Material World is a weekly roundup of innovations and ideas within the materials sector, covering news from emerging biomaterials and alternative leathers to sustainable substitutes and future-proof fibers.
AMSilk
AMSilk, the world’s first industrial supplier of vegan silk biopolymers, has secured 52 million euros—equivalent to roughly $61.1 million.
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“We are grateful to our shareholders for their continued support—especially in today’s challenging funding environment,” said Ralph Fraundorfer, chief financial officer of AMSilk. The investment demonstrates confidence in our clear path to market, scalable technology and strong partner network.”
The strategic financing round was led by existing investor Athos (At Newtec), with strong participation from fellow existing investors MIG Capital and Novo Holdings. The financing combines $35.25 million in equity and $22.85 million in convertible bonds, which AMSilk said reflects strong investor confidence and long-term commitment in the German company’s technology and market potential.
“As we move to industrial-scale production, we are focused on establishing robust processes and resilient supply chains—providing clear commercial proof of our ability to deliver on our industrial commitments and scale our innovative biomaterials for global markets,” said Fraundorfer.
The proceeds will be used to build further commercial traction and support AMSilk’s next phase of industrial scale-up. The biogenic producer also wrapped a few multi-year production agreements, further establishing a long-term basis for industrial output and supply reliability.
“With the committed funding from our investors, we can now work with our partners to massively scale-up production,” Wolfgang Colberg, chairman of AMSilk’s advisory board, said. “This is a significant step toward establishing a completely new industry in Europe and around the world for high-performance biotech materials that can be used in countless applications.”
To manufacture AMSilk’s proprietary silk-based protein materials, specifically configured and dedicated production facilities have been installed at the company’s key industrial partners as well.
“AMSilk’s transition to full-scale production signals strong commercial validation,” said Daniel Kolb, investment manager at Athos, a Munich-based single-family office. “The company’s ability to manufacture biofabricated materials at multi-ton volumes confirms its industrial viability and readiness to meet growing market demand.”
Hans Global Textile
Hans Global Textile will showcase a next-generation thermal insulation material made from the Taiwan manufacturer’s flagship offering during Première Vision Paris Sept. 16-18.
“We believe the future of fashion innovation is rooted in nature, where sustainability and performance go hand in hand,” said Eddie Wang, founder and CEO of Hans Global Textile. “Showcasing our innovations at Première Vision Paris allows us to connect with global partners who share our vision for a more responsible and forward-thinking textile industry.”
As Hans Global Textile’s foundational fabric—what the company calls “the emerald of the ocean, per Wang—Seawool paved the way for Smawarm.
Hans Global Textile re-engineers Seawool into a spiral shape—as to mimic the heat-trapping hollow strands of polar bear fur—to enhance thermal retention. It works because of the micro air pockets that are formed by oyster shell fibers, the company said. These bubbles act as natural thermal barriers—effectively retaining body heat without fabric bulk.
“To create Seawool, we transform oyster shells and ocean plastics into high-performance fibers that reduce environmental impact without compromising quality,” Wang said. “Building on this legacy, Smawarm delivers lightweight, breathable insulation that offers warmth and comfort with a biomimetic twist.”
Better Cotton
Better Cotton has teamed with climate technology startup Planboo to help farmers reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and earn carbon credits, the world’s largest sustainable cotton initiative said.
The partnership hinges on biochar: a charcoal-like topical substance made from agricultural waste and other waste products that, when applied to soil, can improve its health. At the same time, it also sequesters carbon for quite some time (hundreds to thousands of years) as it creates long-term storage. Planboo and Better Cotton will support “licensed farmers” to produce biochar (using farm waste) and later apply it to the ground.
“This age-old practice creates value from waste and boosts the climate resilience of land,” Lars van Doremalen, director of impact at Better Cotton, said. “Add to that the scope for farmers to be financially rewarded for their sustainability efforts, and this is an incredibly exciting proposition.”
Planboo will provide that support. Better Cotton will leverage the Stockholm startup’s Digital Measurement, Reporting and Verification (MRVin) system to capture data points. Ranging from the production of biochar to the calculation of carbon reductions and removals, per Better Cotton, the end-to-end software synchronizes that data to calculate subsequent carbon allocation, among other inputs and outputs.
“After seeing a 60 percent yield increase in cotton crops from our Solidaridad project in Zambia, it became clear this model was well-suited for cotton farming regions,” said Freddie Catlow, Co-founder and CEO of Planboo. “With Better Cotton’s global reach and Planboo’s digital MRVin, we’re excited to embed carbon removal and soil health into the fabric of cotton farming—rooted in regeneration and scaled by software.”
Textilcolor
Swiss textile chemical company Textilcolor has acquired the application patents for Pyroshell from Sevelen-based Schoeller Textil, which sold its Schoeller Technologies division to Textilcolor in July.
