#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.

Rieter sees Barmag integration on track as orders and sales rise

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Barmag Fuzhou Customer Day concludes successfully, boosting high-quality chemical fiber growth in Fujian & Guangdong

Barmag hosted its Customer Day themed “A New Era. Powered by Innovation.” in Fuzhou on June 28, welcoming nearly one hundred invited customers from Fujian and Guangdong provinces. Georg Stausberg, CEO of Barmag Group, attended along-side the sales and R&D expert China team to jointly present integrated solutions covering the entire man-made fiber value chain.

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EU ban on destroying unsold clothing and footwear now in force

The European Union's ban on the destruction of unsold clothing, clothing accessories and footwear has entered into force. Since July 19, 2026, large companies across the EU have been prohibited from destroying unsold textile products, while medium-sized companies will be required to comply with the same rules from 2030.

Eastman Naia™ brings its inside-out denim vision to Kingpins New York

Following its debut at Kingpins Amsterdam, Eastman Naia™ brings the next chapter of its denim story to Kingpins New York, taking place July 22–23. At Booth Green 7, Naia™ presents its denim proposition built around three complementary design directions: Performance Denim, Fashion Denim and Authentic Denim.