October 24, 2024
Rino Furuya and Kanon Kito
Silk, once accessible only to the wealthy, is now attracting interest from Generation Z and seniors as an enabler of a more sustainable future. Can silk, which began to be used 5,000 years ago and has been patronized as the “queen of fibers,” become a part of our lives and a means to a sustainable world?
Growing Environmental Awareness Across Generations
People's concern for environmental issues is gradually increasing, with the most interested generations being Generation Z, born from the mid-1990s to the early 2010s, and seniors aged 60 and older. It’s common to see older adults bringing their own bags to supermarkets or carrying reusable water bottles when they go out. According to the survey titled 2023 Generation Z conducted by Deloitte Tohmatsu Group, an audit firm, climate change and environmental protection were significantly more pressing concerns than issues like unemployment or healthcare for Generation Z. The ease of gathering information through social media and the growing number of school lessons focused on the SDGs contribute to this heightened awareness, and these topics are often featured in the media.
As a result of this interest, people tend to prioritize quality over quantity in their choices of clothes. This shift has led to an increased focus on high-quality silk, which cannot be found in fast fashion.
Global Silk Production and Market Growth Trends
In 2009, China accounted for 75.47% of global cocoon production, India for 17.78%, and Japan for only 0.04%. According to SDKI, a research company, silk market revenue reached approximately US$18.3 billion in 2023, with the market further growing at a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of approximately 8.33% during the forecast period. It is expected to reach a value of approximately US$47.8 billion by 2035. This indicates that the global focus on silk is also increasing.
As we described before, the global silk market is growing quickly. That is because of the high demand for silk. More and more consumers are choosing products which are sustainable and eco-friendly.
Industrial Development Through Silk: Lessons from Japan's Meiji Period
After the Meiji Restoration in 1868, Japan, filling the gap between itself and the Western powers, aimed for industrial development and a strong nation through the policies of 'Shokusan Kogyo' (promoting industry) and 'Fukoku Kyohei' (rich country with strong military power). Japan lacked the people with sufficient knowledge and skills, so the Japanese government invited experts from developed Western countries. Silk factory in Tomioka —---As a result, Japan became one of the developed countries. As Japan’s growth, developing countries can also grow economically by linking silk to industrial development as a strength. Producing silk in Japan, then a developing country, increased local jobs for young women. However, the price of Japanese silk went up, and production places shifted to China and other Asian countries. Also, silk is no longer used since it is very sensitive to use. The Great Depression severely impacted the silk industry, leading to a sharp decline in prices. The rapid development of rayon production and the invention of nylon by DuPont in the United States drastically reduced the demand for silk. Additionally, the rise in imported silk textiles from China, India, and Thailand contributed to the industry's decline.
Sustainable Benefits of Silk: A Step Towards Environmental Conservation
Silk possesses various attractive qualities, including a beautiful luster, moisture absorption and release, heat retention, and antibacterial properties. Additionally, it is lightweight and durable, making it a highly sustainable material. Notably, silk protects the skin from UV rays, helping to prevent sunspots, which is a significant benefit for women. One of the appealing aspects for the environment is that it is made of protein, which makes recycling easier.
In the future, as the practical use of silk expands and mass production increases, we can expect that prices will decrease. In today’s world, where sustainability is increasingly important, incorporating silk into daily life could be a step toward saving the planet.
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