#Natural Fibers

2026-01-22

AMSilk’s silk protein yarns debut in Balenciaga collection

AMSilk GmbH (“AMSilk”), a global leader in advanced biomaterials made from silk proteins, today announced that its bioengineered yarns are featured in commercially available garments within Balenciaga’s Spring 2026 collection.

The designs include a sharp-collared white shirt and a black shirtdress that cinches at the waist with a ribbon tie, complete with an embroidered tone-on-tone Balenciaga logo on one gleaming-buttoned cuff. Each style is available in select Balenciaga stores worldwide and on balenciaga.com.

This launch marks a significant milestone for the luxury fashion industry, as AMSilk’s bioengineered silk protein yarns move from development and pilot applications into real world, consumer facing products. It demonstrates that biotech materials can meet the demanding requirements of high end fashion, including aesthetic quality, consistency, durability and compatibility with established manufacturing processes.

Ulrich Scherbel, Chief Executive Officer at AMSilk added: “Seeing our material reach consumers through a global luxury brand is a defining moment for AMSilk. This application shows that bioengineered materials are no longer experimental. They are ready for demanding industrial environments and real market adoption. It reflects years of technological progress and demonstrates how innovation at material level can enable both performance and more resilient production systems.”

Inspired by nature, AMSilk’s advanced biomaterials made from silk proteins set a new standard in material innovation. These 100% protein-based, fully biodegradable, and microplastic-free biomaterials use cutting-edge science and the most advanced technologies such as DNA editing and protein engineering to transform biogenic materials, derived from nature, into groundbreaking Biogenius Materials.

Evonik and AMSilk extend partnership for sustainable biotech silk materials

Evonik and AMSilk, a global leader in advanced biomaterials based on silk proteins, have deepened their collaboration with a long-term agreement to produce sustainable silk proteins at industrial scale. Building on their initial manufacturing agreement from 2023, the companies have commissioned a manufacturing line at Evonik’s Slovakian site for AMSilk’s high-performance silk. This innovative biomaterial is produced with minimal environmental impact and is designed for use in premium fashion and highly demanding automotive interiors.

AMSilk secures EUR 52M strategic financing to accelerate commercial growth

AMSilk GmbH (“AMSilk”), a frontrunner in advanced biomaterials made from silk-based proteins, today announced it has successfully secured EUR 52 million financing led by existing investor ATHOS (AT Newtec), along with strong participation from fellow existing investors MIG Capital and Novo Holdings. The financing combines EUR 30 million in equity, and EUR 22 million in convertible bonds. This reflects strong investor confidence and long-term commitment in AMSilk’s technology and market potential.

AMSilk announces successful partnership negotiation with Ajinomoto for industrial fermentation

AMSilk GmbH (“AMSilk/the Company”), a frontrunner in advanced biomaterials made from spider silk-based proteins, today announces that the Company and Ajinomoto Foods Europe (AFE), a company with over 50 years of experience in industrial fermentation, and the affiliate of the globally established Ajinomoto group, have expressed mutual interest to step into a long-term partnership to biomanufacture silk proteins at Ajinomoto Foods Europe’s manufacturing facility in Nesle, France.

China projected to increase cotton production, yields, and imports in 2026/27

World cotton production in the 2026/27 season is projected at 25.9 million tonnes, exceeding global consumption of 25.2 million tonnes, according to the May 2026 issue of Cotton This Month. That means both production and consumption are expected to remain close to current season levels, while global cotton trade is projected to decline by 2.7% to approximately 9.6-9.7 million tonnes.

BTMA backs global growth while investing in future UK leaders

As one of a number of new initiatives launched this year, the British Textile Machinery Association (BTMA) is launching the UK-India Textile Machinery Coalition. The UK-India Free Trade Agreement, signed in July 2025, has implications that extend across sourcing, competitiveness and long-term trade dynamics, believes BTMA CEO Jason Kent.

ECCO introduces first shoe featuring innovative protein-based fibre

ECCO, in partnership with Spinnova, announces the launch of the limited edition ECCO BIOM® 720, a first-of-its-kind shoe utilising an often overlooked leather by-product, transformed into a protein-based fibre. The fibres are produced using patented technology that advances material innovation while reducing waste and supporting full resource use across the leather and textile industry.

The LYCRA Company strengthens sustainability leadership, appoints Alistair Williamson as VP of Product Sustainability

The LYCRA Company has appointed longtime executive Alistair Williamson as vice president of product sustainability, reaffirming its commitment to developing sustainable solutions for apparel and personal care products. In this role, he will guide the company’s next chapter of sustainability strategy and oversee all initiatives aimed at reducing environmental impact across products, operations, and innovation platforms.