First pyrolysis plant in Australia
The «Wallaby» project marked enespa's first-ever plant export to Australia. This project came about through a partnership with Plastoil. More are set to follow as the concept of the circular economy gains traction Down Under.
APR – Australian Paper Recovery
Plastoil managing director Arjuna Wimalasuriya made contact with the chief executive officer of APR – Australian Paper Recovery, Darren Thorpe. For the last 40 years, he has been making a name for himself and his company as a pioneer and leader in the recycling industry. Darren Thorpe is extremely passionate about the circular economy, especially the circular economy , especially the circular economy of plastics. After a trial phase with our showcase pyrolysis plant, the decision was a no-brainer for him: He chose the enespa WastX P5.
Project overview
This initial Australian project came about thanks to our business partner Plastoil.
- 1 plastic-to-oil plant WastX P5 with a capacity of 5 tonnes per day
- APR's investment in the project, incl. enespa production plant: Approx. €2 million
The refinery in Dandenong converts the pyrolysis oil from APR back into plastic.
Initial revenue from pyrolysis oil sales is expected to be generated in the second half of 2025. The daily capacity of 5 tonnes will be utilised fully from 2026 onwards.
Project team
Darren Thorpe
Ben Richters
Arj Wimalasuriya
Milestones
The first project Down Under took a certain amount of time to complete. It was not just our pyrolysis plant that undertook a long and demanding journey:
February 2025
The permit application for the new factory building is completed and submitted.
September 2024
Construction of a new factory building on the APR site comes to a temporary halt. Our pyrolysis plant is stored in Melbourne.
June 2024
The pyrolysis plant sets sail from Hamburg to Melbourne.
December 2023
APR's chief executive officer Darren Thorpe chooses an enespa WastX P5 pyrolysis plant with a daily capacity of 5 tonnes.
October 2023
Showcase pyrolysis plant (daily capacity of 1 tonne) arrives at APR in Melbourne and is put into trial operation with various plastic waste feedstocks.
Contact for questions
I will be happy to provide you with more information about this project.
Plastoil: Our Partner Down Under
Pyrolysis: Someone Has to Start
Transporting of a Large Plant
© enespa 2025
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The road to a circular economy for plastics is a long one. However, we are not travelling this path alone, but together with you. Celebrate with us when we come one step closer to our goal.
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The road to a circular economy for plastics is a long one. However, we are not travelling this path alone, but together with you. Celebrate with us when we come one step closer to our goal.
Subscribe to newsletter
The road to a circular economy for plastics is a long one. However, we are not travelling this path alone, but together with you. Celebrate with us when we come one step closer to our goal.