Enzymatic degumming is emerging as an eco-friendly fibre-gentle process where proteolytic enzymes that are effective under alkaline, neutral as well as acidic conditions are being used. With the local availability of the enzymes at a reasonable price this process has a commercial potential in India. Being large molecules, enzymes do not penetrate into the interstices of the fabric and hence are suitable for yarn degumming only. A critical control of the pH and temperature is required to realize the full potential of the enzymes requiring use of sophisticated machinery such as the Mezzera yarn-dyeing machine (Illustration II). Since most of the enzymes are effective at a comparatively low temperature of about 60⁰C, they are less energy-intensive.

The degumming waste liquor that is rich in sericin content is being used as a raw material for the production of sericin powder. The sericin powder is being used in the cosmetic industry as moisturizer, in hair-care products and also as a sustainable natural textile finish (Illustration III). Removal of sericin from the waste degumming liquor also substantially reduces the effluent.