Evonik and AMSilk expand partnership to scale sustainable silk biomaterials, combining industrial fermentation, high-quality yarns, and environmentally responsible production.
Evonik and AMSilk, a recognized global pioneer in advanced silk protein-based biomaterials, have announced a deepening of their strategic partnership through a long-term agreement aimed at producing sustainable silk proteins at an industrial scale. This agreement builds on the companies’ initial manufacturing collaboration established in 2023 and marks a significant step toward broadening the availability of high-performance, environmentally friendly silk materials. As part of this expansion, Evonik has commissioned a dedicated production line at its Slovakian biotech hub specifically for AMSilk’s innovative silk proteins. These materials are crafted to minimize environmental impact while meeting the high-performance requirements of luxury fashion products and premium automotive interiors.
Guido Skudlarek, Head of Evonik’s Health Care business line, emphasized the transformative potential of the partnership, stating: “Our collaboration with AMSilk exemplifies how biotechnology can redefine the future of materials. By scaling sustainable silk protein production, we are enhancing our portfolio of precision biosolutions and creating innovative, life-enhancing materials.”
The newly commissioned facility in Slovakia is equipped with advanced infrastructure, modernized systems, and renewable energy sources, allowing for consistent production of several tons of high-quality silk proteins per month. The line has been carefully tailored to AMSilk’s unique process requirements, achieving certified industrial standards suitable for spinning-grade biomaterials while supporting AMSilk’s market entry phase. Ctibor Kohutovic, Chief Production Officer at AMSilk, added: “Building on our previous successful cooperation with Evonik, this agreement enables us to jointly operate a specialized manufacturing line for precision fermentation. The arrangement enhances output, operational efficiency, and reduces unit costs, laying a solid foundation for our next growth phase while ensuring reliable supply for our customers.”
Once produced, AMSilk transforms Evonik’s silk protein powder into high-performance yarns, offering superior quality and regulatory compliance, with full transparency across the European supply chain. Sustainability remains central to AMSilk’s approach: their silk-based biomaterials are vegan, biodegradable, and derived from renewable plant-based carbon, leaving no microplastics after use. AMSilk is targeting the global protein fiber market—including silk, cashmere, and merino—estimated at €26 billion, with a serviceable market opportunity of €16 billion.
Evonik’s expertise in fermentation—ranging from strain development and process optimization to large-scale manufacturing—supports innovators in scaling disruptive biotech technologies across life sciences, including pharmaceutical excipients, personal care, advanced foods, and nature-identical materials. With over 4,000 m³ of CDMO fermentation capacity across Europe and the US, Evonik provides a global one-stop-shop for biotech production, capable of handling projects of any scale or complexity.
This strengthened collaboration reflects a shared vision between Evonik and AMSilk: leveraging biotechnology to create sustainable, high-value alternatives to fossil-based products. By operating under milder conditions, using renewable raw materials, and generating less waste and emissions, biotech-driven solutions offer environmentally responsible pathways that are increasingly preferred across industries.
