The California Carpet Stewardship Program has announced the award of three new grants totaling $142,000, supporting groundbreaking projects aimed at advancing the recycling and reuse of post-consumer carpet (PCC).
Two of the initiatives, led by Brightworks Sustainability and Tarkett in partnership with Georgia Tech, were selected under Cycle 3 of CARE’s Innovation & Design grants. Brightworks will conduct a Circularity Optimization Study, engaging supply chain stakeholders to develop a new “Design for Circularity” guide. Meanwhile, Tarkett, collaborating with Georgia Tech and Mycocycle, will explore a mycelium-based bioremediation process. This technology could potentially break down 100% of PCC, including backings and adhesives, to create feedstock for new carpet manufacturing.
The third award, granted under Cycle 6B of CARE’s Product Testing program, went to River AI Design Corp. The Los Angeles–based company will develop and certify architectural products made from recycled PCC through large-scale 3D printing. Planned applications include durable planters, acoustic panels, and outdoor furniture, all made using carpet waste sourced from California.
These grants highlight California’s ongoing commitment to circular economy practices and innovative solutions to address the challenges of carpet waste recycling
