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silk.

Silk is categorized as a natural, protein filament fiber that derives from the larvae of a moth. Silk is often referred to as the queen of fabrics due to its lustrous and shiny appearance and soft and smooth touch. It is a renewable resource, is compostable, and uses less water, chemicals and energy than many other fibers.

The cause for controversy is the traditional extraction of silk, which is obtained by killing silkworms alive, while still nesting in their cocoon. The sustainable and animal cruelty-free option is peace silk, where moths are allowed to emerge naturally from their cocoons. The wild silk cocoons are then harvested after the moths have hatched peacefully from their cocoons.

The environmental impact of the cultivation of mulberry trees, which silkworms use as a nutrition source, is dire since the use of pesticides and fertilizers that are very commonly used aren’t even required.

The production of silk consumes both large amounts of energy- and water resources. The most energy-intensive part of the process tends to originate from cooking the cocoons. The large water resources before mentioned are directed towards the high volumes of water needed to clean the silk in production.

Since many silks require dry cleaning, the solvents used in this process are very harmful to the environment, hence limiting their use and disposal would be recommendable and should be restricted.

Untreated silk, like all other untreated natural fibers, is compostable. Things like dye, toxic chemicals, blended fibers, and trims can hinder its compostability.

+ PROS

what it gives.

  • very smooth
  • has a soft fall and is therefore suited for draping
  • is a strong fiber
  • is high on elasticity
  • is absorbant
  • suited for dyeing since it absorbs dyes well, resulting in vivid colors

− CONS

what it asks.

  • shouldn’t come into contact with water, it can therefore tend to require dry cleaning
  • tend to wrinkle easily

ADVICE

what to look for.

When using silk, use either wild (tussah) silk or peace (ahimsa) silk to avoid animal cruelty and to assure a sustainable harvest.

SOURCES & FURTHER READING

where this comes from.

https://cfda.com/resources/materials

https://enkev.com/en/soft-furnishing/mattresses/silk

https://materialarchiv.ch/en/ma:group_745?type=all

https://www.commonobjective.co/article/fibre-briefing-silk

https://www.swiss-silk.ch

Textilepedia, Fashionary International Ltd, 2020

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