PlantSwitch is paving the way towards a sustainable future with its genuinely biodegradable solutions designed to make your next takeout experience more eco-friendly.
The issue with plastic
It’s clear to see that we are facing a significant plastic crisis. Since their introduction in the early 20th century, plastic products have infiltrated nearly every sector, embedding themselves in our daily lives—from the takeout utensils we use to the equipment found in medical facilities.
Yet, despite the convenience plastics offer, they pose serious environmental threats and are a leading factor in climate change. Judith Enck, President of Beyond Plastics, refers to plastics as “the new coal.”
The production of plastic starts with the environmentally damaging extraction of fossil fuels, which are then refined using substantial amounts of water and energy. However, the real problems arise during disposal; because plastic does not decompose naturally, the EPA reports that only 9% of plastic is recycled in the United States.
When fighting the plastic crisis, single-use plastics are the most daunting challenge. Roughly 40% of all manufactured plastics are intended for single-use applications, including food containers, straws, and plastic bags that are discarded after one use.
Where do these plastics go after consumption? An estimated 8 million metric tons of plastic enter our waterways annually, and this figure could increase threefold by 2040. A shocking illustration of this issue is the Great Pacific Garbage Patch—a vast area in the Pacific Ocean filled with plastic waste that threatens marine ecosystems.
The risks associated with plastic extend beyond wildlife; it also adversely affects human health. Discarded single-use plastics can fragment into microplastics, contaminating our soil and water supply, and subsequently entering our food chain. These tiny particles have been linked to various health problems, including cancer, heart disease, and inflammatory disorders.
Alarmingly, research indicates that microplastics are present in 94% of US tap water samples. The dangers are evident; the pressing question is how we can reduce our reliance on a material that has become so deeply embedded in our lives.
Pew Charitable Trusts, a nonprofit leveraging data for impactful change, suggests that substitutes for plastic could reduce global plastic waste by nearly 17% by 2040.
Moving past plastic
Experts in various fields are contemplating the vision of a plastic-free world.
While the necessity for alternatives is apparent, the solutions remain ambiguous. Thus far, replacements like bioplastics and plant-based materials have not proven cost-effective or practical due to challenges in production and potentially harmful additives comparable to those found in conventional plastics.
Dillon Baxter, founder and CEO of PlantSwitch, recognizes the complexity of this quest for a genuinely sustainable replacement for single-use plastics. “Glass is advantageous, but it requires more energy to produce,” he notes. “Bamboo presents deforestation concerns. The appeal of plastic lies in its lightweight, affordability, and ease of production, making finding substitutes challenging.”
With this in mind, Baxter embarked on developing an unprecedented alternative to plastics when establishing PlantSwitch.
Changing the game
PlantSwitch utilizes its proprietary technology to convert agricultural byproducts, such as rice hulls and wheat straw, into a plant-derived resin that serves as a cost-effective and adaptable substitute for plastic. “We harness low-cost, cellulose-rich waste from agriculture to create a genuine alternative to plastic,” Baxter explains. “This results in a circular supply chain, where waste is transformed into a biodegradable product that can return to nature, fostering the growth of more plants.”
Founded in 2020, Baxter’s team manufactures items that are dishwasher-safe, heat-resistant, and 100% compostable. “Many products marketed as compostable only decompose in commercial facilities with high heat,” he points out. “Unfortunately, this leads to many of them ending up in backyards, streets, or oceans.” In contrast, PlantSwitch’s products break down in home compost within a year, leaving behind no harmful microplastics.
Beyond creating innovative products, PlantSwitch aims to assist businesses in making informed sustainability choices. “We’ve all experienced flimsy paper straws collapsing in drinks,” Baxter reflects. “Our goal is to empower companies with impactful alternatives—beneficial for both the environment and their finances.”
Baxter, known for his optimistic outlook, has been encouraged by the enthusiasm exhibited by businesses not only keen to purchase PlantSwitch’s items but also eager to partner in developing diverse solutions. “We receive inquiries daily from businesses seeking new applications for our products,” he states. “As a custom formulation laboratory, we can tailor properties to suit various needs, which is a rare offering.”
Starting with the food service industry, PlantSwitch is now broadening its horizons to help other sectors like consumer packaged goods, cosmetics, and automotive parts. Collaborating with businesses provides insights that allow PlantSwitch to refine their technology, creating solutions that can be adopted widely, offering a promising alternative to plastics.
Baxter believes, “The remarkable aspect of human innovation is our ability to identify problems and develop technologies to address them. I’m focused on crafting solutions, while those who spotlight the issues play an essential role, too.”
With initiatives like PlantSwitch—and the companies collaborating with them—leading the way towards a genuinely sustainable substitute for single-use plastics, we might finally redefine our connection with one of the most prevalent materials, significantly investing in our health and future.
PlantSwitch offers a variety of compostable utensils available on their website. Additionally, you can find their products through these retailers:
- Pressed Juicery
- Gordon Food Service
- Sysco
- Imperial Dade
- Edward Don & Company
This article first appeared in the November-December 2024 issue of up7op magazine (US edition).
