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Plants Are The New Plastic

We turn plants into plastic that is compostable, high-performance, and affordable.

There’s no excuse to use the plastic of the past anymore.

Make the PlantSwitch
about us

PlantSwitch’s mission is to replace all petroleum-based single-use plastic with plants. Our proprietary technology upcycles agricultural residues into a plant-based resin that can be used to make nearly all types of plastic products. A low-cost, zero-waste, drop-in replacement to plastic is finally here.

plantswitch fork
Pile of dirtImage of plantswitch fork
after 8 hours of composting
Competitor’s Plant-Based Fork
Image of competitor forkImage of fork decomposing
after 8 hours of composting
services

We make switching from plastic to plants an obvious decision

Truly Sustainable

Our home compostable resin will fully break down in backyard compost in less than 12 months, leaving zero microplastics behind

Giving waste a second life - the agricultural residues we upcycle are byproducts of food production, we add value to them while solving a waste problem for agricultural producers

High Performance

Our resins feel and function like plastic, without the guilt

Works with existing plastic machinery

Our resins are “drop-in” replacements, plastics manufacturers can use their existing machines and processes with negligible switching costs

Low-cost

By upcycling agricultural waste streams, our raw material costs are minimal, enabling us to be the lowest cost plastic alternative on the market

Process

01

Farm production

02

Resin Production

03

Finished product

04

Compost

Process

01

Farm production

02

Compounding

03

Finished product

04

Compost

How it works

Our truly circular process starts at the farm and ends back at the farm. We turn agricultural residues into compostable plastic pellets, our manufacturing partners use those pellets to make compostable products, then that product is used and disposed into compost that goes back to the farmer.

1

Agricultural Residues

We use leftovers of major food production, such as rice hulls, wheat straw, and more. These leftovers currently have little to no value, so our process gives them a very important second life.

2

Biopolymer Production

Our proprietary technology converts these feedstocks into a biopolymer resin. Our resin can be used to make the majority of plastic products.

3

Finished Products

Our resin is a drop-in solution with existing plastic machinery, allowing plastic manufacturers to seamlessly switch to our plant-based material.

4

Composting

Once the product has been used, it can be disposed of in your backyard or home compost, where it will break down in just a few months. That compost can then be used to grow more of these wonderful materials.

Quality and Assurance Highlight

Home and industrial compostable*

*pending official BPI and TUV certification, initial results indicate passing of ASTM 6400 and EN 13432

High performance

Tensile, flexural, and impact strength on par with traditional plastic

Low cost

We’ll beat any home compostable resin on the market. Inquire here for pricing.

Testimonials

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First Name Last Name
Position, Company name

"Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat."

Name Surname
Position, Company name

Industries Served

Food packaging
Straws, forks, knives, spoons, cups
Plantswitch fork
Cosmetics
Makeup containers, lipstick tubes, closures, and more
Open bowl
Consumer packaged goods
Bottles, bottle caps, toothbrushes, coffee pods, and more
Plantswitch fork
Bowl
Open bowl
customers
customers

Our Team

Dillon Baxter

Founder and CEO

As Founder and CEO, Dillon drives PlantSwitch's vision of building the future of plastics. His notable accomplishments include Forbes 30 Under 30, National Merit Finalist, Poets and Quants Best and Brightest Business Major of 2020, and Division I Athletic & Academic Scholarships. Dillon played collegiate golf at SMU, where he graduated with a degree in Finance and Alternative Asset Management.

Maxime Blandin

Founder and Head of Business Development

Maxime Blandin's journey is as diverse as his talents. Fueled by dreams of professional golf, he moved to the US from Martinique when he was 13 and soon earned a scholarship at Southern Methodist University, where he honed both his golfing skills and his academic prowess with a major in Economics. Post-college, Maxime took his talents to the European Tour, playing professional golf and building a global network. But it was his reunion with former teammate, Dillon, that marked the inception of PlantSwitch. Leveraging his extensive experience in distribution, Maxime plays an integral role in the company. His knack for sourcing strategic partners, securing investors, and connecting with customers ensures that PlantSwitch is not just innovative but also market-forward.

