The yarn from Kraig Biocraft, which is designed to blend the finest quality cotton with spider silk to create a 100% natural fibre composite yarn for use in fabrics and finished garments, aims to capture additional value-added vertical integration in the textile and garment markets.
Working with its textile consultant, Jeff Dorton, the company investigated several potential spinners before making a final selection. The decision was ultimately driven by the technical capabilities and production capacity of the spinner.
“This is just the first of many new materials we have planned that incorporate our revolutionary spider silk,” said CEO and founder Kim Thompson. “It seemed only fitting that our first composite yarns be blended with Pima Cotton, a luxurious natural fibre that compliments the natural elegance of our recombinant spider silk. With our spring production trials quickly approaching, identifying these first end markets and applications for commercial volumes of silk is a key focus of our team.”
The company developed its first cotton-spider silk blend to target markets such as luxury dresswear and apparel. Kraig Biocraft is working to establish additional spider silk and natural fibre blends to address additional subsegments in formal wear.
Earlier this month Kraig Biocraft announced the acquisition of a new recombinant spider silk production centre in Lam Dong Province, Vietnam to serve as the centre of operations for the distribution and collection of the company’s spider silk fibres, yarns and fabrics.
This new facility is not only set to support Kraig Biocraft’s production capabilities but also serve as a focal point for collaboration with Vietnam Sericulture Association (VSA) and Lam Dong Agro-Forestry Research and Experiment Center (LAREC), aimed at enhancing sericulture practices in Vietnam.