#Yarn & Fiber

2022-05-05

AMSilk appoints Klaus Kjedal as Chief Production Officer and Managing Director

AMSilk GmbH (“AMSilk”), a world leader in supplying innovative high-performance bio-based silk materials, today announces the appointment of Klaus Kjedal as Chief Production Officer (CPO) and Managing Director (MD).

• Klaus will lead the scale-up of AMSilk’s protein production with existing CMOs

• Klaus will be responsible for developing and implementing the future AMSilk strategy for protein production, including the development of capacities and new CMOs worldwide

• Klaus brings more than 25 years’ biotechnology experience in global operations

Klaus was most recently Head of Operations Enzymes at BASF and has previously worked for Uniobio, Novozymes and Orkla Foods leading their global operations and manufacturing. He has considerable experience in global operations and brings a deep understanding of product development, purchasing, engineering, process improvements, internal logistics and contract manufacturing. Klaus has worked across Europe, the US and Asia with multiple different strategies, processes and technologies.

Dr. Wolfgang Colberg Chairman of the Advisory Board, AMSilk, said: “The Board and I are very pleased to welcome Klaus to the AMSilk Management Team. AMSilk is entering a new phase of growth and the appointment of Klaus is a testament to AMSilk’s growth strategy, as we continue to drive the industrial upscaling of the Company.”

Ulrich Scherbel, Chief Executive Officer, AMSilk, said: “To have Klaus join the team is validation of our role as one of the world’s leading suppliers of innovative high-performance biotech materials. Klaus’ knowledge and experience of global manufacturing will be invaluable as we scale-up AMSilk’s protein production in 2022.”

Klaus Kjedal, Chief Production Officer and Managing Director, AMSilk, added: “I am excited to be joining AMSilk and help progress the Company through the production and operations growth phase. AMSilk is a truly innovative company looking to make real change and I share its passion for making high-performance biotech materials that are accessible to everyone.”

AMSilk develops and supplies smart bio-fabricated silk materials for use in everyday life. The environmentally friendly, sustainable silk biopolymers can be fully recycled and are 100% biodegradable. These materials are leading the change to better and more sustainable products as well as driving state-of-the-art biomedical developments.

“Production is a product”

From technical textiles and AI-driven robotics to the limitations of textile circularity: Professor Dr Thomas Gries looks back on more than two decades of development at ITA Aachen. In the interview, he explains why production technology remains a decisive success factor, discusses international collaborations and innovation ecosystems, and shares his views on the transformation of production landscapes and the challenges facing an increasingly regulated industry.

“We need to move away from the price trap and return to a value-driven mindset.”

With its new Textile Innovation Center, KARL MAYER is sending a strong signal for innovation, collaboration, and the future of textile applications. In this interview, Karl Josef Mayer discusses new opportunities in warp knitting, the processing of staple fibres, recycling, the changing role of machinery manufacturers, and why the textile industry must once again focus more strongly on the value of textiles. by Oliver Schmidt

“Innovation, resilience and international experience remain the great strengths of the Swiss textile machinery industry”

Geopolitical uncertainty, growing competitive pressure from China, new free trade agreements and the shift towards a circular economy are currently reshaping the global textile industry. In this interview, Cornelia Buchwalder discusses the current mood within the Swiss textile machinery sector, the industry’s distinctive innovative strength, new market opportunities in India and Asia, and the technological trends that could shape the upcoming trade fair cycle leading up to ITMA 2027.

Expansive innovations converge in Shanghai as Yarn Expo Autumn 2026 opens doors next week

With just days to go, industry enthusiasm is building for the opening of Yarn Expo Autumn, Asia’s premier yarn and fibre trade fair, running from 25 – 27 August at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai). Across 27,000 sqm in Hall 8.2, buyers will find nearly 600 exhibitors from 14 countries and regions, spread across seven specialised zones that range from cutting-edge man-made and regenerated fibres to time-honoured cashmere and silk. Beyond the extensive sourcing options, a fringe programme of trend showcases, presentations and product launches rounds out the three¬day event with design, innovation and market intelligence.

Dornbirn GFC 2026 expands conference program with new thematic sessions

For 65 years, Dornbirn GFC has stood for innovation and is one of the world’s leading conferences in the fiber industry. From September 16 to 18, 2026, the international fiber community will meet in Dornbirn, Austria, to discuss current trends, technological developments, and forward-looking solutions. More than 600 experts from industry and academia from over 30 countries are expected to attend. With around 100 presentations by renowned speakers, a 2,5-day conference program, and three parallel presentation rooms with moderated sessions, Dornbirn GFC provides a first-class platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and international collaboration. Together, participants will generate ideas and impulses that will sustainably shape the future of the global fiber industry.

Lenzing reports improved half-year results and advances strategic transformation

Despite a persistently challenging market environment in the first half of 2026, characterized by volatile energy and raw material prices, subdued global consumer demand and intensified competition from Asia, the Lenzing Group significantly improved its financial performance. Net result after tax more than doubled to EUR 35.6 million, compared with EUR 15.2 million in the first half of 2025. Free cash flow increased to EUR 45.8 million, while EBITDA amounted to EUR 239.2 million. Revenue totaled EUR 1.27 billion, compared with EUR 1.34 billion in the previous year.

Ready for the future: PI Cottex chooses Brückner again for reliable quality and efficiency

PI Cottex, based in Ludhiana in the Indian state of Punjab, has developed into a leading manufacturer of high-quality knitted fabrics in recent years. Thanks to consistent vertical integration, modern pro-duction technologies and a clear focus on quality, the company supplies renowned national and inter-national clothing brands. In this interview, the team at PI Cottex talks to Brückner about its market strategy, future growth plans and its long-standing partnership with the German premium machinery manufacturer.

Première Vision Paris expands innovation focus across fashion and beauty

From September 1–3, 2026, Première Vision Paris will bring together more than 900 exhibitors from across the global fashion value chain. This year's edition places a strong emphasis on Innovation-Tech, highlighting technologies and materials that are reshaping product development, manufacturing and sustainability.

SHIMA SEIKI to exhibit at Première Vision Paris

Leading digital textile solutions provider SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD. of Wakayama, Japan will exhibit at Première Vision Paris in Paris, France next month. The company will exhibit in the "Smart Creation" area, dedicated to showcasing cutting-edge technologies that integrate sustainability and innovation. The knitting expert will be demonstrating solutions that optimize product development workflows and enhance sustainability through proposals in Digital Product Creation (DPC).