Spiber

Brewed Protein fibre / Source: Spiber

AsiaTextiles

WHAT WE SAY:

Our crusade against synthetic materials is based on the fact that today, nearly all of them are fossil fuel-based. But we are on the cusp of a revolution where synthetic biology unlocks a new wave of sustainable, plastic-free synthetic alternatives, like Spiber’s Brewed Protein materials.

This Japanese biotech uses precision fermentation to turn plant-based proteins into materials, with a wide-range of finishes and performance. Forget robots, this is the kind of science fiction we can get behind.

Spiber x Pangaia Lab Next Gen Hoodie / Source: Pangaia

ABOUT SPIBER

Founded in 2007, Spiber is a Japanese biotechnology startup that uses synthetic biology, polymer and material science to develop its trademarked Brewed Protein materials.
After over 10 years in R&D, the company has currently raised over USD 900 million in debt, equity and grants to commercialise and scale its operations.
The company’s Brewed Protein fibres, yarns and fabrics are made by the microbial fermentation of agricultural feedstocks, to develop animal and plastic-free materials for use in clothing and other industries.
Spiber collects and analyses natural materials and genetic information before designing and synthesising DNA and amino acid sequences for desired characteristics and functionality. It then ‘brews’ protein polymers using specially-designed microbes. This material is then extracted, purified and processed into various materials.
Spiber has a number of Brewed Protein materials potentially available for designers, including filament yarn, staple fibres, spun yarn, knit fabric and woven fabric. It also aims to offer fabrics partially made from Brewed Protein fibres or from further processed material, including denim, fleece, fur, silk and leather alternatives.
The company has a sustainable sourcing policy and sources sugars from certified suppliers of sugarcane and corn as its main feedstock – including Bonsucro certification in Thailand. It also implements geographically-selected additional sustainable agricultural practices, such as cover cropping in the US.
The company’s vision is to be able to source all its sugar feedstocks from non-edible biomass or land that would otherwise be used for food crops.
The company’s primary plant will be located in Rayong, Thailand, while a second mass production facility is currently being constructed in Iowa, USA, with partner and global nutrition leader ADM.
In June 2022, Spiber joined forces with Pangaia to launch the Lab Nxt Gen Hoodie, featuring Brewed Protein fibres.
Spiber previously launched a limited edition T-shirt featuring Brewed Protein with Japanese fashion brand sacai, as well as concept partnerships with sportswear brand Goldwin and outerwear giant The North Face.
Spiber has been involved in significant academic research on structural proteins, with over 25 research papers published over the last seven years.