Milk Proteins

How is Milk Proteins Fabric made?

Milk proteins fabric is a fabric made from dried Milk. It was first produced during WWI when the Germans realised its potential as a textile and started making garments from it. It was later developed in America and Italy in the 1930’s. It is classed as a semi-synthetic fibre.

Milk Proteins Manufacture

Milk protein fibre is made from skimmed milk. The main components of this fibre are Casein proteins. These are extracted from the milk via a drying process. The fibres are then manufactured by spinning the protein fluid by means of a bio-engineering technique.

The Milk proteins fabric is made using leftover milk that no one can drink anymore. This reduces waste as the milk is left to ferment to create a lumpy, yoghurt-like consistency. This manufacturing process uses a lot less water than cotton and many other natural fibres, but it is very labour intensive and costly meaning that for now, it is still a luxury fabric.

Once the protein has been extracted from the dried milk, it is then boiled and then pressed into strands. These are the milk protein fibres and can be spun into yarns which can then be either knitted or woven into fabrics.

Qmilch is the brand name for fabrics made from 100% Milk proteins and has been developed in Germany as a sustainable and ecologically friendly fabric.

Properties of Milk Proteins fabric

• Holds dye well
• Breathable
• Creases Easily
• Should not be machine washed
• Healthy and nutritious to skin
• Luxurious and Glossy
• Good moisture absorption and conduction
• Eco-Friendly
• Renewable
• Biodegradable
• Similar to silk
• Expensive to produce
• Not very durable

End uses of Milk Proteins

• Apparel
• Bedding
• Sweaters
• Underwear
• Uniforms
• T-Shirts