Kris Haggard, PhD

Senior Process Engineer

Dr. Kris Haggard, with a PhD in Chemical Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin, leads product development for PlantSwitch. Specializing in polymer processing and formulations, his expertise is grounded in extensive industrial research and product development. At Beyond Meat, Kris led initiatives in plant protein texturization, contributing to the creation of innovative products like the award-winning steak alternative recognized by Time Magazine as one of the Best Inventions of 2022. His previous roles at Solvay Specialty Polymers and  Ingenia Polymers showcased his skills in technical marketing and product development, where he made significant advancements in polymer characterization and processing techniques. Kris’s approach combines a deep understanding of structure-property relationships with a commitment to sustainable and efficient manufacturing processes.

Samarthya Bhagia, PhD

Senior Development Scientist

Dr. Bhagia, Senior Development Scientist at PlantSwitch, is renowned for his profound contributions to bioprocess technologies and biomass conversion. His expertise in biomacromolecules and renewable product development has established him as a leader in sustainable materials. Dr. Bhagia formerly led biocomposite research at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and holds a PhD in Chemical and Environmental Engineering from UC Riverside. Having contributed to over 60 peer-reviewed papers, his prolific work in chemical and environmental engineering underscores his deep commitment to advancing the field of sustainable technology.

Len Poole, PhD, MBA

Head of Sales

Len Poole's multifaceted experience across sales, marketing, engineering, and technical support positions him as a pivotal asset to the PlantSwitch team. Formerly the Global Sales Leader of Biopolymers at Celanese, Len brings a wealth of knowledge in biopolymer technology, backed by an educational foundation in plastic engineering and an MBA. His decades-long industry journey has honed his ability to drive sales and foster customer relationships, qualities that are invaluable as he leads PlantSwitch's sales initiatives and customer engagement strategies.

Jason Menendez

Plant Manager

Jason Menendez, the Plant Manager at PlantSwitch, brings over 32 years of comprehensive experience in the plastics manufacturing industry. With a background that includes a focus on safety culture and excellence in plant process and production management, Jason is adept in both technical and leadership aspects of manufacturing. Prior to joining PlantSwitch, Jason was the Operations Manager at Borealis Compounds, where he oversaw site start-up, from construction to commissioning, and emphasized safety, operability, and quality in operations. Jason's extensive experience also includes positions in product and color development, process engineering, and quality management at companies like Washington Penn Plastic and Polycom Huntsman/Spartech. His skill set, enriched with expertise in SAP, production planning, and quality control, positions him as a key leader in PlantSwitch, driving manufacturing excellence and strategic growth.

Chad Mickles

Process Engineering Manager

Chad Mickles, with over 23 years in the plastics industry and an NC State Engineering degree, oversees injection molding operations at PlantSwitch. At CPP Global, one of the largest cosmetic packaging manufacturers in the US, he led process improvements and managed key departments, significantly reducing costs and enhancing production efficiency. An expert in injection molding , Chad's proficiency in process optimization and Six Sigma lean tools has driven substantial operational advancements.

Christopher Erdman

Process Engineer

Christopher Erdman is a Process Engineer at PlantSwitch, armed with a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from Drexel University. At The AZEK Company, he played a pivotal role in optimizing extrusion processes, overseeing equipment upgrades, and facilitating the introduction of new products. His tenure at Coperion Corporation as a Regional Sales Manager and Field Process Engineer showcased his ability to manage key accounts and enhance extrusion system operations. Christopher's technical skills extend to Solid Works, Auto-Cad, and MATLAB, enabling him to contribute significantly to process engineering projects at PlantSwitch. His expertise in process improvement, data management, and equipment maintenance underpins his approach to tackling complex engineering challenges.

Eric Vigod

Controller

Eric Vigod is a highly accomplished financial professional with extensive experience in corporate finance, investment, and entrepreneurial ventures. He holds an MBA in Finance from SDA Bocconi and a B.S. in Accounting from Washington University in St. Louis. As the Financial Controller at PlantSwitch, Eric brings a wealth of expertise in plant accounting, private equity, and venture capital. Previously, Eric served as the Chief Investment Officer and CFO for a family office, successfully managing a $50m-$75m real estate equity and fixed income portfolio, and significantly increasing portfolio returns. As the CEO/CFO at StudioPass, he raised $35m in venture capital and successfully exited..

