Australian biotech company Samsara Eco is preparing to launch a plastics and textile enzymatic recycling plant thanks to backing from a global science and technology firm.
New York-based KBR confirmed it will back Samsara Eco’s pursuit to establish a circular solution to plastic waste.
The new plant is scheduled to be complete in early 2028, and will be capable of processing 20,000 metric tonnes of nylon 6,6 per year. Nylon 6,6 is used in products such as clothing, carpets, tire cords, conveyor belts, and brushes, which has so far been impossible to recycle.
Samsara Eco’s patented enzymes have been tested and found to break down plastic to its original building blocks (monomers) which can then be remanufactured into new products without degradation in quality and with a low carbon footprint.
Under the terms of the agreement, KBR will perform a pre-FEED (front-end engineering design) of the project by the end of Q2 2025.
KBR’s technical and commercial experts will then deliver a FEED engineering package for the process design to build a 20,000 metric tons per year commercial facility for nylon 6,6.
“KBR is uniquely equipped to deliver world-class solutions that help our customers bring sustainable technology to market, and we are thrilled to support Samsara Eco on this unique opportunity,” KBR president Jay Ibrahim said.
Samsara Eco founder and CEO Paul Riley said his company is charging full speed ahead to deliver this “first-of-a-kind” plant.
“KBR brings unmatched engineering expertise,” Riley said. “This will ensure we can design and build our facility with speed and precision. We’re proud to have KBR in our corner, helping bring our technology to industrial scale.”
Samsara Eco is already working with brands, including activewear brand Lululemon, to swap virgin materials for recycled materials.
Last year, it debuted the world’s first enzymatically recycled nylon 6,6 product. It also launched the first product made from enzymatically recycled polyester, creating lululemon’s limited edition Packable Anorak jacket.