#Yarn & Fiber

2017-09-29

AMSilk CEO Jens Klein to speak at Synthetic Biology conference SynBioBeta 2017

AMSilk GmbH, the world's first industrial supplier of synthetic silk biopolymers, will be a participant in this year’s SynBioBeta 2017 in San Francisco. AMSilk CEO Jens Klein has been selected as one of the featured speakers at this year’s event, where he will present the manifold field of applications enabled by AMSilk’s silk biopolymers.

"The recent advances in synthetic biology have enabled the creation of functional, sustainable and high-performance materials unlike anything we’ve seen before,” said AMSilk CEO Jens Klein. “AMSilk’s silk biopolymers are just one example of such materials, and can already be found in a number of trailblazing products around the globe. It is a great pleasure to speak at SynBioBeta and present AMSilk’s products and R&D results on an international level. To bring together so many industry pioneers and innovative companies at one place is remarkable and very inspiring."

SynBioBeta, which is taking place from October 3 to 5 in San Francisco, brings together entrepreneurs, investors and industry experts to drive the Synthetic Biology industry forward. Over 60 industry leaders will discuss the responsible growth of synthetic biology, with featured presentations by molecular biologist and genetics pioneer George Church, the entrepreneur and venture capitalist Vinod Khosla and the medical and biology engineer James Collins, one of the founders of synthetic biology. “We couldn’t be more excited for this year’s conference, which comes at a crucial moment for the synthetic biology industry as a whole,” said SynBioBeta founder and CEO John Cumbers. “In just the last ten years, the pace of innovation has increased dramatically, and the impact of biotechnology is beginning to be felt in all industries. “

Key themes at the SynBioBeta conference this year include biomaterials and consumer goods, cell factories for biopharmaceuticals, big data and artificial intelligence and innovations for ocean sustainability. Talks and panels will discuss the future of DNA synthesis, why protein is the killer app, investment opportunities throughout the industry and why all companies need to think about a Bio-Strategy in order to compete in the quickly evolving synthetic biology.

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.

Next week’s focus: Intertextile Shenzhen & Yarn Expo Shenzhen fuse textile tradition with sustainable, digital trends

Fashion will not be left behind in one of the world’s undisputed tech and manufacturing capitals. Which is why next week, at Intertextile Shenzhen Apparel Fabrics and Yarn Expo Shenzhen 2026, the organisers have made special efforts to integrate textile topics such as materials innovation, holistic sustainability, digitalisation and AI. Yet, from 9 – 11 June at the Shenzhen Convention and Exhibition Center, the platform also includes timeless tradition and heritage-inspired evolution in equal measure. Across both shows, over 600 exhibitors from 11 countries and regions are set to showcase everything from Peruvian alpaca wool fabrics to tea-derived fibres, while their fringe programmes will explore diverse solutions along the entire value chain.

From advanced fibres to eco‑focused yarns: Yarn Expo Autumn 2026 set to welcome global industry to Shanghai

From 25 – 27 August, Yarn Expo Autumn 2026 will return to the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai) to reinforce its role as a key meeting point for the global yarn and fibre industry. With over 22,000 visitors, the previous edition gathered nearly 580 leading exhibitors from 16 countries and regions, showcasing advanced developments and creative applications that support innovative, sustainable textile design. The upcoming edition will not only present an extensive range of fibre and yarn products, but will also feature a comprehensive fringe programme, including industry forums and trend display areas, providing innovative upstream enterprises with a stage to introduce next‑generation materials and sustainable concepts.

The future of textiles, the power of trade, and the summit of technology come together at ITM 2026

ITM 2026 International Textile Machinery Exhibition, one of the most prestigious organizations in the textile technologies sector, opens its doors to visitors between June 9-13. Expected to break records in terms of both exhibitor and visitor numbers, as well as the technological vision it presents, ITM 2026 will transform into a global trade hub with machine sales, and new business collaborations.

ATCO Hygienics, Uzbekistan, orders baby diaper production line from ANDRITZ

International technology group ANDRITZ has received an order from ATCO Hygienics to supply a new baby diaper production line for its plant in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The order is included in ANDRITZ’s order intake for the first quarter of 2026. Commissioning of the production line is scheduled for the end of 2026.

Nico Pedretti appointed as Managing Director Graf Group

As of June 1, 2026, Nico Pedretti has assumed the role of Managing Director Graf Group. With more than 20 years of international industrial experience and extensive expertise in Operations, Supply Chain Management, Finance and Controlling, he brings a broad range of leadership and business experience to support Graf’s continued success.