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Testing/​Standards

AMSilk Biosteel fibres receive confirmation of biological degradability

The Biosteel fibre received the certification in accordance with Oeko-Tex Standard 100 for product class 1 by the Hohenstein Institute.

14th December 2016

Innovation in Textiles
 |  Planegg

Sustainable, Clothing/​Footwear, Sports/​Outdoor

Product safety and biodegradability are highly relevant to Biosteel products. In November, AMSilk together with adidas presented in New York the high-performance sports shoe, with an upper material entirely consisting of the completely biodegradable AMSilk Biosteel fibres.

According to the manufacturer, this makes AMSilk the first biotech company to have market-ready functional products with biotechnologically produced functional silk biopolymers. Previously, AMSilk had succeeded in producing the high-performance Biosteel fibre on an industrial, near-production scale, as well as in producing Biosteel fabrics.

"The sports shoes made of nature-identical silk biopolymers and developed together with adidas set new standards regarding the sustainability and functionality of textiles. Further products currently in development with renowned international cooperation partners from industry and textile branch will follow," said Jens Klein, CEO of AMSilk.

Certification

The Biosteel fibre received the certification in accordance with Oeko-Tex Standard 100 (Confidence in Textiles) for product class 1 by the renowned Hohenstein Institute.

This certification shows that the Biosteel fibres reach the highest standard for textile applications. Textiles receiving this certification have been submitted to tests regarding pollutants and product safety, and in the case of product class 1 are without reservation also suitable for babies and children below the age of three.

Furthermore, SGS Institute Fresenius confirmed that the AMSilk Biosteel fibres are biodegradable. The silk material was subjected to a standard test examining the biodegradability in accordance with OECD Norm 301B and was defined as "readily biodegradable".

Biosteel

AMSilk is an industrial supplier of synthetic silk biopolymers and has its headquarters in Planegg near Munich, Germany. Sustainably produced using a patented biotechnological process, AMSilk high performance biopolymers are distributed in the form of Silkbeads (microparticles), Silkgel (hydrogel) or Biosteel (fibres). They are currently used in coatings for medical technology products, in the textile industry and as an ingredient in personal care products.

Biosteel fibre made by AMSilk is a nature-based high-performance bionic fibre. The material is biodegradable and therefore does not harm the environment. Furthermore, similar to wool, the Biosteel fibres are said to be able to absorb moisture and transport it to the outside, have anti-microbial properties and are especially robust and well-tolerated by the skin.

Biosteel fibres can be used for all functional textile applications. However, its use is not restricted to the textile sector, Biosteel technology also offers manifold applications across industries for example in automotive and aviation.

www.amsilk.com

www.biosteel-fibre.com

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