Soybean protein fibre
Also known as: Soy fibre, Soy silk, SPF
Regenerated protein fibre obtained from soybean oil press cake — cashmere-soft hand, biodegradable, originally developed by Henry Ford in the 1930s.
Description
Soybean protein fibre is a regenerated protein fibre (azlon) made from the press cake left over from soybean oil and tofu production. Soy protein isolate is extracted from the cake, dissolved in an alkaline solution and cross-linked with aldehydes before the mixture is extruded through spinnerets into a coagulation bath and the filaments are drawn and heat-set.
Historically, Henry Ford developed the fibre as early as the 1930s in Dearborn, Michigan — he even had a suit tailored from it. Industrial revival came around 2000 in China under the designation SSF (Soybean Protein Fibre). Soy fibre is often blended with cotton, wool or lyocell because it drapes as softly as cashmere, actively wicks moisture and offers slight UV protection. Because of its lower tensile strength compared to cotton it is rarely used pure — usually in blends (30–70 % soy) for jerseys, underwear, T-shirts and yoga wear.
- Feedstock: press cake from soybean oil/tofu production – circular economy
- Fibre type: regenerated protein fibre (azlon family)
- Hand feel: cashmere-soft, silky lustre, cool
- Typical blend: 30–70 % soy with cotton, wool or lyocell
Properties
| Fibre class | Regenerated protein fibre (azlon) |
|---|---|
| Feedstock source | Soybean oil/tofu press cake |
| History | Henry Ford 1930s, industrial revival c. 2000 in China |
| Application | Jersey, underwear, T-shirts, yoga wear (blends) |
Related product categories
Sources & references
2- Wikipedia: Azlon Wikipedia — Freie Enzyklopädie https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Azlon
- Textile Exchange: Alternative Fibres Textile Exchange https://textileexchange.org/
