Core Viewpoint - The collaboration between Evonik and AMSilk aims to scale up the production of sustainable silk proteins, targeting high-end fashion and automotive interior markets, with a focus on biodegradable materials [3][4]. Group 1: Collaboration and Production - Evonik and AMSilk have signed a long-term agreement to enhance the sustainable silk protein production, following an initial production agreement in 2023 [3]. - A customized production line has been established at Evonik's Slovakian facility, capable of producing several tons of high-performance silk protein monthly [3]. - AMSilk will convert the silk protein powder produced by Evonik into high-performance yarn products, ensuring quality and compliance with a fully transparent European supply chain [3]. Group 2: Market Potential - The protein fiber market, which includes silk, cashmere, and merino wool, has an overall size of approximately €26 billion, with a serviceable segment of about €16 billion [4]. - The market outlook for protein fibers is positive, with increasing interest from major automotive brands like Mercedes-Benz, which has begun using silk proteins in their interior components [5]. Group 3: Financing and Expansion - AMSilk completed a €52 million financing round (approximately ¥430 million) to expand its commercial influence and support industrial scale-up to meet the growing global demand for silk protein-based biomaterials [7]. - Other companies in the protein fiber sector, such as Spiber and Solena Materials, are also making significant advancements and securing funding to enhance their production capabilities [8][12][13]. Group 4: Industry Innovations - Spiber is set to achieve an annual production capacity of 1,000 tons of its Brewed Protein™ fiber within the next few years, establishing itself as a leader in the fashion and biomaterials sectors [9][12]. - Solena Materials has announced a $6.7 million seed funding round to accelerate the large-scale production of sustainable high-performance textiles [13]. - Lingzhu Technology has successfully achieved mass production of spider silk proteins and secured significant angel funding to further its development in the bio-based materials field [14][16].