Is Silk vegan? - NO

Silk - From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Silk is a natural protein fiber that can be woven into textiles. It is obtained from the cocoon of the silkworm larva, in the process known as sericulture, which kills the larvae. The shimmering appearance for which it is prized comes from the fibers' triangular prism-like structure, which allows silk cloth to refract incoming light at different angles.

NOT VEGAN!

Here is some info we found on so called "peace" or vegetarian silk:
"Peace Silk" lets the silkworm live out its full life cycle. "Peace silk", also known as "vegetarian silk" is raised and processed differently. The moths are allowed to emerge from their cocoons to live out their full life cycle. The silk is degummed and spun like other fiber, instead of being reeled.

Is Peace silk vegan? NO. By definition(from wikipedia)
Veganism (from Wikipedia) is a philosophy and lifestyle which "seeks to exclude — as far as is possible and practical — all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing or any other purpose; and by extension, promotes the development and use of animal-free alternatives for the benefit of humans, animals and the environment."

No matter how the silk is obtained, it is produced by an animal (animal by-product) therefore it is not vegan.

Issues concerning “Peace Silk”
As is it stated above the silkworm is RAISED. Meaning some type of controlled environment - a silk farm. Which takes the animal, and puts it in an un-natural environment. Humans provide the food/shelter, not nature. And they are kept in a room – Not outside so they can have fresh air/water/sunlight, etc.
“Silk caterpillars are very responsive. They look up when you enter the room”

“They are allowed to live out the full life cycle”. Great, but how? Living at a farm? Which means they are kept at the farm there entire lives in order to produce silk and more silkworms. What kind of life is that? A silkworm becomes a moth, that is supposed to be able to live-fly freely, not trapped in a farm cage.

So now what? Fiber from bamboo is being used for clothing material, it is soft and smooth like silk, and it is vegan and environmentally friendly - I'll save that info for another post.