Asics Corp.’s investment subsidiary, Asics Ventures, has invested in Seevix Material Sciences, which produces patented man-made spider silk.

Dubbed SVX, the material possesses natural spider silk’s superior strength, elasticity and durability, while also being sustainable and biodegradable. Seevix manufactures SVX through biomimicry in a controlled fermenter-based process.

Asics said one of the core strategies in its medium-term management plan is to “create differentiated innovation.” Asics has continued to introduce advanced technologies into its products to improve both sustainability and functionality, and has shifted to sustainable materials, including those deriving from biotechnology, by collaborating with external partners.

By resequencing the spider silk gene and controlling its cellular micro-environment, Seevix is able to induce the fiber’s spontaneous self-assembly on a commercial scale. Seevix said this critical capability endows the fiber with superior natural properties and enables their integration into new composite materials.

Asics aims to contribute to a circular economy while creating innovative products, services and processes that significantly change customers’ lifestyles experiences.