Researchers in Singapore have discovered a method through which they could cause the silkworms to produce coloured silk. The new method would help to skip the process of dyeing silk and is also more eco-friendly.
Under the new method, mulberry powder and a special coloured substance is mixed in the silkworm’s diet. Once the silkworms consumes and digests this food, they start producing coloured silk. A team of eight scientists representing the Agency for Science, Technology and Research was working on the project from 2009 onwards. According to them, the new process not only helps to conserves water, but also involves lesser use of resources as compared to the conventional silk production techniques.
Source:http://www.fibre2fashion.com/news/textile-news/newsdetails.aspx?news_id=97151