Rheiazymes Pioneer Molecular Bio Recycling Technology

Zurich, Switzerland - October 16, 2024 – The team of researchers at Rheiazymes, led by Mónica Arias and Milena Sbarai, has published a groundbreaking study, revealing the potential of enzymes produced by the fungus Penicillium simplicissimum to degrade synthetic textile fibers, including elastane and polyamide. These polymers are widely used in the fashion industry and present significant recycling challenges. The research results are now publicly available as part of the opensourcing project of Rheiazymes’ funding partner, Migros Pioneer Fund, and highlights innovative molecular recycling methods designed to reduce the environmental impact of textile waste.

Conducted with submerged liquid fermentation, the study identified enzymes capable of breaking down elastane and polyamide fibers into their core components. By targeting key enzyme classes—such as proteases, esterases, and amidases—the team has made strides toward enabling large-scale recycling processes. While the direct degradation of these fibers proved complex, the findings reveal promising enzymatic activity, particularly in elastane degradation. The work is a vital step toward the goal of a circular fashion industry, where high-value polymers can be continuously recycled.

Rheiazymes is a Swiss biotech company on a mission to keep fashion’s high-value polymers in a YARN-TO-YARN® loop using its proprietary Molecular Bio-Recycling. While the company is in the process of liquidation, staying true to the company’s purpose to truly make an impact, Rheiazymes - with the support of the Migros Pioneer Fund - is making its data publicly available to provide a stepping stone for researchers, start-ups and companies who are on the same mission to make the textile industry more sustainable and more circular.

The full study and the opensourced data are available here:

About the Migros Pioneer Fund

The Migros Pioneer Fund supports sustainable solutions for societal challenges with the goal of initiating systemic change towards a future-oriented society. The impact-oriented funding approach combines financial support with active funding and risk management. The fund is part of the social commitment of the Migros Group and has an annual budget of approximately CHF 15 million. The Migros Pioneer Fund is supported by companies such as Denner, Migros Bank, Migrol, migrolinio and Ex Libris.

More information: www.migros-pionierfonds.ch

It is with a heavy heart, but with strong conviction, that we share this news with you today. We regret to inform you that Rheiazymes and the YARN-TO-YARN® project have had to enter the liquidation process despite our best efforts and numerous alternatives explored.

Despite the tireless efforts of our team and the tremendous support of our investors and our funding partner, the Migros Pioneer Fund, we find ourselves at a crossroads where we lack the necessary funding to move forward with our vision. The significantly longer development process for scaling the technology made it impossible to obtain the necessary financing for the company. We have not taken this decision lightly, but with the utmost consideration for our stakeholders and the future of enzymatic recycling. Accordingly, we will also share our knowledge and findings with you and the public in the coming weeks in order to maximize our impact. Here, too, we are supported by the Migros Pioneer Fund.

Even though this chapter is now coming to an end, we are very proud of what we have achieved together. Our journey has been characterized by innovation, collaboration and resilience. We have pushed boundaries, challenged industry norms and dared to dream big. To our team, investors, partners and supporters: we thank you! Your belief in our mission has been the driving force behind every step we have taken. While this may be the end of one journey, it is at the same time the beginning of countless new opportunities. Let's continue to carry the torch of innovation, knowing that the impact of Rheiazymes and YARN-TO-YARN® will last well beyond these difficult times.

As we manage this transition, we remain committed to transparency, integrity and the well-being of all stakeholders. We will continue to communicate openly and offer support wherever possible.

Thank you for being part of our journey.