What is Eri Silk? Exploring the Must-Know Facts About Eri Silk Fabric
India boasts a rich history of textile production, with the saree standing out as its crowning jewel. Women in India have worn sarees for thousands of years, captivating the world with their beauty. However, what many people remain unaware of is that silk sarees have a unique and lesser-known story.
The allure of silk is undeniable, but the ethical concerns surrounding the traditional silk production method have triggered moral dilemmas for many. The harsh processes tainting the fabric with shades of violence are promoting a shift towards more sustainable alternatives. This is where Eri Silk enters the picture.
Eri Silk, hailed as the "Fabric of Peace," emerges as a symbol of elegance and eco-responsibility in the textile industry. In this insightful blog post, we embark on a meticulous exploration of the origin, distinctive properties, and eco-conscious attributes that differentiate Eri Silk from its conventional counterparts.
Let's dig deeper!
What is Eri Silk? What are its Sources and Origins?
Eri silk, one of the four major silks currently in production, originates from cocoons crafted by the Samia Cynthia Ricini moth or Philosamia Ricini moth. This protein fibre is entirely natural, comprising 100 per cent purity.
Eri Silk traces its roots to the northeastern regions of India, specifically Assam. With a history dating back over two thousand years, this silk variety has been an integral part of Assamese tradition and culture.
The intricate art of sericulture, handed down through generations, continues to thrive, making Eri Silk a symbol of heritage and brilliant craftsmanship.
Eri Silk Sarees: A Breathable Luxury
Eric silk sarees have gained a reputation for providing outstanding comfort, attracting a considerable following among saree enthusiasts.
Eri silk's comfort stems from its distinctive texture, which characterises it with a smooth, soft, and lightweight feel.
On the other side, the Eri silk fabric's breathability ensures that the wearer remains comfortable, making it well-suited for diverse climates and occasions.
One of the key benefits of Eri silk fabric is its hypoallergenic properties, which make it gentle on the skin and ideal for individuals with sensitive skin or allergies.
The Intricate Steps of Eri Silk Production
The process of crafting Eri silk involves skilled artisans who meticulously extract the fibres from open-mouthed cocoons, allowing the silkworms to complete their life cycle naturally. This practice makes Eri silk another alternative to other forms of silk.
Let's now decode the steps behind Eri Silk production:
- Cultivation of Castor Plants: Castor plants are cultivated to provide a sustainable source of food for Eri silkworms.
- Silkworm Feeding: Silkworms are carefully raised in controlled environments and fed with castor leaves until they enter the cocoon-spinning stage.
- Cocoon Harvesting: Once the silkworms complete the cocoon spinning process, the cocoons are collected.
- Silk Extraction: The harvested cocoons undergo a boiling process to soften the sericin, the protein binding the silk threads. This allows for the gentle extirpation of silk threads.
- Spinning and Weaving: The extracted silk threads are spun into yarn and then intricately woven using traditional techniques to create exquisite Eri silk sarees.
Eri Silk vs. Vegan Silk: How the Latter Gets the Upper Hand?
Eri silk is often regarded as a more ethical alternative in the silk production industry, yet it is significant to recognise the practice while minimising harm, which may not be entirely without ethical considerations. Eri silk production entails selective breeding to cultivate strains of silkworms capable of emerging from their cocoons as moths, avoiding the traditional method associated with conventional silk production. However, this process still involves a degree of manipulation and breeding practices that impact the natural behaviour and genetic makeup of the silkworms.
Nevertheless, little attention is given to the fate of the adult moths once they exit the cocoon. Here, the farmers allow the moth to mate, and male moths are employed repeatedly until their fertility diminishes. Upon reaching the end of their utility, they are casually discarded, leading to a gradual demise. Female silkmoths, on the other hand, are crushed and subjected to tests to determine if they harbour any diseases. In the presence of illness, all the eggs are completely eradicated. A single female moth can lay between two hundred and a thousand eggs.
For specific strains, it is imperative to refrigerate the eggs; otherwise, the offspring will not survive beyond 2 months. Once refrigerated, the eggs hatch and need instant feeding to prevent mortality from malnutrition or dehydration. Nevertheless, any surplus quantity beyond the requirements for the subsequent yield leads to the demise of 200–300 embryos and hatching silkworms. Why does this scenario occur? The majority of silkworms raised for Ahimsa silk yield numerous breeds each season. If you begin with twenty thousand cocoons, the next generation will generate around 2.5 million, and the subsequent generation will produce around 312 million.
