Brewed Protein™ is a revolutionary material developed to address environmental challenges through advanced protein design. By combining cutting-edge biotechnology, Spiber replicates the process of natural protein evolution in the lab, creating versatile, sustainable materials.
Spiber’s technology begins at the DNA level, allowing for the creation of tailored protein polymers with a wide array of properties. By using a unique fermentation process, plant-baed ingredients are transformed into Brewed Protein materials, including fibers, films, and resins. These versatile fibers are suitable for various textile applications, such as knit and woven fabrics, denim, fleece, and even sustainable alternatives to fur and leather.
According to the company, Spiber’s Brewed Protein fibers are the only ones produced through microbial fermentation on an industrial scale, which is made possible by the company’s proprietary technology platform. This new class of materials created in this platform enables customized design and molecular engineering of nature-inspired protein polymers.
Spiber’s production process involves several key steps:
- Spiber learns about natural materials and genetic information by collecting, analyzing, and putting them into a database.
- DNA and amino acid sequences are designed and synthesized to achieve desired characteristics and functionalities.
- Specially designed microbes produce Brewed Protein polymers through a controlled fermentation process.
- The polymers are extracted and purified before being processed into various materials such as fiber, resin, and films.
- Data gathered at each step informs subsequent development cycles, speeding up the evolution of Spiber’s materials and processes.
Spiber’s Brewed Protein materials offer a sustainable alternative to traditional animal-based proteins, such as cashmere, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions, water use, and land consumption, according to LCA results. The materials have demonstrated biodegradability in marine environments, and undyed Brewed Protein fabrics can decompose naturally in soil, contributing to a closed-loop life cycle.
Through continual advancements and strategic development, Spiber is committed to delivering high-performance, environmentally friendly materials that redefine the possibilities of sustainable textile innovation.
