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PEACE SILK


Eco-friendly and sustainable fashion has become a much-needed trend and we will shed more light on one of its new frontiers known as Peace Silk.   
With so many different industries now prioritizing the environment during production processes, it isn't surprising at all to know that the fashion industry has followed suit.

From creating more environmentally-friendly and humane working conditions and production practices to using raw materials that aren't toxic, fashion has no doubt become one of the leading environmentally-conscious industries.


How is Silk made? 
Silk is a luxurious and highly requested fabric in fashion. Its soft, plush and shiny texture makes it a perfect fabric for every season as it can keep you warm in winter and breathable enough to be worn in summer. With sustainable fashion as the goal of every brand, designers use Silk as inner linings on clothes instead of the standard synthetic fabrics earlier used. 
Silk is produced from the silkworm. The process involves the boiling of these worms while still in their cocoons and then removing the silk strand. This way, the silk fiber remains intact, but unfortunately, the worm dies in the process. This has been the method of commercial silk production for decades with many consumers calling for a more humane and sustainable way of harvesting silk.


What is Peace Silk?
Peace silk is Silk produced and harvested in a way that the silkworm is groomed and left unharmed after the harvesting process. So, instead of the harsh commercial way of harvesting silk where the worms die in the process, peace silk is more rewarding for the worms as they are catered for and left alive after harvesting. It is also called "Ahimsa" or "Eri" and is practicedunder very high standards In India. 
Ahimsa Silk method was invented in the early 2000s by Kusuma Rajaiah.  He invented the method for producing silk using an eco-friendly way and without the need for killing the silk worms. He holds both a Patent (Application Number 217/MAS/2002) and a Trademark (Application Number 1495103, Class 24) for Ahimsa Silk from the Government of India.

How is Peace Silk Made?
The process of making peace silk is longer than that of commercial Silk but more rewarding. The worms are bred under very natural conditions with no insecticides, or fungicides used. They are kept in a controlled and a protected environment free from birds or other insects and are left to grow. After a period when the silkworms have spun cocoons, they are kept sheltered to undergo metamorphosis into butterflies at their own time naturally. After vacating their cocoons, the cocoons can then be boiled, and Silk processed efficiently without harsh chemicals being used. 
Granted that this process is about two weeks longer than the commercial method, it is a lot more rewarding for sustainable and eco-friendly fashion. This way, silk lovers can confidently wear their favorite fabric, knowing it was produced most humanely and sustainably.  



How does Peace Silk Affects the Environment?
Apart from the fact that peace silk is cruelty –free, there are many other environmental and health benefits of peace silk:

• The peace silk production process does not make use of any pesticides, or fungicides to ward off predators.
   Instead, a net is cast over the breeding ground for protection from pests.
• No harsh chemicals like barium, iron or lead are used during degumming and other steps in the production process.
• Silk is an answered prayer to many allergy-prone customers as it is hypoallergenic and suitable for the skin and hair.

Conclusively, loving fashion and caring about the environment is not mutually exclusive. It's time to let go of the craze for fast fashion and understand that slow fashion is more durable and rewarding in the long run.