Recently, the Union Textile Ministry has encouraged Uniqlo to extend its research and development efforts into new natural fibers, including milkweed fiber aligning with India’s own initiatives in this critical area.
Milkweed fibers, also known as vegetable silk, are single-cell fibers grown on the seeds of milkweed (Asclepia syriaca plants).
They can grow in various regions around the globe without requiring substantial irrigation like cotton.
Milkweed contains an abundance of milk sap in its leaves, stems and pods.
The flowers and floss of milkweed plants are used for God Shivas’ worship by people and most of the time floss is used only for stuffing purposes in insulation devices.
Milkweed fibres are hollow with a thin wall and are therefore light weight.
The hollow structure of milkweed fibre has led to its use in items where good insulation or buoyancy properties are needed.
Due to its very smooth surface and low strength and elongation, spinning of 100% milkweed fibre is difficult.
