070. Hilmond Hui: How Bombyx is Transforming the Way Silk is Produced, Traded and Consumed (Part 2)

This is part two of my conversation with Hilmond Hui, VP of Bombyx and VP of PFG. PFG is a manufacturing company with factories across mainland China and Hong Kong, doing textile production, dyeing, weaving, cut and sew, and logistics and a long history of producing for brands like Eileen Fisher.

Bombyx is a subset of PFG formed in 2018. Their focus is on regenerative silk production and transforming the way silk is produced, traded and consumed. They’re on a mission to do everything from dirt to fabric and beyond.

In this episode, we talk barriers. If regenerative silk is so great, why doesn’t everyone do it? Was everyone within PFG on board with the idea of Bombyx from the beginning? What did getting the green light for this project take? And why did the push for Bombyx come from within rather than, as many might assume, from the brands for which they produce?

Want to dig deeper ?

Check out this episode with Danielle Arzaga about why Candiani has opted for biodegradability and regenerative production practices over recycling. Looking for a nuanced perspective on fashion’s latest buzz word?  Check out Sarah Mock‘s piece 80 Million Reasons Not to Pay for Regenerative Farming. Also recommend subscribing to her weekly newsletter.

Talking about regenerative agriculture also raises questions about sourcing models. Tune into our conversation with Crispin Argento about direct to grower cotton sourcing and this episode with cotton grower Cannon Michael.

Want to learn more about soil health? We learned a lot from this Wardrobe Crisis interview with Nina Marenzi. Which also led us this article in the Guardian by George Monbiot: “We’re Treating the Soil Like Dirt. It’s a Fatal Mistake, as Our Lives Depend on It”.

For a more uplifting take on soil health, check out the movie Kiss the Ground – available on Netflix.