Spider silk is known for its extraordinary strength and elasticity compared to its weight. Synthetic spider silk is produced through genetic engineering techniques and precise fermentation processes to replicate the composition of natural spider silk at a commercial scale. It finds wide usage in textiles, healthcare, automotive, defense, and other industrial sectors due to its high tensile strength, flexibility, moisture resistance, and biocompatibility. Major products include fibers, yarns, fabrics made from genetically modified microbial cells or transgenic animals like goats or silkworms.
The global synthetic spider silk market is estimated to be valued at US$ 1212.68 Mn in 2023 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 6.1% over the forecast period 2023 to 2030, as highlighted in a new report published by Coherent Market Insights.
Market Dynamics:
As highlighted in the heading, the wide range of industrial applications is expected to propel growth of the synthetic spider silk market. One major driver referred from the heading is wide range of industrial applications. Synthetic spider silk fibers possess extraordinary properties that make them suitable for various industrial sectors. In textiles, spider silk yarns can be used to manufacture high-performance and durable clothing, parachutes, wound dressings etc. In automotive and defense, spider silk composites exhibit great strength and resilience making them ideal for absorbing shocks in vehicles, protective armor, tires etc. Growing demand from these industries is thus expected to fuel the market growth over the forecast period. Additionally, the biocompatibility of spider silk makes it advantageous for developing artificial ligaments, tendons and scaffolds for tissue engineering. The lucrative biomedical applications of synthetic spider silk contribute to the market expansion.
Segment Analysis
The global synthetic spider silk market is dominated by the apparel sub-segment. This is because synthetic spider silk possesses characteristics like super strength, biocompatibility and flexibility which makes it suitable for developing high-performance textiles. Synthetic spider silk fiber is 5 times stronger than steel and can stretch up to 30% of its original length, which makes it ideal for developing durable and comfortable clothing.
PEST Analysis
Political: There are no significant political risks impacting the synthetic spider silk market currently. Most governments are supportive of research in biotechnology which can help develop new high-performance materials.
Economic: The global economy is recovering steadily post pandemic which is promoting investment in research and development of new materials. Synthetic spider silk has potential applications in several industries which indicates opportunities for economic growth.
Social: People are increasingly interested in adopting sustainable and eco-friendly products. Since synthetic spider silk is developed without harming spiders, it has gained social acceptance. Furthermore, clothes made of synthetic spider silk fiber offer comfort which is favored by consumers.
Technological: Significant advancements have been made in cell culture and fermentation technologies which have enabled mass production of synthetic spider silk proteins. This has enhanced the commercial viability of the product. Ongoing research is further optimizing the yields and mechanical properties of synthetic spider silk fibers.
Key Takeaways
The Global Synthetic Spider Silk Market Analysis is expected to witness high growth due to increasing R&D investment and technological developments in sustainable materials. The global synthetic spider silk market is estimated to be valued at US$ 1212.68 Mn in 2023 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 6.1% over the forecast period 2023 to 2030.
North America currently dominates the market due to presence of key players like Kraig Biocraft Laboratories and Bolt Threads in the US. The region has favorable funding environment for biotechnology research which is supporting the domestic synthetic spider silk industry.
Europe is also emerging as a major market for synthetic spider silk. Countries like Switzerland and UK are contributing to advancements in cell culture and fermentation technologies for developing bio-based fibers. Furthermore, strict environmental regulations in the EU promote adoption of sustainable textile alternatives like synthetic spider silk.
Key players operating in the synthetic spider silk market are Kraig Biocraft Laboratories, Spiber Inc., AMSilk, and Bolt Threads. Kraig Biocraft Laboratories is a leading player focused on developing transgenic silkworms capable of producing synthetic spider silk proteins. Spiber Inc. utilizes bacterial fermentation process to mass produce synthetic spider silk fibers. AMSilk focuses on researching native spider silk proteins for material applications. Bolt Threads employs precision fermentation to produce synthetic spider silk fibers having mechanical properties comparable to native spider silk.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
Money Singh is a seasoned content writer with over four years of experience in the market research sector. Her expertise spans various industries, including food and beverages, biotechnology, chemicals and materials, defense and aerospace, consumer goods, etc.