The silent pain behind many funeral shrouds: Why plant-based/vegan fabrics are a kind choice for animals
- Debby
- May 9
- 4 min read
Making a shroud is a special activity. It is a final tribute, a symbol of respect, and a way to say goodbye in style and comfort. But what if you discover that the animal textiles you know —wool, silk, fur, leather, angora, or cashmere — are often associated with invisible suffering? That animals would have to suffer for our choices, even in a moment of mourning? In this blog, we dive into the ethical dilemmas behind these fabrics and why plant-based/vegan alternatives are a compassionate choice that is also environmentally friendly.
Below, I will briefly discuss the animal-derived substances mentioned and why it is better not to use them – not to confront you, but to show you how you can make a huge difference for animals with small choices.
Wool: a soft fleece with pain
Wool is often praised for its warmth, durability, and natural properties. But behind the soft threads lies a world of suffering. Merino sheep are bred worldwide for their fleece, but their lives are anything but a dream. One of the most painful practices is mulesing: cutting away pieces of skin around the sheep's tail to prevent infections caused by fly larvae. This is done without anesthesia and causes intense pain. Additionally, sheep are often skinned alive in countries where animal welfare standards are low, such as China and India. Since this is not indicated on labels, there is unfortunately a high chance that you are buying this without knowing it.
Silk: a lustrous thread of death
Silk is known for its luxurious sheen and smooth texture. But the production of silk is one of the most cruel processes in the textile industry. Bombyx mori caterpillars are boiled in their cocoons while still alive so that the silk can be extracted into a single long thread. This process is called sericiculture and is one of the most inhumane methods ever. Millions of caterpillars die a painful death for a few meters of fabric. Ahimsa silk is harvested after the butterfly has emerged from the cocoon, allowing the caterpillars to survive, but it still has a major environmental impact.
Fur: warmth at all costs
Fur is one of the most controversial materials, not only because of the animal suffering involved, but also because of the ecological impact. Animals such as foxes, minks, and rabbits are bred in cramped cages, where they thrive in their own filth and experience stress. Many animals bite off their own limbs out of frustration. Additionally, they are often skinned alive or gassed. Leather: a skin for scars
Leather: a skin for scars
Leather is one of the oldest materials used by humans, but its production is accompanied by extreme animal suffering. Cows, pigs, and even exotic animals such as crocodiles and ostriches are bred in the livestock industry, where they often lead short and stressful lives. In addition to animal welfare issues, leather production is also a heavy burden on the environment due to the use of chemicals such as chromium, which is toxic to humans and animals. You can also try vegan leather such as Piñatex, cork, or apple leather. Piñatex, made from pineapple leaves, is, for example, a sustainable and stylish alternative that is just as strong and supple as traditional leather.
Angora: soft hair, harsh reality
Angora is obtained from the fur of angora rabbits. These animals are plucked alive, where their fur is ripped out root and all. This causes severe pain and stress. Many rabbits develop skin infections or even die as a result of this practice. China is the largest producer of angora, where animal welfare standards are virtually non-existent.
Cashmere: luxury at a high price
Cashmere is one of the most luxurious fabrics in the world, but its production is accompanied by animal suffering and ecological damage. Cashmere goats are bred for their soft undercoat, but due to overgrazing in countries like Mongolia and China, they destroy grasslands and cause desertification. The goats are often mistreated and live in harsh conditions.
Hopefully, you can handle this information well, but it is very natural if this affects you deeply! It did for me and many others. You are certainly not alone! Fortunately, there is growing awareness, giving the world a chance to become more beautiful for animals again.
Why plant-based fabrics are the better choice
A shroud is a symbol of respect, peace, and dignity. It therefore feels strange to use materials that symbolize suffering and death for this final tribute. Vegan fabrics offer the same comfort, warmth, and elegance, but without the ethical and ecological costs. This way, you support a positive cause for now and the future.
Benefits of vegan fabrics:
🐷 Animal-friendly: No animal suffering; no animals are killed or mistreated.
🦋 Environmentally responsible: Less water consumption, no pesticides, and often biodegradable.
🌸 Sustainable: Many vegan fabrics are made from recycled materials or have a long lifespan, such as hemp, should you wish to use the shroud first, for example as a blanket.
💖 Unique appearance: Materials such as Piñatex or bamboo have their own character and add a personal touch to your shroud.
👑 Aesthetics: Vegan fabrics can be at least as beautiful and elegant as traditional materials.
📄 Certifications: You can pay extra attention to fabrics with GOTS certification (Global Organic Textile Standard) or other sustainability labels.
What if you already have something, but it is made of animal material? That is of course very sustainable, and it lasts until the end; at the same time, you might unintentionally be advertising an animal fabric. That is a choice only you can make, of course, and one that you feel most comfortable with.
For more inspiration: All animal-friendly fabrics you could use are listed in an overview with their ecological value in both ebooks. So, we can actually do very well and easily with only plant-based fabrics, even for your personal shroud as an animal lover. This way, you easily create a more beautiful world for the animals, but also for yourself, loved ones, and surviving relatives 💞
Please take care,
Debby
Comments