Peace Silk (Ahimsa Silk) 2026 – Are Silkworms Harmed?

Are silkworms harmed in the production of silk?

After years of research and study, we now understand and know the benefits of silk pillowcases to fight frizz, split ends and wrinkles — but there is always that one thought that ethically-minded sleepers have when they lie down on their beloved silk pillows: the animal welfare aspect of silk production. In contrast to Peace silk, conventional silk is not cruelty-free.

Peace Silk Production – What is Silk? How is it Made?

Silk fibers are 97% protein. The silkworm larva produces silk in order to build a protective cocoon around itself for undisturbed metamorphosis. Prior to this, the larva feeds on a specific type of food — mulberry leaves — to produce mulberry silk. When the cocoon is ready, the silk farmers throw the cocoons into boiling water. They do this to kill the silkworms before they eat their way to freedom, destroying the cocoon with its precious fibers. It’s even common in rural areas to eat the boiled silkworm caterpillar.

However, boiling the cocoons is necessary to soften the sericin that holds the silk fibers together. Each cocoon contains up to 1.5 km of thread. Depending on the size of yarn required, the unwound threads from 3 to 20 cocoons are then spun together to form a single strand of silk thread. This whole process is called sericulture and is carried out in an artificial environment.

The part where the silkworms are boiled alive and killed is the part that horrifies every animal rights activist, including us. So we went looking for alternatives and found a cruelty-free choice in Peace silk.

Peace Silk – What is Ethical Silk? (Also Known as Ahimsa Silk)

Peace silk, also known as Ahimsa silk, is an ethical alternative to conventional silk. It is a type of silk that is produced without harming the silkworm. Unlike conventional silk production, which involves boiling silkworms alive in their cocoons to extract the silk fibers, Peace silk is produced by allowing the silkworms to complete their metamorphosis into moths before harvesting their cocoons.

Ahimsa is a Sanskrit term meaning “non-violence” or “non-harm”. It is a principle of Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism that encourages the practice of non-violence towards all living beings. In the context of Peace silk and Ahimsa silk, the term is used to refer to silk that is produced without harming silkworms.

Ahimsa means to live with respect for all living beings. That’s what Peace silk / Ahimsa silk is based on — and that’s the principle Moonchild is based on.

Peace Silk or Ahimsa Silk – How Is It Made Cruelty-Free?

Peace silk is non-violent silk and an ethical fabric. No silkworms are killed in the production of Peace silk. Instead of boiling the silkworm alive, they are allowed to hatch. They are able to do this because the farmers make small cuts at a certain point in the cocoon. This allows the silkworms to hatch almost naturally while preserving the precious filament. Think of it as a form of gentle midwifery. The cocoons are collected as a by-product in the wild and then boiled (without the chrysalis inside).

Peace silk doesn’t use genetically engineered silkworms or those that have lost their ability to fly or eat over generations of breeding. Ahimsa Silk typically adds an extra 10 days to the process to allow the silkworms to grow and hatch, as well as some additional work steps. Whereas the conventional and less humane way only takes about 15 minutes. Peace silk is more labour intensive and costly, but we love and support the ethical approach.

Organic Peace Silk Fabric – Mulberry Silk or Eri Silk?

It has taken us many years to source Peace silk fabric of the same quality as the finest conventional silk available on the market. Our Peace silk production and plantations are located in India. The silkworms feed only on mulberry leaves, thus producing silky smooth mulberry silk. These virgin silk filaments from the cocoons are then spun together to produce silk threads, which are later woven into a silk fabric.

The wild silkworms also contribute to local pollination and thus increase the local botanical diversity. Our silk does not come from domesticated silkworms like the traditional Bombyx mori, but from the Bombyx indica silkworms. Peace silk fabric, just like regular silk, can be made from many sources such as Tussar Silk or Eri Silk and gets its name from the food of the silkworm.

Peace Silk vs Mulberry Silk – The Key Differences (2026 Comparison)

Peace Silk: What Are the Health & Environmental Benefits?

All of the aforementioned features improve the environmental and animal impact — but they are also a plus for us discerning dreamers. We sleep on silk in its purest and most honest form, so we use a beauty product in our daily lives that is free of harmful toxins and chemicals.

Peace silk is generally antimicrobial, hypoallergenic and acts as a natural dust mite and fungus repellent. This makes it one of the cleanest materials to sleep on. Allergy sufferers have always known this. All of these benefits make Moonchild Peace silk pillowcases safe to rest on at night with a clear conscience, making us sleep, look and feel better.

Peace Silk: What is the Environmental Impact?

In addition to being a more humane alternative, Peace silk has clear environmental benefits. Conventional silk production requires harmful chemicals and large amounts of water. Peace silk, on the other hand, is produced using natural, organic methods:

• No pesticides on mulberry plantations
• No toxic fertilisers, insecticides or fungicides
• No chemicals during production (no toxic salts for degumming)
• No toxic finishes harmful to human health

Is Peace Silk Vegan Silk?

Depending on the definition of vegan, Peace silk can be considered vegan-friendly or vegan, as no animal cruelty is involved. The cocoons are collected as leftovers after the silkworm has completed its metamorphosis. If vegan is defined as any type of animal product, then Peace silk would not be considered vegan. All other vegan silk alternatives consist of synthetic fabrics and are not natural fibres. Lotus silk is the only exception — but very rare and expensive.

Peace Silk – The Truly Better Alternative?

Organic Peace silk is a natural material made from the cocoons of silkworms. It is produced without harming the silkworms, unlike in conventional silk industry, where they are boiled alive. In addition to being cruelty-free and allowing for a full metamorphosis, Peace silk has another extraordinary benefit: the silk itself and the production process are completely organic and free from any potentially harmful toxins.

The use of organic Peace silk has become increasingly popular. Many designers and brands are now using it to create luxurious, high-quality garments that are both ethical and sustainable. By choosing Peace silk products like Moonchild pillowcases and sleep masks, you can enjoy the luxurious feel of silk while supporting humane and environmentally friendly production methods.

Ready for truly ethical silk? Discover Moonchild’s organic Peace silk pillowcases and silk sleep masks — the cruelty-free choice that lets you sleep better with a clear conscience.

FAQ – Peace Silk & Ahimsa Silk 2026

Is Peace Silk the same as Ahimsa Silk?

Yes — Peace Silk and Ahimsa Silk are two names for the same ethical silk.

Is Peace Silk vegan?

It depends on your definition. Many vegans accept it as cruelty-free because no silkworms are killed.

Where to buy Peace Silk pillowcases?

Look for certified organic Peace silk from brands like Moonchild that guarantee full metamorphosis and organic standards.