Your daily use of soap or cream could get a silken touch, if the Central Silk Board has its way.
The board is trying to put the by-products of silk cocoon to commercial use, which includes the possibility of introducing sericin-based soaps, among other things.
“Silk is basically a protein fibre. To achieve softness in the fabric, the gum — which makes up for nearly 25 per cent of it — needs to be removed. This used to be boiled with soda and soap earlier which would be wasted because it could not be used for anything as it was mixed with chemicals. But we have started using a degumming machine, in which the gum is subjected to pressurised boiling without chemicals,” said Shankar S. Kotrannavar, Assistant Director (Inspection), Central Silk Board.
This liquid is then treated with spray drying to produce a powder, which is a similar procedure employed in making milk powder. The board is now in the process of testing to see how the powder can be used in products such as soaps and cosmetics without causing side-effects. A consumer goods giant is already said to have expressed interest in the project.
“Sericin is a protein and has good moisture absorption properties. So it can be used for the skin and even the hair,” Mr. Kotrannavar said. Other by-products, such as pupa oil, are also being set aside to explore commercial possibilities.
