Silk & Sustainability

Mulberry silk and responsible material selection

Silk is a natural fiber that is often touted for its special properties. It is made from the silk spun by silkworms that feed on mulberry leaves. The material is known for its luster, strength and longevity – and because it is an animal fiber, it naturally degrades over time under the right conditions.

Efficient use of resources

Silk is a costly material, which means that manufacturers typically go to great lengths to use the entire raw material. Residual materials from silk production are often used for other purposes – for example as filling in silk duvets and pillows, or in the production of smaller textile parts. In addition, the leaves of the mulberry tree are used as animal feed, the fruits as food and the wood for building materials, for example.

Resource-intensive, but developing

Traditional silk production requires large amounts of boiling water to extract the fibers. Historically, this has meant high water and energy consumption. Today, however, several manufacturers are working with modern technologies where the water is purified and reused, reducing the need for new consumer water in production.