without chemical additives that alter the fiber. We work with rational use of energy and water, yield controls, and a zero-waste goal: every remnant is reprocessed or reused to reduce impact and improve process efficiency.
Hand dyeing with botanical color
Our core palette comes from regional trees and plants—yerba mate, tara, palo amarillo, quebracho, walnut, and eucalyptus, among others. The tannins in these materials naturally fix the color to the fiber, yielding noble, long-lasting hues that balance tradition and sustainability.
We choose natural dyes because they offer a more environmentally friendly color alternative: renewable, biodegradable, and they let knitters bring nature’s colors into their projects. We work with controlled dye baths, responsible water use, and small lots, documenting each batch to maintain color traceability from dye material to skein.
Design with purpose
Every product line starts with design in every detail: from fiber selection to the knitter’s experience, focusing on functionality, impact, and connection with place. We honor the beauty of natural wool and embed soil regeneration, animal welfare, and traceability into the design itself.
Each skein follows a holistic approach: high-quality raw material, careful processes, a sustainable life cycle, and a clear chain of custody from field to skein. Our commitment to conscious, responsible design, together with noble materials and traditional techniques, is recognized by the Buen Diseño Argentino Seal (2025)—an external validation for products that stand out for innovation, contribution to local sustainable production, market positioning, and design quality.