Solving Australia’s Waste Plastic Problem

Shocked by what seemed like an outlandish statement on TV, in 2016 Darren began researching the WA recycling industry and was shocked to discovered that none of the plastic collected in WA recycling bins is actually reprocessed in WA.

In response, Darren has set out to create WA’s first waste plastic  reprocessing facility. The first  project in development is turning discarded plastic beverage bottles into 3D printer filament, enabling anyone with a 3D printer to start printing stuff out of recycled plastic. 

But Greenbatch isn’t Darren’s first social enterprise. As just 19, Darren created the registered charity, Dreamfit Foundation, designing and building custom engineered equipment for people with disabilities. Having completed over 1,000 projects, Dreamfit has impacted over 10,000 individuals and families affected by disability across Australia. In 2015 Darren handed the reigns of Dreamfit as 15 years as the CEO to a large disability organization leaving behind on ongoing legacy for the WA community.

If that wasn’t enough, Darren has still made time to volunteer and support a number of other organizations and causes including Engineers without Borders, Native Animal Rehabilitation Centre, Guide Dogs WA, The University of Western Australia, Committee Economic Development Australia, Australia Day Ambassador, , Engineers Australia, Disabled Surfers Association, Association for the Blind, DisAbled Recreation Club, Bloom Labs, Leeuwin Ocean Adventure Foundation, Ministerial Advisory Council on Disability, Leadership WA and Fremantle Sea Rescue Volunteer to name a few.

For his work dedication to community, Darren has numerous accolades including:

• United Nations JCI Top Ten Most Outstanding Young People of the World
• WA Young Australian of the Year
• WA Citizen of the Year
• Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow
• Australia’s Top 50 Most Inspirational Engineers
• Australian Mechanical Engineer of the Year WA Business News 40 under 40