#Yarn & Fiber

2017-08-23

AMSilk named one of the 50 most innovative companies worldwide by Technology Review

AMSilk GmbH, the world's first industrial supplier of synthetic silk biopolymers, has been chosen by the German edition of MIT Technology Review as one of the 50 most innovative companies in the world. Now in its fourth year, this exclusive list honors companies that have achieved a technological breakthrough with their industry-changing products. AMSilk was recognized for its bioengineered spider silk, a new material which opens completely new possibilities for applications throughout the medical, cosmetic and textile industries.

Together with AMSilk, among the 50 most innovative companies recognized this year are industry giants including the Chinese online-retail giant Alibaba, Amazon, Continental, Daimler, Microsoft and Tesla.

AMSilk among the three finalists in the “Technology” category

As a first time honoree, AMSilk was named among the three finalists in the “Technology” category. The company will participate in the solemn prize awarding ceremony at the StartupNight in the Berlin Representation Office of Deutsche Telekom on September 8.

“Being honored as one of the 50 most innovative companies in the world makes us very proud. This award shows that AMSilk’s synthetic silk is not only a highly innovative product, but that it has the potential to disrupt industries and provide substantial added value for our partners, “said AMSilk CEO Jens Klein.

“We are looking forward to the prize awarding ceremony in Berlin and to the exchange of ideas with other innovation makers of the international business world.“

Robert Thielicke, editor-in-chief of Technology Review, added: “Since its foundation, Technology Review has been looking for companies and people which move at the limit of the feasible. This method might be subjective to a certain extent. But what would objective criteria be? The expenditure for research? The number of patents? In this case AMSilk would not have been considered although the company has achieved what has long been regarded as impossible: to learn from nature and produce the spider silk artificially. Now it is possible to produce incredibly robust, skin friendly and at the same time environmentally friendly clothes.”

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.

Vandewiele Group: Innovation across the textile value chain at ICFE Istanbul 2026

At the 2026 Istanbul Carpet & Flooring Expo (ICFE), Vandewiele Group presents its latest advancements spanning the entire textile value chain. From spinning and weaving to tufting, carpet manufacturing and digital finishing, the Group demonstrates how integrated innovation can boost performance, efficiency and sustainability across all stages of production. As a global technology leader, Vandewiele continues to develop solutions that strengthen processes, enhance product quality and enable smarter, greener manufacturing.

CARBIOS and Wankai sign strategic PET biorecycling pact

CARBIOS (Euronext Growth Paris: ALCRB) and Wankai New Materials (“Wankai”), a listed subsidiary of Zhink Group, the 3rd largest PET producer in China and 4th worldwide, announce the signing of the definitive agreement establishing a strategic partnership for the industrial rollout of CARBIOS’s PET biorecycling technology in Asia. The first milestone will be the construction of a PET biorecycling plant in China.

Fulgar voice at the Milan Fashion Institute

Daniela Antunes, Marketing Manager at Fulgar, participated as an expert speaker at the XVII edition of the Master in Brand & Product Management of the prestigious Milano Fashion Institute, which trains well-rounded professionals capable of managing both the creative and strategic-managerial aspects of the fashion & luxury sector.

Happy Holidays!

Dear reader, the year 2025 is drawing to a close. We are entering what we hope will be a peaceful holiday season, spending time with our families and taking a moment to pause and reflect. We hope we have been able to support you once again this year with relevant news and articles, and we look forward to surprising you with many innovations in the coming year. Enjoy the festive season, stay healthy, and we wish you a happy and joyful holiday season.

Texpertise Focus AI: Messe Frankfurt puts Artificial Intelligence centre stage at its international textile and apparel trade fairs

Under the banner 'Texpertise Focus AI, Messe Frankfurt will place a strong emphasis on Artificial Intelligence (AI) across its international textile and apparel trade fairs from 2026 onwards, setting a future-shaping signal for the industry. The initiative highlights the responsible use of AI along the entire textile value chain, from fibre production to the point of sale. The programme will launch at Heimtextil in Frankfurt in January 2026.

Autoneum and Polestar set new benchmarks for passenger experience and sustainability

As the global market leader in sustainable acoustic and thermal management, Autoneum is a key supplier of interior and exterior components for the highly anticipated Polestar 5 model. The successful collaboration between Autoneum and Polestar marks a significant milestone in sustainable automotive engineering: the electric grand tourer sports car features several innovations in lightweight, fully recyclable polyester-based components that ensure a superior driving experience. Polestar 5 was revealed at the IAA Mobility 2025 in Munich and is available in 24 markets.