However, the challenge lies in the impracticality of feeding such an enormous population of silk moths. Consequentially, many offspring are left abandoned to succumb to hunger and dehydration. This results in the unfortunate demise of millions of caterpillars, in contrast to the conventional silk production process, where only one pupa per cocoon is sacrificed. The idea of peace silk (Eri silk) is captivating, getting the attention of conscious consumers who opt for it over the conventional method. However, upon closer analysis, the reality differs. While the silkworms are supposedly freed from the cocoon, they still meet a distressing demise. Thus, the branding of Eri Silk as 100% cruelty-free silk is a marketing stunt.
Critics of Eri silk argue that true cruelty-free silk would require the development of silk without any involvement of living organisms. Here enters vegan silk. Vegan silk sarees represent a conscious evolution of traditional Indian clothing. In contrast to conventional sarees that commonly incorporate silk or wool, these cruelty-free alternatives are manufactured solely from plant-based or man-made materials, completely avoiding any dependence on animal-derived elements. The concept of creating Vegan silk sarees predates the mainstream adoption of veganism.
The surge in the popularity of vegan sarees in 2024 can be attributed to a global shift towards sustainability and ethical consciousness. Adorning Vegan silk sarees are not just about wearing fabric; they are an immersive experience of donning guilt-free elegance. The sensation is unparalleled - a gentle touch against the skin, a luxurious drape that embodies both comfort and conscious style.
Explore the ethical and vegan perspectives of traditional silk. Don't miss out on the eye-opening truths. Read now!
Why Vegan Silk?
The main perk of vegan silk is its complete elimination of animal exploitation. This particular variety of vegan silk is crafted from cellulose fibres extracted from the pulp of eucalyptus trees.
Through a meticulous process, such fibres are transformed into a plush and opulent fabric that replicates the appearance and texture of traditional silk, all achieved without causing harm to animals.
Vegan silk often boasts a lower environmental footprint. Plant-based options, such as Tencel, are derived from renewable resources, contributing to a more eco-friendly fashion industry.
Vegan silk production is not only concerned with animal welfare but also extends to human welfare and is considered a way better option than Eri silk.
By using plant-based or man-made materials, the industry can reduce its reliance on labour-intensive practices associated with traditional silk farming, promoting fair labour practices and better working conditions.
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Vegan Silk Sarees for Greener Fashion
Breathability
Vegan silk sarees are best known for their breathability. The fabric allows air circulation, preventing discomfort associated with heat and humidity.
Lightweight Nature
These sarees are often lightweight, ensuring ease of movement and comfort throughout the day. The absence of excessive weight contributes to a relaxed and enjoyable wearing experience.
Soft Texture
Vegan silk sarees boast a soft and smooth texture against the skin. The fabric drapes gracefully, offering a gentle touch that enhances overall comfort, making it suitable for prolonged wear.
Allergen-Free
For individuals with silk allergies, vegan silk sarees provide a hypoallergenic alternative. Being plant-based, they eliminate the risk of allergic reactions, ensuring comfortable wear for everyone.
Versatile for All Seasons
The adaptable nature of vegan silk sarees makes them suitable for various seasons. It provides warmth in cooler weather without causing overheating in warmer temperatures, making it a versatile choice year-round.
Conclusion
If you are eager to explore and own the finest collection of vegan silk sarees, look no further than Hand N Yarns, India's premier vegan silk boutique.
Hand N Yarns not only redefines the silk saree industry with cruelty-free elegance but also prioritises eco-friendly processes, minimises waste, and embraces recycling practices, displaying a steadfast commitment to ethical choices.
Shop the best vegan silk sarees from Hand N Yarns to shape an eco-friendly fashion future that radiates beauty and actively contributes to our planet's well-being.
Discover a variety of vegan silk fabrics at Hand N Yarns. The collection includes Modal Silk, Tussar Silk, Jute Silk, Mashru Silk, and Silk Cotton.
In addition, you can also explore a diverse collection of vegan silk sarees, including Bagru Print, Banarasi Silk, Bandhani Silk, Hand Painted Silk, Patola Silk, Georgette Silk, and Organza Silk Sarees.
For a deeper dive into vegan silk sarees and more sustainable offerings, visit our blog section now.