US-headed Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM), one of the world’s largest agricultural processors and food ingredient providers, and Spiber Inc., a Japanese biotechnology startup, have announced an agreement to expand the production of Spiber’s innovative "Brewed Protein" polymers for use in apparel and other consumer products.
The collaboration will combine Spiber’s cutting-edge structural protein fermentation technology with ADM’s deep expertise in large-scale fermentation technologies, engineering, operations, and extensive agricultural supply chain.
Consumers are increasingly demanding sustainable innovation in the products they purchase, and we’re excited to partner with Spiber to help bring this leading-edge technology to market, said Ian Pinner, ADM’s Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer and President of the company’s Health & Wellness division.
The Brewed Protein polymers will be produced by ADM in the United States using plant-based dextrose as a feedstock. This will then be shipped to Spiber downstream facilities, where they will be processed into an array of materials — primarily fibers — for use in a variety of applications such as apparel, lightweight auto parts, high-performance foams, and more.
From our partnerships with farmers and our efficient origination network to our ability to provide sustainably sourced feedstocks from nature to our expertise in fermentation and ability to scale technology to commercial production, our end-to-end capabilities give us a substantial leadership position in this fast-growing market. Across ADM, we are creating value for customers and shareholders alike by finding innovative, exciting ways to use our array of plant-based products. From alternative proteins to substitutes for petroleum-based plastics, we’re excited to lead in the creation of whole new generations of in-demand, sustainable products, Ian Pinner, said.
In 2019, the two companies began a long-term collaboration, in which ADM provided technical, engineering, and process support, along with access to production resources, to help develop and test Spiber’s process at scale.
After more than a year of working closely with ADM, we are pleased to take our partnership to the next level and expand Spiber’s production to the US. ADM has an amazing team, providing significant value for our business not only through its fermentation expertise, but also as a provider of quality, corn-based raw materials used in our process, said Kazuhide Sekiyama, Spiber’s Co-founder, Director, and Representative Executive Officer.
Following the successful completion of that work, the now announced second phase extends the partnership between the two companies, creating a pathway toward commercial-scale production in the coming years.
According to Spiber, Brewed Protein polymers will play a critical role in expanding the range of plant-based, sustainable alternative materials.
This collaboration takes us to a new phase in the commercialization of Spiber’s materials — one in which Brewed Protein will be more widely available and at costs suitable for broader markets. Proteins represent the pinnacle material platform evolved and adopted by life on earth to ensure survival. Spiber remains committed to blazing a trail in providing such material alternatives for industry and playing a role in the transition to a more sustainable society. We are excited to be taking the next important steps in that process together with ADM, ended Kazuhide Sekiyama.
