[pageLogInLogOut]

#Raw Materials

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.
Evoniks fermentation facility in Slovakia © 2025 Evonik
Evoniks fermentation facility in Slovakia © 2025 Evonik


“Our collaboration with AMSilk is a powerful example of how together we can shape the future of materials through biotechnology. By scaling production of sustainable silk proteins, we are not only expanding our portfolio of precision biosolutions — we are creating solutions that enhance life and redefine what’s possible,” said Guido Skudlarek, Head of the Health Care business line, Evonik.

Evonik has established a dedicated production line at its biotech production hub in Slovakia. Equipped with advanced infrastructure, upgraded systems, and renewable energy, the facility enables consistent monthly output of several tons of AMSilk’s high-performance silk proteins. Tailored to AMSilk’s process requirements, the line meets certified industrial quality standards for spinning-grade biomaterials and supports the Company’s market entry phase.

Ctibor Kohutovic, Chief Production Officer at AMSilk added: “Building on our earlier successful cooperation with Evonik as a trusted partner, we have signed this agreement and jointly designed a dedicated, specialized manufacturing line for the precision fermentation of AMSilk’s biomaterials, providing increased output and efficiency, alongside reduced material unit cost. This lays the foundation for the next phase of our growth while ensuring reliable supply for our customers.”

AMSilk transforms the silk protein powder produced by Evonik into high-performance yarns, which offer premium production quality and regulatory compliance, including full supply chain transparency from European manufacturing. AMSilk’s biomaterials are designed with sustainability at their core. Vegan, biodegradable and derived from renewable plant-based carbon, these biomaterials leave no microplastics at the end of their lifecycle. AMSilk addresses a total protein fiber market — including silk, cashmere, and merino – valued at approximately €26 billion. Within this, the Company targets a €16 billion serviceable market.

Drawing on deep expertise in fermentation, from strain development and process optimization to large-scale manufacturing, Evonik helps innovators scale disruptive technologies in the life sciences industry including pharmaceutical excipients, personal care, advanced foods and nature-identical materials. With over 4,000 m³ of CDMO fermentation capacity across sites in the US and Europe, Evonik serves as a global one-stop-shop for biotech production, supporting projects of any scale and complexity.

Evonik leverages biotechnology to deliver high-value, sustainable solutions across diverse markets, expanding its portfolio of precision biosolutions. Its collaboration with AMSilk reflects a shared belief in biotechnology’s potential to unlock transformative alternatives to fossil-based products and reduce environmental impact across industries. Biotechnology often uses renewable raw materials, operates under milder conditions, and can generate fewer emissions and waste, making it in many cases more sustainable than fossil-based or conventional chemical processes.


More News from AMSilk GmbH

#Natural Fibers

AMSilk’s silk protein yarns debut in Balenciaga collection

AMSilk GmbH (“AMSilk”), a global leader in advanced biomaterials made from silk proteins, today announced that its bioengineered yarns are featured in commercially available garments within Balenciaga’s Spring 2026 collection.

#Yarn & Fiber

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.

#Raw Materials

AMSilk announces successful partnership negotiation with Ajinomoto for industrial fermentation

AMSilk GmbH (“AMSilk/the Company”), a frontrunner in advanced biomaterials made from spider silk-based proteins, today announces that the Company and Ajinomoto Foods Europe (AFE), a company with over 50 years of experience in industrial fermentation, and the affiliate of the globally established Ajinomoto group, have expressed mutual interest to step into a long-term partnership to biomanufacture silk proteins at Ajinomoto Foods Europe’s manufacturing facility in Nesle, France.

#Yarn & Fiber

AMSilk to showcase its biofabricated yarns at Première Vision Paris

AMSilk GmbH (“AMSilk”), a frontrunner in advanced biomaterials made from spider silk-based proteins, today announces that it will be making its first appearance at Première Vision Paris, the largest textile trade show in Europe, from the 2-4 July 2024.

More News on Raw Materials

#Raw Materials

Beyond the wardrobe – innovative cotton takes the spotlight

Cotton can do more – a lot more. Cutting-edge textiles and high-tech products made from 100% cotton prove just how powerfully performance and sustainability can come together. That very surge of innovation is front and centre at the 38th Bremen Cotton Conference, taking place March 25–27, 2026, at Bremen’s Parliament on the historic market square – culminating in a bold and dedicated closing session on Friday. In the spotlight: performance upgrades for pure cotton, smart strategies for circular textile waste solutions, and pioneering concepts for demanding technical applications. From natural fibre–reinforced composites to highly effective flame-retardant solutions, cotton steps out of the closet and shows the future potential woven into every fibre.

#Raw Materials

Esquel Group adds two new extra-long staple cotton varieties approved

Esquel Group’s Xinjiang Research & Development Center has successfully developed two new Sea Island cotton (Extra-Long-Staple cotton, ELS cotton) varieties named “Yuan Loong 37” and “Yuan Loong 42,” which have been officially approved and granted registration numbers. Both varieties have also obtained Plant Variety Rights certificates, marking another significant breakthrough for the Group in cotton breeding and commercial application.

#Raw Materials

Aid by Trade Foundation reaches new milestones in supply chain transparency

The Aid by Trade Foundation (AbTF) is reaching new milestones as it leads the way towards greater physical traceability for Cotton made in Africa® (CmiA) cotton. With around 700 suppliers and producers in a total of 25 countries, the Aid by Trade Foundation has reached a new record number of partners who can trace CmiA cotton from the product back to its origin. This is more than double the previous year’s figure.

#Raw Materials

Modern testing methods for raw cotton

The 38th International Cotton Conference Bremen will take place from 25 to 27 March 2026 at the Bremen Parliament. This conference has traditionally stood for in-depth expertise and international exchange. The program will focus on technical innovations, market trends, and regulatory frameworks across the entire value chain – from agriculture to the circular economy. With high-profile speakers, the conference is regarded as the key meeting point for the global cotton industry. Today’s focus: Cotton quality and testing methods.

Latest News

#Techtextil 2026

High-performance yarns for tomorrow's mobility

At this year's Techtextil in Frankfurt (April 21–24), Barmag will be presenting comprehensive solutions for the production of industrial filament yarns at the VDMA joint stand (Hall 12, C56). The focus will be on applications that ensure greater safety, durability, and efficiency in automotive engineering.

#Techtextil 2026

Monforts to showcase advanced coating solutions at Techtextil 2026

Over the past few years Monforts has significantly advanced its technologies for coating, with the successive introductions of the MontexCoat, coaTTex and VertiDry systems combining flexibility, precision and energy efficiency for the technical textiles market.

#Composites

JEC World 2026 returns with an unprecedented content program

Recognized worldwide as the leading trade exhibition for composite materials and their applications, JEC World returns on March 10-12, 2026, at Paris Nord Villepinte as the most ambitious edition to date, in line with its motto “Pushing the limits”. As the must-attend event for the composites industry, JEC World will offer an unprecedented program, blending conferences, markets insights, technical sessions, awards, and above all, a unique experience and invaluable connections.

#Digital Printing

Keeping print inclusive: Empowering women in the print industry

Across all industries, cultivating a diverse and inclusive workplace is increasingly recognised as valuable and essential to long-term success. However, despite the print industry’s significant advancements in technology and innovation, visible representation of women remains limited. As the sector grapples with low recruitment, it’s important to challenge outdated perceptions. Creating real change, however, requires collective effort - no single company can do it alone.

TOP