Samsara Eco launches first enzymatic recycling plant in Australia

AUSTRALIA – Australian biotech company Samsara Eco has opened its pioneering enzymatic recycling plant in Jerrabomberra, New South Wales, marking a significant step in addressing global plastic waste. 

The facility, equipped with the company’s innovative EosEco technology, uses AI-designed enzymes to break down hard-to-recycle plastics into virgin-identical, low-carbon raw materials.

This process targets mixed plastics, including multi-layered and colored varieties, which are often destined for landfills.

According to Paul Riley, CEO of Samsara Eco, the plant represents a major milestone. “In just four years, we’ve moved from lab research to a fully operational facility,” he said. 

The technology enables the recycling of materials like nylon 6,6 and polyester, suitable for packaging, apparel, and automotive industries. 

Riley emphasized that the process integrates seamlessly into existing supply chains, allowing brands to adopt recycled materials easily.

The Jerrabomberra facility also includes advanced enzyme production and research capabilities, fostering collaborations with The LYCRA Company and Deakin University’s Recycling and Clean Energy Commercialisation Hub. 

These partnerships aim to expand recycling solutions, including for challenging materials like spandex. 

The plant’s output will feature in upcoming product lines for global brands, with Riley noting that partnerships with companies are key to driving demand for circular materials.

A recent announcement revealed Samsara Eco’s partnership with engineering firm KBR to design a 20,000-tonne nylon 6,6 recycling plant in Asia, set to open in 2028. 

This facility will further scale the company’s technology, building on the Jerrabomberra plant’s foundation. 

The company aims to recycle 1.5 million tonnes of plastic annually by 2030, addressing the global challenge where only 10% of plastics are currently recycled.

Riley stated, “Our technology offers a closed-loop solution for packaging, ensuring materials are infinitely recycled.” 

The plant supports Australia’s net-zero goals while creating economic opportunities through advanced manufacturing. 

With over US$100 million raised from investors like Temasek and Main Sequence since its 2021 launch, Samsara Eco continues to innovate, having previously introduced the world’s first enzymatically recycled nylon 6,6 product with a major apparel brand in 2024.

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