Plastics. They’re everywhere. And it’s not good.
In fact, it’s very, very bad.
These days there’s a lot of erroneous “health” information out there, and it’s hard sometimes to know what deserves alarm and what doesn’t.
Plastics deserve alarm.
Even those people who are not concerned about the environment must surely be concerned by studies that show imaging of human brains that contain as much plastic as a plastic spoon.
Fortunately, several companies are trying to address this problem. One such company is PlantSwitch. The mission of the PlantSwitch team is to replace all petroleum-based, single-use plastics with sustainable, plant-based alternatives. Using proprietary technology, the company upcycles agricultural residues into a high-performance, plant-based resin that serves as an affordable, zero-waste alternative to traditional plastic. The following is a Q&A with Dillon Baxter, co-founder and CEO of PlantSwitch.
Dillon, tell us more about this alternative to plastic.
The material is designed to seamlessly integrate into existing manufacturing processes, making it a true drop-in replacement for traditional plastic, without sacrificing quality or functionality. From cutlery and straws to plates, packaging and beyond, the company’s resin can be used to create nearly any plastic product without the environmental cost or the cost to human health.
Please explain what damage plastics are doing to the environment and health of living things on our planet.
Plastics are no longer just a waste issue, but a systemic environmental crisis. Every year, millions of tons of plastic enter our oceans, rivers, ecosystems and, recent studies show, our bodies and food sources. The impact on our ecosystems is profound. Microplastics are ingested by fish, birds and other wildlife, often leading to malnutrition, poisoning and death. As they move through the food chain, these pollutants accumulate and magnify, posing growing risks to biodiversity and ecological balance.
Studies are now showing that microplastics (microscopic plastic particles) are being found in our hearts, livers, kidneys and brains. They are also being found in breast milk, the placenta, and our reproductive organs.
How important is it for the healthcare industry in particular to consider alternatives to traditional plastics?
Ironically, many of the plastic materials used in healthcare that are intended to promote healing may actually be contributing to long-term health risks. Single-use plastics, particularly those containing phthalates, BPA and other additives, have been linked to hormone disruption, cancer, autoimmune diseases, and developmental disorders.
Healthcare is one of the largest worldwide producers of plastic waste. From gloves and syringes to IV bags and packaging, the sector relies heavily on single-use plastics for hygiene and convenience. However, this has created a staggering waste stream that ends up in landfills or incinerators, contributing to environmental pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
PlantSwitch currently provides their products to Boston Medical and to Fort Healthcare, and there are more such partnerships in the works. Please tell us more about these partnerships.
We are proud to partner with providers who prioritize sustainability and innovation by choosing PlantSwitch cutlery and straws for their food-service operations. Healthcare is a key area where we see tremendous potential for growth, as replacing single-use plastics represents a meaningful step forward for patient well-being and the health of our planet. Potential uses might include syringes and IV clips, patient wristbands, etc.
What tips do you have for healthcare professionals who want to reduce plastic use in their facilities, and/or who want to find alternative products?
I commend healthcare professionals who are taking any steps toward more sustainable practices. Even incremental changes can lead to significant impact over time. For example, simply replacing 1 million plastic forks with PlantSwitch alternative plastic for their staff and patient food services can prevent nearly 9,000 pounds of plastic from entering the waste stream.
How important is it that we find immediate solutions to this problem?
Plastic production is set to triple by 2060 if current trends continue. The longer we delay action, the more entrenched the crisis becomes. Plastics are polluting and accumulating at a pace our planet cannot absorb or process. Our planet cannot afford to wait longer for solutions to plastic.
Sometimes even solutions have flaws. Are there any flaws to plant-based plastics that we should be considering (even if these products are far better than traditional plastics)?
As with the development of any new product, achieving the ideal formulation often involves a period of trial and refinement. Depending on the specific application, it can take multiple iterations to perfect the blend, consistency and thickness needed to match or outperform traditional plastic. However, our team of engineers and scientists has developed deep expertise in this area and has successfully fine-tuned the process to deliver reliable, high-performance results.
How optimistic or pessimistic are you about how humanity will face our plastic crisis?
I would describe my outlook on humanity’s response to the plastic crisis as cautiously optimistic. On one hand, the urgency has never been clearer. We are now seeing microplastics in our food, our oceans, and our bodies, and public awareness is rising. However, the plastic crisis is accelerating, and in many regions, plastic production is still growing unchecked. So yes, I believe we can solve this. But it’s going to take bold leadership, global cooperation, corporate cooperation, and relentless innovation.
One major step in this progress is PlantSwitch’s adaptability. PlantSwitch offers a drop-in solution to existing plastic thermoforming machinery and injection molding machinery, making it much more convenient and cost effective for companies to adopt on a large scale. People can learn more about our manufacturing process and the source of our compostable, bioplastic material at PlantSwitch.com.
