ERI SILK : NATIONAL ISSUES
NEWS : NEHHDC achieves Oeko-Tex Certification
for Eri Silk, marking a milestone for Northeast’s unique vegan silk
WHAT’S IN THE NEWS ?
The North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation
(NEHHDC) under the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER),
Govt. of India, has successfully obtained the prestigious Oeko-Tex
certification for its Eri Silk, directly from Germany.
Eri Silk
- Origin: Native to northeastern
India, especially Assam and Meghalaya.
- Etymology:
Named after the Assamese word "era," meaning "castor,"
as the silkworms feed on castor plants.
- Sustainability:
Known as "Ahimsa" or "peace" silk; cruelty-free and
harvested after silkworms naturally exit their cocoons.
- Silkworm
Species: Produced from the Samia ricini species,
which primarily feed on castor plant leaves.
- Production
Process: Involves boiling cocoons to remove sericin,
followed by spinning the fiber into yarn.
- Unique
Characteristics: Soft, warm, woolly texture; durable;
naturally off-white, but can be dyed with plant-based or chemical dyes.
- Environmental
and Ethical Aspects: Eco-friendly production, supports rural
economies, particularly women in cottage industries.
- Geographical
Significance: Assam and Meghalaya are the main producers;
the climate in Northeast India is ideal for cultivation.
- Applications:
Used in apparel, furnishings, and artisanal products.
Oeko-Tex Certification
- Purpose: Ensures textiles and
leather products are tested for harmful substances and produced
responsibly.
- Types
of Certifications:
- Standard
100: Tests textiles at all production stages for
harmful substances.
- Made
in Green: Ensures products are safe and produced in
eco-friendly conditions.
- Leather
Standard: Similar safety standards for leather
products.
- STeP:
Covers sustainable production processes for textiles and leather.
- ECO
Passport: Certifies chemicals, dyes, and auxiliaries
used in production.
- Global
Reach: Recognized in over 60 countries, providing a
competitive advantage in international markets.
- Testing
Criteria: Includes regulated and non-regulated harmful
substances, compliance with REACH regulations, and product classification
based on skin contact.
Silk
- Definition: A
natural protein fiber produced by insect larvae, notably the mulberry
silkworm.
- Historical
Background: Originated in China around 2696 BC, spread
globally by the 6th century AD.
- Types
of Silk:
- Mulberry
Silk: Most common, known for strength and smooth
texture.
- Eri
Silk: Also called "peace silk"; heavier
and more durable than mulberry silk.
- Tussar
Silk: Produced from wild silkworms in India, with
a natural golden color.
- Muga
Silk: Exclusive to Assam, India; known for its
natural golden hue and durability.
·
Spider Silk: Rare and strong, but not widely
used due to production challenges.
- Production
Process: Involves cultivating silkworms, spinning
cocoons, extracting silk filaments, and weaving them into fabric.
- Global
Industry: China is the largest producer and exporter,
followed by India, which produces all four types of commercially traded
silk. Indian states like Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Assam are key
producers.
Source
:
https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2046099