Sydney Cole

Development Scientist

Sydney Cole, an accomplished Development Scientist at PlantSwitch, is a recent graduate in Polymer Science and Engineering from The University of Southern Mississippi. At the NSF Center for Sustainable Polymers, she significantly contributed to the development of bio-sourced polyurethane networks, emphasizing sustainable synthetic pathways. Sydney's academic excellence is evident in her numerous accolades, including being a Barry M. Goldwater Scholar Nominee and a recipient of the Mississippi Eminent Scholar Grant. Her dedication to her field is further highlighted by her role as an Honors College Discovery Scholar and the awards she received, such as the CIEF Polymer Science and Engineering Scholarship Endowment.

Nicholas Coppola

Operations Analyst

Nicholas began his journey with our company as an intern in 2022, quickly proving to be an indispensable asset through his strategic networking, deep understanding of economic and financial systems, and expertise in finance and real estate. His education in Economics, Finance, and Computer Science from Southern Methodist University has equipped him with the analytical skills to identify and leverage new business opportunities, playing a critical role in our day-to-day operations and company growth. Nicholas's keen market insights, technical acumen, and passion for technology have made him a key player in enhancing client relations and operational dynamics, aligning closely with our company's core values and future success.

Our Team

Dillon Baxter

Founder and CEO

As Founder and CEO, Dillon drives PlantSwitch's vision of building the future of plastics. His notable accomplishments include Forbes 30 Under 30, National Merit Finalist, Poets and Quants Best and Brightest Business Major of 2020, and Division I Athletic & Academic Scholarships. Dillon played collegiate golf at SMU, where he graduated with a degree in Finance and Alternative Asset Management.

Maxime Blandin

Founder and Head of Business Development

Maxime Blandin's journey is as diverse as his talents. Fueled by dreams of professional golf, he moved to the US from Martinique when he was 13 and soon earned a scholarship at Southern Methodist University, where he honed both his golfing skills and his academic prowess with a major in Economics. Post-college, Maxime took his talents to the European Tour, playing professional golf and building a global network. But it was his reunion with former teammate, Dillon, that marked the inception of PlantSwitch. Leveraging his extensive experience in distribution, Maxime plays an integral role in the company. His knack for sourcing strategic partners, securing investors, and connecting with customers ensures that PlantSwitch is not just innovative but also market-forward.

Kris Haggard, PhD

Senior Process Engineer

Dr. Kris Haggard, with a PhD in Chemical Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin, leads product development for PlantSwitch. Specializing in polymer processing and formulations, his expertise is grounded in extensive industrial research and product development. At Beyond Meat, Kris led initiatives in plant protein texturization, contributing to the creation of innovative products like the award-winning steak alternative recognized by Time Magazine as one of the Best Inventions of 2022. His previous roles at Solvay Specialty Polymers and  Ingenia Polymers showcased his skills in technical marketing and product development, where he made significant advancements in polymer characterization and processing techniques. Kris’s approach combines a deep understanding of structure-property relationships with a commitment to sustainable and efficient manufacturing processes.

Samarthya Bhagia, PhD

Senior Development Scientist

Dr. Bhagia, Senior Development Scientist at PlantSwitch, is renowned for his profound contributions to bioprocess technologies and biomass conversion. His expertise in biomacromolecules and renewable product development has established him as a leader in sustainable materials. Dr. Bhagia formerly led biocomposite research at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and holds a PhD in Chemical and Environmental Engineering from UC Riverside. Having contributed to over 60 peer-reviewed papers, his prolific work in chemical and environmental engineering underscores his deep commitment to advancing the field of sustainable technology.

Len Poole, PhD, MBA

Head of Sales

Len Poole's multifaceted experience across sales, marketing, engineering, and technical support positions him as a pivotal asset to the PlantSwitch team. Formerly the Global Sales Leader of Biopolymers at Celanese, Len brings a wealth of knowledge in biopolymer technology, backed by an educational foundation in plastic engineering and an MBA. His decades-long industry journey has honed his ability to drive sales and foster customer relationships, qualities that are invaluable as he leads PlantSwitch's sales initiatives and customer engagement strategies.

