Cactus leather boxing gloves, fermentation-based cannabidiol, lignin-based asphalt, and more: The Digest’s Top 8 Innovations for the week of October 9th

#8 ADM and Spiber sign production pact

In Japan, protein fermentation firm Spiber has entered into a production partnership with US agribusiness giant ADM.

Under the terms of the agreement, the two companies will expand production of Spiber’s Brewed Protein polymers for use in apparel and other consumer products. The collaboration will combine Spiber’s structural protein fermentation technology with ADM’s expertise in large-scale fermentation technologies, engineering, operations and extensive agricultural supply chain.

ADM will use plant-based dextrose to produce the proteins in the US. The proteins will then be shipped to Spiber for processing into an array of fibers for apparel, lightweight auto parts, and high-performance foams.

“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 U.S.,” says Kazuhide Sekiyama, Spiber’s cofounder, Director, and Representative Executive Officer. “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.”
More on the story, here.