Silk & Sustainability

Mulberry silk and responsible material choice

Silk is a natural fibre, often praised for its special qualities. It is made from silk threads spun by silkworms, which feed on mulberry leaves. The material is known for its shine, strength, and long lifespan – and because it is an animal fibre, it naturally breaks down over time under the right conditions.

Efficient use of resources

Silk is a costly material, which means producers typically make great efforts 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 cushions, or in the making of smaller textile parts. Furthermore, the mulberry tree’s leaves are used as fodder, the fruits as food, and the wood for, for instance, building materials.

Resource-demanding, but evolving

Traditional silk production requires large amounts of boiling water to extract the fibres. Historically, this has meant high water and energy use. Today, however, several producers work with modern technologies where the water is cleaned and reused, which reduces the need for fresh water in production.