Epi-Peace Ahimsa Silk - A Humane Fabric Choice
Consider a No-Cruelty Alternative to Traditional Thread
Jun 22, 2008
Conventional Silk Facts
Silkworms are the source of silk, which originated in China. They are placed in bamboo baskets and fed mulberry leaves. As they consume the leaves, the insects exude viscous fluids through head glands. The substances harden upon contact with air, forming the basic silk filament. The silkworms ooze out the fibroin continuously for about 1,000 yards, forming oval nests or cocoons.
The worms are still alive inside their cocoons at this point. In the production of regular silk, the cocoons are now immersed in boiling water, just seven days short of freedom, to kill the worms and spool the silk yarn. About 50,000 silk worms must be killed to make a silk sari or dress. These creatures would otherwise live out their life cycles as butterflies, help pollinate flowers and keep fields free of pests.
Inventor Kusuma Rajaiah
Kusuma Rajaiah conducted research in the field and invented the technique of getting silk yarn from cocoons without killing the silk worms. The process was successful for the first time in the World in 1991. After prolonged research, Ahimsa silk was made marketable in the year 2001.
Ahimsa Silk
The Hindi word "ahimsa" means “non-violence.” This new product is also known as “peace silk.” Both names are very fitting, and help sum up the movement behind the product.
Ahimsa silk is extracted after the silkworm has completed metamorphosis and emerged from the cocoon. Only then does the manufacture of peace silk begin.
Each cocoon is checked individually to ensure that the moth has escaped before the silk thread is spun. Spinning takes around two months and weaving another month. In other words, shipments can be ready three months after the moths escape.
Properties and Popularity of Ahimsa Silk
Ahimsa silk has the popular properties of regular silk. Even though it is slightly less lustrous, it is even softer to the touch. Ahimsa silk does not wrinkle and is more comfortable to wear than the conventional one as it has more air permeability.
Currently, ahimsa silk remains a niche product due to its higher price range. However, as people become more environmentally aware and compassionate to animals, ahimsa will be demanded more frequently. Its prices will eventually fall concurrent with the development of the technology used to prepare it.
Though ahimsa silk may not replace regular silk, it is already being adopted by those who are concerned about animals. This is silk to gladden the heart of both the aesthete and the animal lover.
