Sustainable, biodegradable and an innovation not only for the textile industry.
20.05.2019 | Robust, elastic and resilient – these are the properties of a spider’s thread. The Bavarian company Amsilk has taken nature as its model and produces the coveted natural fiber artificially using a biotechnological process.
Perfect for the textile industry
Biosteel® is sustainable, biodegradable and an innovation for the textile industry. The fibers are able to absorb moisture and transport it to the outside and have antimicrobial properties. It is therefore not surprising that the sporting goods manufacturer Adidas is interested in this high-performance material. He has already produced a prototype shoe made of Biosteel®.
Lightweight material promises more
However, the thread could have many more applications, for example in medical technology or in the automotive and aviation sectors. The aviation industry is always on the lookout for lighter materials. Airbus has also expressed its interest and entered into a partnership with Amsilk a few months ago. The material is already being used commercially as an ingredient in cosmetics and personal care products.
Production protects caterpillars
The fiber consists of natural proteins, but caterpillars do not have to die for it. Production takes place as follows: Bacteria are fed with sugar in large steel tanks so that they produce the protein. This is dried into a silk powder and processed into thread.
From pilot project to branded product
With this development, the Bavarian company and other well-known start-ups are moving into industrial biotechnology – a pioneering field of the future. So far, the material is still very expensive. These are therefore more likely to be pilot projects.
The cooperation with Omega is a different story. The luxury watch manufacturer will be launching its NATO textile watch straps with Biosteel fiber in the future. The advantage over the earlier polyamide wristbands is obvious: lighter, more breathable and more comfortable.
So far, there is still a lack of acceptance in the industry. But once the first products are on the market, the new material can quickly become a hot topic.
Things remain exciting in this area.
Yvonne Wicke | Head of Marketing
Sources: Handelsblatt, online article from January 24, 2019, author: Axel Höpner; Edison eMagazine, issue March 09, 2018, author: Susanne Frank
