#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.

AMSilk and Ajinomoto Foods Europe expand partnership to enable industrial-scale production of silk proteins

AMSilk GmbH (“AMSilk”), a global leader leader in biotech produced silk materials, today announced a significant expansion of its partnership with Ajinomoto Foods Europe (AFE), marking a key step in scaling the industrial production of its silk proteins. Building on the collaboration first established in 2023, the two companies have now entered into a long-term manufacturing and supply agreement, enabling the transition from industrial validation to dedicated, large-scale production.

Christian Wichert appointed Chief Executive Officer to lead next phase of growth

AMSilk GmbH (“AMSilk”), a global leader in advanced biomaterials made from silk proteins, today announces the appointment of Christian Wichert as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective 1 June. The appointment marks a pivotal moment in AMSilk’s journey, as the Company advances from development through scale-up to commercialization.

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.

BICO BCF yarn delivers impressive performance in field testing

In a joint development project with other partners, Barmag and Object Carpet have successfully tested BICO BCF yarn in the carpet manufacturing process. The results show that this innovative yarn technology offers significant performance advantages and opens up new possibilities for recycling-oriented carpet constructions.

Ministry of Industry Delegation visits NatureWorks’ second global manufacturing site at Nakhon Sawan Biocomplex

NatureWorks Asia Pacific Limited welcomed a high-level delegation led by Mr. Varawut Silpa-archa, Minister of Industry, to its manufacturing site at the Nakhon Sawan Biocomplex (NBC). The visit follows the successful inauguration of the site on April 29, 2026, and highlights the role of public-private collaboration in advancing Thailand’s sustainable industrial development and bioeconomy ambitions.

Sorona® and WGSN announce top bio-based material trends of 2027

Sorona®, the partially bio-based polymer from Covation Biomaterials (CovationBio™), and global trend forecasting authority WGSN today release the material trends shaping the textile industry through 2027 and beyond following a comprehensive examination of bio-based functional fiber applications and global data.

PERFORMANCE DAYS announces new focus topic & forums for October 2026

With its upcoming October 13–14, 2026 edition, PERFORMANCE DAYS is placing the spotlight on one of the textile industry’s most important transformations: “Bio-Based Materials – From Fiber to Fabric”, a two-part Focus Topic exploring the future of bio-based innovation across the textile value chain. Part 1, presented in October 2026, will focus on fibers and next-generation material developments, while Part 2 at the March 2027 edition will shift the perspective toward dyeing, finishing, additives, and processing technologies.

Febratex 2026 to be the largest edition of the leading textile trade fair in the Americas with 10 exhibition halls

Febratex 2026 will be the largest edition in the history of the leading textile trade fair in the Americas. Dedicated to the textile and apparel manufacturing industries, the event will take place from August 18–21, 2026, in Blumenau, Santa Catarina, Brazil, with a strong focus on technology, sustainability, and business generation.

Cotton Brazil Dialogues field trip brings international stakeholders closer to Brazil’s cotton production chain

How do you build trust across the global textile value chain? By opening the farm gates. This is the principle behind the Cotton Brazil Dialogues. At the end of July, the programme welcomed its first group of international participants for a five-day immersion into Brazilian cotton production, combining field visits with technical workshops to showcase the quality, sustainability, innovation and traceability behind one of the world’s leading cotton origins.