Rhea Factory Recognized for Innovative Textile Recycling Technology
Rhea’s Factory, a biotechnology startup based in Berkeley, California, has earned international recognition after being selected as one of the winners of the 2026 Global Change Award. The award, organized by the H&M Foundation, supports innovative ideas that can help create a more sustainable future for the global textile industry.
The company was honored for its advanced recycling solution called RheaCycle, a technology designed to convert polyester textile waste into high-quality raw materials that can be used to produce new products. The innovation aims to address one of the fashion industry’s biggest challenges—managing the growing volume of textile waste while reducing dependence on virgin resources.
Rhea Factory awarded
RheaCycle combines artificial intelligence and biotechnology to develop specialized enzymes capable of breaking down polyester materials into their original molecular components. Unlike traditional recycling methods, which can be energy-intensive and may reduce material quality, the company’s process is designed to be efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly.
According to Rhea’s Factory, artificial intelligence plays a key role in the development of its enzymes. Machine learning technology allows researchers to rapidly evaluate thousands of enzyme designs and identify the most effective solutions. This approach significantly reduces the time and cost associated with conventional research and development methods.
The company states that its recycling process operates under relatively mild conditions and requires less energy compared to many existing recycling technologies. The resulting output is a highly purified material that can be directly reintroduced into manufacturing systems without major changes to existing production infrastructure.
One of the most important features of the technology is its ability to process difficult waste streams. Textile products often contain contaminants, dyes, and blended materials that make recycling more challenging. RheaCycle has been designed to handle these complex materials, helping increase the amount of textile waste that can be recovered and reused rather than sent to landfills.
Although the award specifically recognizes the company’s contribution to textile recycling, Rhea’s Factory believes the technology has applications beyond the fashion sector. The platform can also be used for recycling polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a common material found in packaging, consumer goods, and automotive products. This flexibility could help reduce plastic waste across several industries and support broader circular economy goals.
As part of the Global Change Award, each winning organization receives funding of €200,000 to support the development and scaling of its innovation. In addition, winners participate in the Global Change Award Changemaker Programme, which provides mentorship, business guidance, and access to industry experts. The program is delivered in collaboration with leading organizations and technology partners, helping innovators bring their solutions to market more effectively.
Speaking about the recognition, Rhea’s Factory Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer Arzu Sandıkçı said the award reflects the company’s commitment to creating practical solutions for environmental challenges. She emphasized that transforming a global industry requires collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to sustainability.
Sandıkçı also highlighted the potential of combining biology and artificial intelligence to build a truly circular system for polyester and PET materials. By making recycling more efficient and economically viable, the company hopes to accelerate the transition toward a future where valuable resources remain in use for longer periods.
As the textile industry faces increasing pressure to reduce waste, lower emissions, and improve sustainability, innovations such as RheaCycle offer promising new opportunities. By turning discarded polyester into valuable raw materials, Rhea’s Factory is demonstrating how technology can help create a cleaner, more resource-efficient future for both the fashion sector and the wider plastics industry.
