#Man-Made Fibers

2026-06-18

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.

Building on the successful market entry of AMSilk’s fiber applications, Christian will focus on strengthening the Company’s commercial performance and scaling its proprietary silk protein technology and advanced precision fermentation capabilities across additional applications and markets. Drawing on his experience in scaling businesses and driving profitable growth, he will work to translate AMSilk’s strong technological foundation into a profitable and sustainable business, with a particular focus on the Consumer Care Solutions division.

Christian Wichert brings more than 25 years of international leadership experience. Throughout his career, he has built and led organizations across different industries and markets, with a strong focus on organizational development, execution, and performance. Most recently, he served as Chief Executive Officer of Evolva AG, a publicly listed Swiss biotechnology company, where he gained extensive capital markets experience and headed the company through a period of strategic transformation, including its sale to Danstar Ferment AG/Lallemand Group. Earlier in his career, he held international leadership roles across the specialty chemicals, consumer packaged goods, MedTech, and industrial biotech, thereby gaining wide-ranging experience in several key application areas which are strategically important for AMSilk’s future growth.

Christian Wichert, newly appointed Chief Executive Officer, said: “AMSilk is a true pioneer in its field, and I am honored to join as Chief Executive Officer at such an important stage in the Company’s development. What particularly impressed me is the combination of a unique technology with significant market potential and a highly committed and purpose-driven team. This creates a compelling foundation for further growth and the development of new applications. My priority will be to build on these strengths and support AMSilk in realizing its full potential across its key markets.”

Ulrich Scherbel, who successfully led AMSilk from technology development to commercial market entry, will remain with the Company as Managing Director and assume responsibility as Chief Operating Officer Premium Filaments. He commented: “Christian’s appointment marks an important milestone and AMSilk’s next phase of growth. I am proud of what we have achieved, transforming AMSilk by securing strategic partnerships with 21^st.BIO, Evonik, and Ajinomoto, and bringing the first commercially available products based on AMSilk’s biotech silk protein yarns to market. I look forward to continuing to develop our Premium Filament business as a key strategic growth pillar and value driver for AMSilk.”

Dr. Wolfgang Colberg, Chairman of the Board at AMSilk, commented; “AMSilk’s core focus is now on accelerating scale-up and strengthening commercial execution. Christian brings a strong track record in leading international businesses, driving performance and building the organizational structures required for sustainable growth. His appointment reflects our ambition to further strengthen AMSilk’s market position and prepare the Company for the next stage of its evolution. We would like to thank Ulrich Scherbel for his excellent stewardship during his time as CEO and are thankful to retain his experience and leadership within our newly structured management team.”

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.

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.

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.

Kimberly-Clark develops alternative natural fiber platform for hygiene products

Kimberly-Clark has introduced a proprietary innovation program aimed at developing alternative natural fibers for future hygiene products. The company has created a patented materials platform based on fibers derived from hesperaloe, a drought-tolerant succulent native to the southwestern United States.

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.

Naia™ from Eastman strengthens western hemisphere textile connections at Apparel Sourcing Show Guatemala

As brands and retailers explore more diversified and responsive sourcing networks, the Naia™ brand from Eastman is strengthening its engagement with the textile and apparel value chain across the western hemisphere. From August 18–20, the company will participate for the first time in Apparel Sourcing Show Guatemala, a regional meeting point for apparel sourcing, manufacturing and nearshoring.

Europe is committed to recycling end-of-life wind turbine blades

Starting in 2026, Europe’s wind energy industry has committed itself to ensuring that wind turbine blades do not end up in landfills once they reach the end of their service life. The EU-funded research project REWIND is exploring ways to reuse this composite waste. The German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research Denkendorf (DITF) are one of 13 project partners from seven countries.

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.