Samsara Eco has named Dr Lars Kissau as its first General Manager of Asia, marking a key step in the company’s global growth. Based in Singapore, Kissau will guide the company’s expansion in the region as it works towards opening its first commercial nylon 6,6 facility in 2028.
Kissau joins from BASF, where he spent more than 20 years in leadership roles. Most recently, he headed the company’s net zero accelerator, focusing on low-carbon and circular economy technologies.
Paul Riley, CEO and Founder of Samsara Eco, said the appointment comes at a pivotal moment:
“We’re rapidly scaling to meet market demand for low carbon, circular materials. With Lars’ expertise and leadership, we’re better positioned to accelerate our plans and deliver real impact.”
Samsara Eco is developing EosEco, an enzymatic recycling technology that uses AI-designed enzymes to recycle plastics previously considered unrecyclable. Currently, only 10% of plastics are recycled worldwide, and less than 1% of textiles are turned back into new textiles. The company aims to change that by keeping more materials in circulation and out of landfills.
The upcoming 20,000-tonne nylon 6,6 plant—designed with engineering partner KBR—will be the first of a series of international facilities using EosEco technology. Kissau will lead this project and grow a regional team in Singapore over the next year to support operations.
Commenting on his new role, Kissau said:
“Samsara Eco’s technology is not a niche solution but one that can scale and create real-world change. Nylon and mixed plastics have always been difficult to recycle, and this work has the potential to reshape the entire plastics value chain.”
Dr Lars Kissau, Newly appointed t General Manager of Asia, Samsara Eco
Singapore will serve as the hub for Samsara Eco’s Asian activities, strengthened by its biotech ecosystem and the presence of lead investor Temasek. Meanwhile, the company’s research and development will remain centered at its new facility in Jerrabomberra, Australia.
The appointment follows a string of recent milestones, including the opening of Samsara Eco’s first plant in regional Australia and a long-term offtake agreement with lululemon to supply around 20% of its fiber portfolio.
