Evonik and AMSilk Forge Stronger Partnership in Biotech Silk Production for Sustainable Fashion
In a significant step towards sustainable material production, Evonik and AMSilk have officially announced the extension of their partnership focused on producing innovative silk proteins. This collaboration aims to meet the growing demand for environmentally friendly materials in both the fashion and automotive sectors. The agreement was established following an initial manufacturing collaboration set up in 2023, and now includes a new dedicated production line located in Evonik's manufacturing site in Slovakia.
This cutting-edge facility is specifically designed for the industrial-scale production of AMSilk's high-performance silk. Notably, it operates with a minimal environmental footprint, leveraging advanced technology and renewable energy sources. The dedicated production line provides consistent, scalable outputs of silk proteins, which can be utilized in premium textile applications and high-end automotive interiors.
Guido Skudlarek, who oversees Evonik's Health Care division, expressed enthusiasm for this partnership, stating, “Our collaboration with AMSilk is a powerful example of how together we can shape the future of materials through biotechnology.” This reinforces Evonik's commitment not only to expanding their portfolio of precision biosolutions but also to contributing to sustainable development goals.
With this new production line, AMSilk will transform the silk protein powder into high-performance yarns that comply with regulatory standards and offer exceptional quality. The ambitious project caters to a significant shift in consumer preferences towards sustainable products, emphasizing the need for transparency throughout the supply chain. AMSilk's offerings are vegan, biodegradable, and derived from renewable plant-based resources, ensuring that they do not contribute to microplastic pollution once their lifecycle concludes.
The silk protein fiber market is valued at an approximate €26 billion, with AMSilk concentrating on a serviceable market worth around €16 billion. They anticipate leveraging their innovative products to capture a meaningful share of this market by fulfilling the increasing demand for eco-friendly material alternatives.
Evonik's expertise lies in fermentation technology, which spans from developing fermentation strains to optimizing processes for large-scale manufacturing. With a robust capacity of over 4,000 m³ dedicated to contract development and manufacturing operations (CDMO), Evonik is well-positioned to support life science innovators in various sectors, including pharmaceuticals and personal care products, as well as advanced foods.
Through this partnership, both companies embody a shared vision of utilizing biotechnology to create transformative alternatives to traditional fossil-based materials, promoting a more sustainable approach across different industries. Evonik's commitment to reducing emissions and waste during production aligns with AMSilk's goal to provide biodegradable products that help to improve overall environmental sustainability.
In summary, the extended collaboration between Evonik and AMSilk signifies a powerful movement towards integrating sustainability into industrial practices. By combining their technological know-how and commitment to eco-consciousness, both companies are paving the way for future growth in the sustainable materials market. The innovations stemming from this partnership have the potential to redefine how industries approach material sourcing and production, aligning well with society's increasing demand for sustainable solutions. The ongoing partnership is set to catalyze further advancements as they continue to explore the possibilities of biotechnology in transforming traditional materials.