Textilcolor already manufactures the chemical components used in the Pyroshell technology and now acquires the patents of the application technology. This strategic step bolsters international market appeal, the company said, as the patented tech can reach a bigger segment of functional and protective textiles manufacturers.
“The acquisition is another milestone in our long-term growth strategy in the field of high-tech textile technologies,” said Detlef Fischer, CEO of Textilcolor. “With Pyroshell, we’re not only acquiring a renowned technology but also a team of highly qualified application engineers. This will enable us to support our customers worldwide with integrating this innovative technology into their production processes.”
Made for the protective equipment for synthetic textiles, the patented, permanent flame protection is intended for polyamide and plastic fabrics. More simply, Pyroshell reduces the risk of burns because its textile structure balloons, so to speak, when exposed to flame as the effect pushes heat—and fire-promoting gases—up and out from the fabric.
“Therefore, the time between the first sensation of pain from heat exposure and the onset of second-degree burns doubles,” Textilcolor said. “As a result, wearers gain valuable additional reaction time compared to conventional flame protection solutions.”
The halogen-free protection is permanent, meaning it can’t be washed off or worn away. And that means that Pyroshell is particularly well-suited for railway workers and electricians or military special forces and police officers, per Textilcolor, given the level of protection against potential contact with flames.
“We will continue to develop the products created through this partnership to deliver sustainable, future-oriented solutions,” Fischer said. “The existing customer relationships of Schoeller Textiles will continue to be served with the same high quality within the established partner network—and will be further strengthened by the expanded capabilities of Textilcolor.”
Re&Up
Circular textile technology firm Re&Up Recycling Technologies has supported Only, the Bestseller-owned women’s fashion and denim brand, in launching a new program for basic tops made with recycled polyester. The first styles are now in stores.
“This project proves that scaling the production of recycled polyester from textile waste is achievable,” said Ozgur Atsan, Re&Up’s chief commercial officer. “Transforming the industry is undoubtedly a complex and lengthy process, but initiatives like this demonstrate that we’re making progress.”
Re&Up turns post-consumer and factory textile waste into fibers, on-par with virgin quality, using its modular recycling technology. Only’s initial production run saw more than 10 styles converted to the startup’s next-gen polyester—what the partners said equates to more than 100,000 T-shirts.
“Re&Up shares our dedication to innovation and quality,” said Pernille Tøttrup, sourcing process manager at Only. “Their next-gen textile-to-textile recycled polyester meets the high standards we set for our products.”
eVent Fabrics
Weatherproof fabric laminate producer eVent Fabrics teamed with Italian brand Alé Cycling—marking the first time that the Kansas City company’s StormburstLT performance laminate is available to cyclists.
“Our StormburstLT laminate is ideal for high intensity activities and our partnership with Alé will give cyclists an incredible option for high performance weather protection,” said Chad Kelly, president of eVent Fabrics. “It provides the right blend of breathability, dynamic movement and weather protection to keep cyclists comfortable … in challenging weather conditions.”
Designed with high-output activities in mind, the PFAS-free laminate technology lets heat and moisture “escape” from the wearer. It’s lightweight and breathable, stretchy and repels light rain and snow as well, per eVent Fabrics. The company partnered with athlete-minded apparel manufacturer Itttai, which provides European clients (like Alé) with various services and materials (like the laminate).
Ororo
Heated apparel brand Ororo has dropped a junior’s line. The Kansas City company said the category juniors sizing “bridges the gap” between children’s and women’s sizing for additional options.
“We are truly thankful to be in the position where we can listen to what our customers want, and deliver new products that meet their needs,” said Mark Hu, Ororo’s co-founder and CEO. “The juniors heated apparel line is a continuation of new product designs that we hope reflects the fun and vibrant flair our customers want to see in our outerwear.”
The collection launches with the Women’s Junior 4-Zone Heated Quilted Vest and the PuffLyte Women’s Junior 4-Zone Hooded Heated Vest. Both feature four heating zones and three settings, powered by Ororo’s UL-certified rechargeable battery. Both are machine washable as well.
JustBrand
Philadelphia-based heated apparel and wearable technology company JustBrand Limited announced its acquisition of Venture Heat, a Venice Beach, California-based battery-heated gear brand founded in 2003.
“Venture Heat has been a respected innovator in this category for over two decades,” said Justin Silverman, co-CEO of JustBrand Limited. “Their team brings a wealth of product knowledge and technical expertise that will elevate our capabilities and help us move even faster to serve our customers and partners.”
JustBrand’s products are allegedly available in over 5,000 retail locations, including Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Academy Sports. Adding The Venture Heat bolsters the company’s offerings in both brick-and-mortar and online retail. As to accelerate time-to-market for battery-heated gear collections, Venture Heat’s product development team and technologies will integrate with JustBrand’s manufacturing and design resources.
