Source: PIB
Context: The North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation (NEHHDC) has achieved the Oeko-Tex certification for Eri Silk, the world’s only vegan silk.
- This certification, awarded directly from Germany, highlights Eri Silk’s ethical and eco-friendly production process, where the moth naturally exits the cocoon, unlike other silk types where the moth is killed.
- The Oeko-Tex certification confirms that Eri Silk is free from harmful substances and produced under environmentally friendly conditions.
- This accomplishment enhances the global recognition of Eri Silk, a Geographical Indication (GI) product of Assam, and paves the way for its expansion into international markets.
India is unique in producing all five major types of commercially important silk, which are derived from different species of silkworms. These types include Mulberry, Oak Tasar, Tropical Tasar, Muga, and Eri.
Among these, Mulberry silk is cultivated, while the others, known as vanya silks, are wild silks.
