Silk Protein Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Type (Sericin, Fibroin), By Application (Dietary Supplements, Pharmaceuticals, Cosmetics & Personal Care, Textile) Others and Regional Forecast, 2024-2032

Silk is a natural fibrous protein extracted from the insect’s larvae. Commercial silk is mainly produced from raw silk, domesticated silkworms such as Bombyx mori, and spider species such as Araneus diadematus. Silk proteins are useful products that are produced after the process of biosynthesis within specialized glands. Increasing research and knowledge about Seri-by-products and Seri-waste products will be crucial for the growth of the silk protein market in the upcoming years.

One of the significant reasons for the increasing utilization of silk protein across several industries is the presence of dipeptides and tripeptides within them that can easily penetrate into the bloodstream traveling from the dermis skin layer. Additionally, the presence of components such as natural amino acid in silk protein makes it desirable for various cosmetics and supplement manufacturing applications.

Collaborations, mergers & acquisitions, product and technology innovation, and investment in research & development are some of the crucial growth strategies that are being adopted by giant market players operating in the global silk protein market. Analyzing the rising demand for supplements and skin care products among consumers worldwide, prominent players are focusing on product launch and innovation to meet the growing need. For instance, in September 2019, Swisse Wellness, a prominent Australian personal care, vitamins, and supplements product company, launched a range of jelly supplements in the U.S. market. The “focus boost jelly” started by the company that is designed to support brain function and enhance memory contains Cera-Q, which is a silk protein hydrolysate known to enhance cognitive functions.

The growth of the global silk protein market is primarily driven by proliferating demand for silk protein in industries such as cosmetics and personal care, textile, pharmaceutical, and nutraceuticals. The oligopeptides and other beneficial components such as amino acid present in abundance in silk protein are getting rapid adoption in the manufacturing of beauty products such as body lotion, shampoo, creams, and serum. The rising research on two of the silk varieties, namely Sericin and Fibroin for their effective utilization in the pharmaceutical industry, is fueling the market growth of silk protein. Furthermore, increasing demand for Sericin-L and Sericin-S (both are potential in improving digestion and enhancing the metabolism of an individual) by dietary and sports supplements manufacturers is expected to contribute significantly in driving the market growth of silk protein during the forecast years. However, the high price of silk protein due to the high production cost of silk can be a major restraining factor in the growth of the silk protein market globally.

Key Players Covered:

Some of the key players performing in the global silk protein market include SilkTech Biopharmaceuticals, Caribbean Natural Products Inc., AMSilk GmbH, Zhejiang Jiaxin Silk Co., Ltd., KISCO Ltd, Huzhou Aotesi Biochemical Co. Ltd., Sinosilk Co, Ltd., Proteina, Vaxess, and others.

The fibroin silk protein, also known as glycoprotein, is projected to hold the largest market share in the global silk protein market during the foreseeable years as it is the “main protein” obtained from silk and the demand for fibroin is exceptionally high in the textile industry. High dying affinity, excellent insulation properties, thermos tolerance, and high water absorbency of fibroin makes the silk type more desirable in the textile industry. However, the demand for Sericin is projected to enlarge in the forthcoming years attributable to their growing demand in the cosmetics and personal care industry.

Among applications, the cosmetics & personal care industry is projected to contribute to generating a significant revenue share in the global silk market. High utilization of Sericin and Fibroin silk varieties in the production of hair care, skin care, bathing salt, lip care products, and body hygiene products is contributing to the growth of the segment. However, in the foreseeable years, the demand for silk protein in the production of dietary supplements is anticipated to increase on account of the growing demand for health-enhancing natural sports and other supplements.

Regional Analysis:   

The Asia Pacific is predicted to hold a major share in the global silk protein market due to the high production of silk in prominent Asian countries. China and India hold the first and second positions, respectively in the global silk production. High production of silk leads to high production as well as high utilization of silk protein within the region. Silk is widely used across the textile industry of the region for manufacturing high-value products.

High profit earned by Asian silk traders due to the high demand for specific silk varieties in the western markets is another crucial reason for the growth of the market in Asia Pacific. The silk protein market in North America is expected to expand at a considerable rate in the future years as the demand for silk protein is increasing rapidly in the formulation of cosmetics and personal care products. Moreover, increasing research and study on technologies that can be used for the easy and quick extraction of silk protein and utilization of silk protein in the production of pharmaceutical products and health supplements is expected to support the North America silk protein market.

Segmentation

Key Industry Developments

• In April 2019, Givaudan, a prominent market player in the global cosmetics, fragrances & flavors market announced the acquisition of AMSilk, a company that utilizes genetic engineering for the production of silk protein (from spiders).