CSTRI to Introduce New Purity-Testing Technology for Silk Products

New Method to Ensure Silk Purity

P Sivakumar, the member secretary and CEO of the Central Silk Board (CSB), revealed that a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Senorics researchers would be signed within the next six months. The adoption of this cutting-edge technology comes as Karnataka, India’s largest silk producer, continues to innovate in the field. With CSB celebrating its platinum jubilee this year, this project is a long-awaited move to replace outdated testing methods.

Traditionally, silk purity has been tested through destructive means, such as burn tests or chemical analysis, which help identify whether the yarn is pure mulberry silk. However, these methods are not only impractical for large-scale verification but also unreliable in preserving the fabric’s integrity.

“Silk is a luxury product, and customers often purchase expensive fabrics without the ‘Silk Mark India’ label, raising doubts about authenticity. This new technology will reassure them about the quality,” Sivakumar stated in an interview .

Non-Destructive Testing via NIR Spectroscopy

The new technology leverages NIR spectroscopy, a non-invasive testing method that analyses material composition without causing damage to the fabric. The technique will allow silk authenticity to be verified in real-time by identifying its molecular composition.

S Periyasamy, Director of CSTRI, explained how this advancement could transform silk sales: “The device can analyse the properties of materials like polyester, nylon, and cotton. Sellers can install these sensors in their stores, enabling customers to verify the quality of products. Our role at CSTRI is to help develop and refine this technology.”

According to Periyasamy, this technology will not only be useful for silk but also for other fibres often blended with or substituted for silk. The ability to differentiate between silk and synthetic fibres like polyester or nylon will offer greater transparency to consumers.

Addressing Consumer Concerns

One of the key issues this initiative seeks to address is the frequent mislabelling of silk products. Customers often face difficulties in confirming the authenticity of silk fabrics, particularly when purchasing products without the “Silk Mark India” label, a certification provided by CSB to authenticate silk products.

The introduction of NIR spectroscopy promises to mitigate this problem by enabling quick, on-the-spot testing at retail outlets. This can increase customer confidence and potentially reduce the sale of counterfeit or substandard silk products.

As a luxury good, silk’s authenticity is crucial to maintaining its premium status in both national and international markets. This move by CSTRI and CSB could therefore boost not just domestic sales but also India’s global reputation as a leading silk producer.

Silk Byproducts in Pharmaceuticals and Cosmetics

Aside from silk purity testing, CSTRI is also focusing on research related to silk byproducts. The organisation is exploring the potential uses of these byproducts in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.

“Studies have shown that silk byproducts, such as fibroin and mulberry extracts, have anti-ageing properties,” said Periyasamy. “As a leading silk producer, India must promote these byproducts as sustainable alternatives for the beauty and wellness industries.”

These byproducts could offer an additional revenue stream for silk producers and encourage more sustainable practices in the industry by ensuring that every part of the silk cocoon is utilised.

Celebrating 75 Years of Silk Excellence

The introduction of NIR spectroscopy for silk purity testing is just one of several initiatives that the Central Silk Board is pursuing to mark its 75th anniversary. To commemorate this milestone, CSB will host a Seri Stakeholders Meet at the University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK, this Saturday.

The event will bring together stakeholders from across the silk industry, including farmers, retailers, and researchers, to discuss innovations and challenges in silk production. It will serve as a platform for knowledge exchange, with a focus on promoting sustainable practices and cutting-edge technology in sericulture.

This event is also expected to highlight the board’s achievements over the last 75 years, particularly in research and development, and to set the stage for future advancements in the field.

Conclusion

The collaboration between CSTRI and Senorics marks a significant step forward in silk testing and quality assurance in India. With the introduction of NIR spectroscopy, consumers can expect greater transparency and reliability when purchasing silk products, while producers can benefit from a more streamlined, non-invasive testing method. As Karnataka continues to lead the nation in silk production, these advancements will further solidify India’s position as a global hub for high-quality silk.

Read More : Central Silk Board to Celebrate 75th Anniversary in Mysuru on September 20