A new fiber trend being spun by some companies may just stick: synthetic spider silk. Natural spider silk is a burly little strand that’s stronger than steel and tougher than Kevlar. Companies like Spiber and startup Bolt Threads have developed processes to produce proteins mimicking those a spider naturally produces before weaving them into microfibers. This technology has piqued the interest of outdoor companies including Patagonia, which recently announced a collaboration with Bolt Threads. Details are not yet public, but both companies are optimistic about the textile’s potential. Read more about this evolving technology.
Image via Spiber