• The North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation (NEHHDC) under the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), has obtained the Oeko-Tex certification for its Eri Silk. 

• This accomplishment not only elevates the region’s traditional craftsmanship but also positions Eri Silk as a globally recognised, sustainable textile.

• The Oeko-Tex certification, is a standard that ensures textiles are tested for harmful substances and produced in environment friendly conditions. 

• The endorsement further cements the silk’s status as a Geographical Indication (GI) product of Assam, highlighting its authenticity and regional importance.

• This certification marks a pivotal step in bringing Eri Silk closer to penetrating the global export market, expanding its reach, and establishing a strong international presence. 

• This milestone opens new doors for Eri Silk, positioning it as a leading eco-friendly fabric in the international market, and showcasing the region’s potential in contributing to the global textile industry.

• Oeko-Tex was founded in 1992 with the aim of using laboratory tests to ensure textile products are harmless to human health. This led to the development of the Oeko-Tex Standard 100, now a best-known certification for product safety. It is made up of 17 independent textile and leather testing institutes, with offices around the globe.

Eri Silk

• Eri Silk is renowned as the world’s only vegan silk, where, unlike other silks, the moth inside the cocoon is not killed. Instead, the moth naturally exits the cocoon, leaving it behind for us to use. This ethical and eco-friendly process sets Eri Silk apart, making it a symbol of compassion and sustainability in the textile industry.

• Eri Silk is derived from the silkworm Samia Ricini.

• Eri Silk is often referred to as the “fabric of peace” and “Ahimsa Silk” as the cocoon is open-ended and the worm is extracted but not killed.

• Eri Silk is durable and strong and has a typical texture. It is widely used in home furnishing like curtains, bed covers, cushion covers, wall hangings, quilts, etc. 

• It is also known as “vanya silk” and has anti-microbial properties.

• Eri threads cannot be reeled into raw filament yarn, but are spun like wool. The Eri silkworm builds its cocoon with several short threads and a small hole at the top, making it possible for the evolved moth to leave the cocoon without damaging the thread’s natural quality. This makes killing unnecessary as the cocoon can be harvested once empty, making the fiber sustainable by securing a continuous life cycle.

• It is a very long process which takes around 45 days in total. The growth of the worm itself takes 30 days during which it is continuously eating the castor leaves from the trees in the villages. Once the final size is attained the worms start to spin their cocoons. This takes another 15 days.

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