Spiber expands protein-based fiber production in collaboration with ADM

Spiber, a leading Japanese company known for creating materials from proteins, is now looking to expand its production to the United States after establishing a facility in Thailand in 2022. The new venture in the USA, particularly in Iowa, is a significant step forward and aims for more substantial growth and production. This expansion is a collaboration with the agricultural group ADM, with the goal of utilizing abundant by-products from the local maize industry.

The production facility planned in Iowa is expected to operate on a much larger scale compared to the Thai facility. The aim is to utilize the plentiful by-products from the local maize industry, providing a more abundant and superior raw material source compared to what is currently available in Thailand. Although the exact opening date for the Iowa facility is unknown, it is anticipated to significantly boost Spiber’s production capacity.

Spiber’s existing Thai factory is capable of producing five million tonnes of protein-based polymers through a process called biomass fermentation. Their partnership with Goldwin, a respected outdoor apparel brand, demonstrates the industrial-scale potential of their protein-based fiber. Together, they showcased their Fall/Winter 2024 collection in a pop-up store in London, featuring various garments made from this innovative protein-based fabric.

Spiber’s current Thai factory uses biomass derived from sugar cane, which is abundant in the region. This factory is a crucial milestone in their journey towards extensive production and successful collaborations with well-known brands.