#Yarn & Fiber

2022-10-20

AMSilk relocate offices to support expansion plans

AMSilk GmbH (“AMSilk”), a world leader in supplying innovative high-performance bio-based silk materials, announces its relocation to a new biotech lab and office space covering more than 2000m2 on the recently constructed Campus Neuried in Munich, Germany, to support its expansion into production networks outside of Europe.

The purpose-built offices will support its production of game-changing material solutions on an industrial scale

Expanding biotech laboratory, pilot plants and office space, AMSilk embarks on the next stage of its journey to provide biofabricated silk materials across the world

The new Company offices at Campus Neuried, which began development in August 2019, have been purpose built to suit the individual needs and requirements of AMSilk. At more than 2000m2, its new office space is triple the size of its previous residence at IZB, supporting the Company’s next phase of development as it aims to scale-up production, reaching several thousand tons per year within the next 3 to 5 years.

AMSilk places sustainability and performance at the heart of its vision with an environmentally friendly manufacturing process. Its innovative and scalable biotechnological platform can provide large quantities of premium biofabricated silk materials of a constant quality.

As demand for decarbonisation across industries increases, biofabrication has been widely established as the solution to sustainable materials for the future. Being vegan, completely biodegradable, produced only with renewable plant-based raw materials and microplastic free, AMSilk’s fibers can influence a positive change.

Ulrich Scherbel, Chief Executive Officer at AMSilk, said: “AMSilk is focused on breaking down limitations and boundaries by providing bio-bettering solutions on an industrial scale, improving products and creating a positive impact on the environment across various industries. The move to our new offices, with improved technological equipment, a unique proximity to the enlarged laboratory and specially designed pilot plants, enable the growing team of leading experts and top industry professionals to satisfy customer needs faster and better.”

Dr. Wolfgang Colberg, Chairman and Industrial Partner of AMSilk’s Advisory Board, added: “AMSilk has made some strong developments this year towards scaling up its production to several thousand tons for existing clients within Europe and new clients outside of Europe. Its move to these unique new offices will enable AMSilk to keep up with the demand we foresee increasing over the next few years, as it aims to make smart performing biotech materials part of everyday life and make a significant contribution to a zero-waste society.”

“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.

Cotton Brazil Dialogues 2026 concludes with 50 international participants immersed in Brazilian cotton production

The Cotton Brazil Dialogues concludes its 2026 edition after a series of technical visits to farms, cotton gins and reference centers, as well as workshops focused on Brazilian cotton production. A total of 50 participants from 14 countries took part in the field trips. The initiative is led by the Brazilian Association of Cotton Growers (Abrapa) and the National Association of Cotton Exporters (Anea), with support from the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil).

Novel flame-retardant and recyclable fiber-reinforced composite

Airplanes and passenger trains must meet strict safety requirements, including fire safety standards. This calls for materials that are flame-retardant, lightweight, robust, and scalable. Empa researchers, in collaboration with their industry partner Elantas, have now succeeded for the first time in making such a material – a composite – fully recyclable.

WHILL selects Teijin’s tough, lightweight Carbon Fiber Composite for new last-mile mobility

Teijin Limited announced today that WHILL Inc., a global leader in inclusive mobility technology, has selected Sereebo® P CFP series, a carbon fiber-reinforced thermoplastic (CFRTP) material, for key structural components of the upcoming WHILL Model C Lite. Sereebo® P CFP series provides high strength, light weight, design flexibility and system cost advantages to the Model C Lite, which is a battery powered, single-seat, last-mile device. This new model combines maneuverability with light weight and one-handed folding to ensure ease of handling and operation.