Australian biotechnology company Samsara Eco opened its first commercial facility, marking a significant step in scaling enzymatic plastic recycling technology to address mounting global waste challenges.
The plant in Jerrabomberra, located in regional Australia near Canberra, houses the company’s EosEco technology, which uses artificial intelligence-designed enzymes to break down mixed plastics into virgin-quality raw materials including recycled nylon 6,6 and polyester.
The facility has capacity to produce materials equivalent to hundreds of thousands of garments annually, targeting applications across apparel, packaging, and automotive sectors, the company said.
“This is a true tipping point for circularity, shifting circular materials from early-stage innovation to mainstream reality,” Chief Executive Paul Riley said in a statement.
Global brands including athletic wear maker lululemon will incorporate the recycled materials into upcoming product lines, while the facility will conduct trials with companies across multiple industries.
The plant also houses expanded enzyme production capabilities and will host research collaborations, including work with The LYCRA Company on recycling spandex and partnerships with Deakin University’s recycling hub.
Currently, only 10% of plastics globally are recycled, with less than 1% of textiles recycled into new textiles, according to industry data. Samsara Eco aims to address this gap by processing materials typically destined for landfills.
The Jerrabomberra facility serves as a stepping stone to the company’s first large-scale commercial plant, a 20,000-tonne facility planned for Asia in 2028 in partnership with engineering firm KBR.
Founded in 2021 in partnership with Australian National University, Samsara Eco has raised over A$150 million ($100 million) from investors including Singapore’s Temasek, Australia’s Main Sequence, and Greycroft.
The company created the world’s first enzymatically recycled nylon 6,6 apparel product with lululemon in 2024 and was named one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies in 2025.
“Our technology supports Australia’s net-zero targets while driving economic growth,” Riley said, adding the facility positions Australia as a potential global exporter of circular materials.
The opening comes as regulatory pressure and brand demand for sustainable materials accelerate adoption of circular economy solutions across industries.
Business News Asia
