A closer look at the Bio-based Material of the Year 2014 Innovation Award nominees, part 4

Qmilk produces a 100% natural textile fiber based on casein, a milk protein. In spring 2014, the Hannover-based start-up is launching the production of Qmilk fiber for fashion, sportswear and home textiles. The new fiber feels like silk, is compostable, suitable for allergy sufferers, and even antibacterial. Incredibly, the production process takes five minutes, demands temperatures of only 80 °C and max. 2 liters of water per kilogram of fiber. Annually, 2 million metric tons of milk, which is not fit for consumption, are thrown away in Germany. In the future, Qmilk wants to recycle that milk and turn it into fibers. Qmilk also manufactures a biopolymer granulate applicable e.g. in automotive interior, toys, foils, and packaging.

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