Eri silk, the respectful thread:
Eri silk, also known as Ahimsa silk or peace silk, is a type of silk produced from the Eri silkworm (Samia ricini), which is native to India and parts of Northeast Asia.
It’s unique among silks for being non-violent and eco-friendly, since the silk is harvested without killing the silkworm and letting them finish their hole cycle.
Eri silk properties:
Warmth: Naturally insulating — cool in summer, warm in winter.
Durability: Strong, breathable, and washable.
Texture: Soft, warm, and slightly coarse; often compared to cotton or wool.
Sheen: Dull or matte (unlike the glossy mulberry silk).
Color: Naturally off-white, cream, or reddish; takes dyes very well.
Ethical and Environmental Benefits
Non-violent: The silkworm is not killed, aligning with Ahimsa (non-harming) principles. They finish their hole cycle.
Sustainable: Eri silk cultivation supports small farmers and tribal communities in rural India. Moth can not eat leaves that are contaminated.
Biodegradable and Biocompatible: Being a naturally created fiber, it can degrade in the environment and has been shown in medical applications to adapts very well to the human body.
Origin and Production
Silkworm species: Samia ricini (feeds on castor leaves, not mulberry leaves).
Regions: Primarily produced in Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, and other parts of Northeast India, as well as Thailand and China.
Harvesting method: The cocoon is spun open-ended (not continuous), allowing the moth to emerge naturally, unlike traditional mulberry silk where cocoons are boiled with the larvae inside.