Jason Menendez

Plant Manager

Jason Menendez, the Plant Manager at PlantSwitch, brings over 32 years of comprehensive experience in the plastics manufacturing industry. With a background that includes a focus on safety culture and excellence in plant process and production management, Jason is adept in both technical and leadership aspects of manufacturing. Prior to joining PlantSwitch, Jason was the Operations Manager at Borealis Compounds, where he oversaw site start-up, from construction to commissioning, and emphasized safety, operability, and quality in operations. Jason's extensive experience also includes positions in product and color development, process engineering, and quality management at companies like Washington Penn Plastic and Polycom Huntsman/Spartech. His skill set, enriched with expertise in SAP, production planning, and quality control, positions him as a key leader in PlantSwitch, driving manufacturing excellence and strategic growth.

Chad Mickles

Process Engineering Manager

Chad Mickles, with over 23 years in the plastics industry and an NC State Engineering degree, oversees injection molding operations at PlantSwitch. At CPP Global, one of the largest cosmetic packaging manufacturers in the US, he led process improvements and managed key departments, significantly reducing costs and enhancing production efficiency. An expert in injection molding , Chad's proficiency in process optimization and Six Sigma lean tools has driven substantial operational advancements.

Christopher Erdman

Process Engineer

Christopher Erdman is a Process Engineer at PlantSwitch, armed with a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from Drexel University. At The AZEK Company, he played a pivotal role in optimizing extrusion processes, overseeing equipment upgrades, and facilitating the introduction of new products. His tenure at Coperion Corporation as a Regional Sales Manager and Field Process Engineer showcased his ability to manage key accounts and enhance extrusion system operations. Christopher's technical skills extend to Solid Works, Auto-Cad, and MATLAB, enabling him to contribute significantly to process engineering projects at PlantSwitch. His expertise in process improvement, data management, and equipment maintenance underpins his approach to tackling complex engineering challenges.

Eric Vigod

Controller

Eric Vigod is a highly accomplished financial professional with extensive experience in corporate finance, investment, and entrepreneurial ventures. He holds an MBA in Finance from SDA Bocconi and a B.S. in Accounting from Washington University in St. Louis. As the Financial Controller at PlantSwitch, Eric brings a wealth of expertise in plant accounting, private equity, and venture capital. Previously, Eric served as the Chief Investment Officer and CFO for a family office, successfully managing a $50m-$75m real estate equity and fixed income portfolio, and significantly increasing portfolio returns. As the CEO/CFO at StudioPass, he raised $35m in venture capital and successfully exited..

Sydney Cole

Development Scientist

Sydney Cole, an accomplished Development Scientist at PlantSwitch, is a recent graduate in Polymer Science and Engineering from The University of Southern Mississippi. At the NSF Center for Sustainable Polymers, she significantly contributed to the development of bio-sourced polyurethane networks, emphasizing sustainable synthetic pathways. Sydney's academic excellence is evident in her numerous accolades, including being a Barry M. Goldwater Scholar Nominee and a recipient of the Mississippi Eminent Scholar Grant. Her dedication to her field is further highlighted by her role as an Honors College Discovery Scholar and the awards she received, such as the CIEF Polymer Science and Engineering Scholarship Endowment.

Nicholas Coppola

Operations Analyst

Nicholas began his journey with our company as an intern in 2022, quickly proving to be an indispensable asset through his strategic networking, deep understanding of economic and financial systems, and expertise in finance and real estate. His education in Economics, Finance, and Computer Science from Southern Methodist University has equipped him with the analytical skills to identify and leverage new business opportunities, playing a critical role in our day-to-day operations and company growth. Nicholas's keen market insights, technical acumen, and passion for technology have made him a key player in enhancing client relations and operational dynamics, aligning closely with our company's core values and future success.

Advisory Board

Advisory Board

Partners
partners

ready to make the switch?

Join the plastic revolution that is happening all over the world.
Make the PlantSwitch