Silkworms are boiled alive during silk production to preserve cocoon threads, raising welfare questions as evidence grows that insects may have nociceptive abilities.
The welfare status of insects remains scientifically uncertain but increasingly taken seriously. Evidence for nociception in insects includes nociceptors, behavioral responses to tissue damage, and sensitization responses. The precautionary principle suggests treating them with care given this evidence. Traditional silk production involves boiling cocoons with living pupae inside to prevent the emerging moth from breaking the thread. Peace silk or ahimsa silk allows moths to complete development before cocoon processing but results in shorter, broken threads. Alternative silk-like materials from spider silk proteins, plant fibers, and synthetic materials can reduce demand for traditionally produced silk. The welfare of the billions of insects farmed annually deserves greater attention.