Spiber Inc., a Japanese company specialising in synthetic biology materials, has announced major partnerships in its supply chain and groundbreaking projects with famous Italian mills Marzotto, RD Gruppo Florence, and Filatura Papi Fabio. These collaborations highlight the potential of Spiber’s new Brewed Protein™ fibre, produced through complex fermentation technology, especially in the realm of high-end, sustainable luxury materials.
Marzotto Wool Manufacturing S.r.l., founded in 1836 and famous for its high-quality worsted wool, has teamed up with Spiber to launch a new suiting fabric. This fabric mixes 30 per cent Brewed Protein fibres with 70 per cent wool after around two years of joint development. The new Twill 2/2 (Batavia) fabric is currently available, setting a milestone in their partnership and marking the stage for future partnerships.
Giorgio Todesco, CEO of Marzotto Wool Manufacturing, shared pride in their ambitious collaboration with Spiber Inc., “While we have usually focused on natural and expensive materials like wool, we have found interest in Spiber’s project, which alters a simple element found in nature- sugar, into a biodegradable fabric. This collaboration showcases a major advancement, merging traditional textile art with advanced technological research to protect an ancient craft in a contemporary, sustainable manner.”
Also, Filatura Papi Fabio S.p.A., a prominent Italian spinning mill founded in 1890, has partnered with Spiber to launch its initial yarn products. These yarns, which mix Brewed Protein™ fibres with RWS Ultrafine wool, are designed for knitting and weaving applications and are presently on the market. Both companies are keen about growing their range of blended yarns.
Their product line consists of Wool-blended woolen yarn: 30 per cent Brewed Protein fibre, 70 per cent Wool (RWS certified, Ultrafine 17.5µm), Nm: 2/27 N/m and wool-blended worsted yarn: 30 per cent Brewed Protein fibre, 70 per cent Wool (RWS certified, Ultrafine 17.5µm), Nm: 2/60 N/m.
Papi Fabio, CEO of Filatura Papi Fabio S.p.A., shared great satisfaction with the partnership between Spiber and their company. “We need to move ahead in a completely sustainable direction and provide new global luxury brands new yarns. Through our technical research in terms of dyeing and spinning new fibre, and yarns, we were able to create truly elegant and soft knitted garments and fabrics. “
Lastly, RD Gruppo Florence and Spiber have engaged in joint technical research aimed at bringing sustainable luxury fashion to completion. The womenswear prototype, interweaved by Mely’s Maglieria with Brewed Protein™ yarns created with VIMAR1991, mixes Brewed Protein™ fibres with polyamide, wool, and cashmere for improved aesthetic features and garment personalisation.
The menswear prototypes, created by Antica Valserchio, include Brewed Protein™ yarns, integrating polyamide, wool, and cashmere for enhanced aesthetics and modified garments. This jacquard fabric uses “graphic mapping” to reduce waste and better production efficiency, emphasising the engineering skill behind the product.
