Politicians Chris Bowen, Kristy McBain and Steve Whan opened a new front in recycling, alongside Samsara Eco founder and CEO Phil Riley (left). Photo: Claire Sams.
A plan to help solve plastic pollution with “hungry plastics” has officially opened in Capital Country.
Australian biotech company Samsara Eco has opened what it calls Australia’s first “infinite recycling” plant.
From a facility in Jerrabomberra’s Poplars Innovation Precinct, the company uses its enzymatic recycling technology, EosEco, to break down plastics into raw materials so they can be re-used predominantly in textiles, automotive and packaging.
Founder and CEO Phil Riley said that while the company launched in 2021, the problems they aimed to solve – plastic pollution and climate change – had been around for much longer.
“Over the last half century, 10 billion tons of plastic have been created, with it all largely still here on Earth, wasting away in our environment while we continue to make new plastics from carbon-generating fossil fuels,” he said.
“It’s insanity, so we set out on a search.”
EosEco uses AI-crafted enzymes to break-down mixed plastics that would otherwise be destined for landfill, into monomers (their building blocks).
Once they’re broken down, they are virgin-identical (meaning similar to newly created plastic) and businesses can use them in their products once again.
“What started out as an academic paper – a proof of concept – turned into a pilot facility at ANU, a demonstration facility at Mitchell and now this: our first plant, right here in Jerra [Jerrabomberra],” Mr Riley said.
“Jerra is our new home plant and innovation plant headquarters, with the capacity to create the equivalent of hundreds of thousands of garments a year.”
Materials created at the Jerrabomberra plant are already set to be included in upcoming product lines for global brands, such as athleisure-wear giant lululemon, as well as other pilot programs.
The recycled plastics have already been used in Lululemon products, such as this pink jumper that was once a pair of black leggings. Photo: Claire Sams.
Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen said the official opening put Australia on the front foot against not only plastic pollution, but clothing overconsumption.
“That [the textile industry] is more than international air travel and international shipping combined … We live in a world of fast fashion where these things get ordered and discarded and that leads … to 10 per cent of the world’s carbon emissions, which we’re trying hard to reduce.
“If we can recycle and repurpose some of that clothing, that’s a very good thing [for our efforts].”
Currently, only 10 per cent of plastics are recycled and less than one per cent of textiles are recycled into new textiles.
Member for Eden-Monaro Kristy McBain said initiatives such as Samsara would help to bring local jobs in the renewable economy to south-east NSW, with the facility employing 60 people.
“For me, this is a story about making sure our regions don’t miss out on the opportunity of being innovators.
“This is a $30 million facility … a $30 million investment in regional jobs [and a] confidence boost to communities just like this one right around regional Australia.”
Member for Monaro Steve Whan said he expected the facility would inspire local school kids and businesses in the region.
“[It is] great to see this here, providing local jobs, but also showing what great opportunities we have to commercialise and make real some of this wonderful innovation that we see in Australia.”
The Jerrabomberra facility provides a runway for Samsara Eco’s first nylon recycling plant, which is being designed with engineering partner KBR. That facility is due to open in Asia in 2028.
