Making its debut at the Milano Unica Italian textile trade fair this week (February 4-5), Spiber showcased over 100 new fabrics featuring its Brewed Protein fibres produced via proprietary fermentation technology.

A range of 20 newly-developed suiting fabrics for the premium market was displayed by Japanese distributor Takisada-Nagoya in blends of between 10-50% Brewed Protein with wool and polyester.

“Brewed Protein fibre is highly appealing for its fine diameter, excellent compatibility with worsted fabrics and its ability to deliver an unparalleled sense of luxury and superior texture,” said Takisada-Nagoya menswear fabric manager Ryuichi Tanaka. “Suit fabrics made with it not only embody sustainability but also feature a unique sheen and luxurious feel, setting them apart from traditional materials like silk or cashmere.”

Additionally, 40 further fabrics on show were crafted in partnership with A-girls, a Japanese textile manufacturer based in Wakayama prefecture, known for its expertise in circular-knit production and artisanal craftsmanship. Since beginning its collaboration with Spiber in 2023, A-girls has produced an expanding collection of approximately 120 Brewed Protein textile designs.

“Brewed Protein can be compared to a new seasoning in cooking – one that has the potential to transform the dish itself,” said A-girls president Tomohiro Yamashita. “It is a groundbreaking material that stimulates the creativity of developers, offering the possibility of realising projects previously beyond our imagination. We have high expectations for Spiber to drive technological innovation not only in the textile field but also in new areas such as medicine and food.”

In other news, The North Face has released a Brewed Protein capsule collection in collaboration with Sam Falls, an up-and-coming US contemporary artist, while at the recent Pitti Filati exhibition in Florence, Spiber presented a polo produced by Italy’s Botto Giuseppe and fabrics based on 20-50% Bewed Protein blended with cashmere, in addition to 100% Brewed Protein worsted yarns.

Spiber, based in Yamagata, Japan, dedicated over 15 years to researching and developing protein materials which culminated in the launch of its first commercial protein polymer production plant in 2021. The company has since partnered with many leading domestic and global yarn and textile manufacturers.

www.spiber.inc