Milkweed fiber
Context:
Recently, the Ministry of Textiles collaborated with Uniqlo to strengthen India’s textile sector, focusing on cotton productivity, sustainability, and global competitiveness.
- The collaboration highlighted the extension of research and development efforts into new natural fibres, including milkweed fibre.
Relevance:
GS-02 (Government policies and interventions)
What is Milkweed?
- Milkweed belongs to the genus Asclepias of the family Asclepiadaceae.
- Milkweed fibres are a sustainable, natural plant fibre that can be used in a variety of applications.
- It is also known as a stubborn weed.
- Its chemical constitution contains approximately 60% cellulose and 0.33%-0.4% of extractable oil and waxes. They are also buoyant and are water repellent.
- It is found as a wild plant in Rajasthan, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.
- It’s use as milkweed fibre was first found in Europe during the 18th century.
- Uses:
- Used in paper industries.
- Recently, it is being used in the textile industry as knitted fibre and milkweed comforter.
- It is also used as insulative filling material.
- Used in the manufacturing of life jackets and belts because of its buoyant and water-repellent properties.
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