Patagonia to Start Using Man-Made Spider Silk
If you didn’t know artificial spider silk could be made from sugar, salt, and yeast, then buckle up, because Patagonia‘s partnership with Bolt Threads means you could be wearing a cruelty-free spider silk parka by winter.
Fashion waves were made this spring when The North Face announced its “moon parka” made from synthetic silk, sold only in Japan. In a separate partnership, Patagonia is working with Bolt Threads to bring its cruelty-free fibers to America. Tougher than Kevlar and five times stronger than steel, spider silk is an impressive feat of nature. The replicated fibers woven into fabric create a more durable, easier to clean (machine washable, even!) garment, making it plenty appealing to outdoor clothing companies.
The partnership is only the beginning for Bolt Threads, however. According to Fortune, the startup’s recent found of fundraising has brought their total funding to $90 million. This means this is only the beginning for man-made fibers replacing animal products in the fashion industry.
Photo credit: Patagonia
