For decades, India’s textile sector has been searching for homegrown sustainable fibers that can compete with imported wool and synthetic alternatives. A quiet revolution is happening now, thanks to milkweed fiber, which researchers believe could redefine winter wear and cold-weather textiles for the future.
What is Milkweed Fiber?
Milkweed (Calotropis gigantea and Calotropis procera) is a hardy, wild shrub found abundantly in arid and semi-arid regions of India. Traditionally, it has been considered a weed with little economic value. But textile scientists at NITRA (Northern India Textile Research Association) discovered that its floss-like fibers inside the seed pods have unique properties that make them ideal for clothing and technical textiles.
- Hollow Structure → Traps air, making it lighter and warmer than wool.
- Natural Pest Resistance → Moths and other insects that damage wool don’t attack milkweed.
- Hypoallergenic → Gentle on skin, unlike some coarse wools that cause irritation.
- Eco-Friendly → Grows in wastelands with almost no water, pesticides, or fertilizers.
How is it Processed?
The journey from plant to fabric hasn’t been easy. The fibers inside the pods are very delicate, and earlier attempts to spin them into yarn failed. But after 20 years of R&D, NITRA developed methods to blend milkweed with other fibers like cotton, silk, and wool for better strength and spinnability.
Now, textile firms in Ludhiana (Punjab’s textile hub) are piloting winter sweaters, shawls, and jackets made with milkweed blends. These products are reported to be:
- 30–40% lighter than pure wool
- Warmer than sheep wool due to the hollow fiber insulation
- Naturally glossy, resembling silk in some weaves
Why is it Sustainable?
Milkweed checks nearly every box of sustainability:
- No cultivation stress – It grows wild in India’s wastelands, requiring zero irrigation.
- Low input cost – No need for fertilizers or pesticides.
- Carbon footprint – Processing and harvesting are far less resource-intensive than sheep farming.
- Rural livelihood – Farmers and self-help groups can collect pods seasonally, opening new income streams.
Applications in Fashion & Beyond
- Winterwear: Sweaters, shawls, jackets, coats (lighter and warmer than wool).
- Luxury Textiles: Can be blended with silk for high-end stoles and fabrics.
- Technical Textiles: Due to its buoyancy and hollow structure, milkweed is also being explored for life jackets, insulation, and filters.
Global brands are already experimenting. In the US, milkweed has been studied for use in thermal insulation and oil spill absorbents. India could now lead its commercial textile revolution.
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