Evonik and AMSilk have already partnered previously through an initial manufacturing agreement established in 2023. As part of this, they had commissioned a manufacturing unit at Evonik’s Slovakian site dedicated to AMSilk’s high-performance silk.
Created with “minimal environmental impact”, this biomaterial is intended for premium fashion and automotive interiors.
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Evonik health care business line head Guido Skudlarek said: “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.”
Evonik has set up a specialised production line at its biotechnology facility in Slovakia, which is outfitted with advanced equipment, enhanced systems, and uses renewable energy sources.
This setup ensures a steady production each month, capable of generating multiple tons of AMSilk’s advanced silk proteins.
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By GlobalDataThe production line is specifically designed to meet AMSilk’s manufacturing needs and adheres to the high-quality standards required for industrial-grade spinning materials.
It will help the company in its market entry phase, Evonik said.
AMSilk converts the silk protein powder produced by Evonik into high-performance yarns that comply with regulatory standards. These yarns are said to offer full supply‑chain transparency and are manufactured in Europe.
The biomaterials of AMSilk are said to be vegan, biodegradable, and made from renewable plant-based carbon, thereby eliminating microplastics at their life’s end.
The total market for protein fibres, including silk, cashmere, and merino, is valued at around €26bn ($30.4bn), with AMSilk targeting a serviceable market worth €16bn.
AMSilk chief production officer Ctibor Kohutovic said: “Building on our earlier successful cooperation with Evonik as a trusted partner, we have signed this agreement and jointly designed a dedicated, specialised 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.”
For Evonik, the partnership with AMSilk, reflects its broader strategy to leverage biotechnology in creating sustainable solutions that can serve as alternatives to fossil-based products.
Evonik supports large-scale biotech production and offers over 4,000m³ of contract development and manufacturing organisation (CDMO) fermentation capacity across its global sites.
In October last year, AMSilk partnered with Ajinomoto Foods Europe, an industrial fermentation company, to collaboratively bio-manufacture silk proteins.
