Written by JR Robinson

In a world grappling with plastic pollution and the urgent need for sustainable alternatives, Dallas-based PlantSwitch stands out as a beacon of innovation and impact. Founded by Forbes 30 Under 30 honorees Dillon Baxter and Maxime Blandin, PlantSwitch is not just another startup—it’s a fast-growing force leading the plant-based plastic revolution, and a true asset to the city of Dallas.

Solving the Plastic Crisis with Science and Scale

PlantSwitch’s mission is bold: to replace all petroleum-based single-use plastics with compostable, plant-based alternatives. Their proprietary technology upcycles agricultural waste—byproducts like rice hulls and wheat straw—into a high-performance, cost-effective bioplastic resin. Unlike conventional plastics that linger for centuries, PlantSwitch’s materials are designed to fully break down in backyard compost within months, leaving behind zero microplastics.

This breakthrough matters. Most so-called “compostable” plastics on the market require industrial composting facilities, which are rare and inaccessible for most communities. PlantSwitch’s products, by contrast, are home compostable and degrade in a variety of environments, including soil and marine settings. This means that even if the end user doesn’t have access to specialized waste streams, the product will not contribute to long-term pollution.

Impact by the Numbers

The results speak for themselves. In 2024 alone, PlantSwitch replaced 60 million pieces of plastic with their compostable materials, preventing the equivalent of 50 school buses’ worth of plastic from entering the environment. The company expects to multiply that impact tenfold in the coming year.

Their 52,000-square-foot facility in North Carolina, a former petroleum plastic plant, is now producing tens of millions of pounds of compostable bioplastic annually for some of the world’s largest brands in food service, consumer packaged goods, and cosmetics. The company’s rapid growth is backed by significant investment, including a $4.94 million USDA grant and robust venture capital support.

A Circular Solution for a Circular City

PlantSwitch’s approach is truly circular. By giving agricultural waste a second life as bioplastic, they not only tackle the plastic problem but also add value for farmers and food producers. Their resin is a “drop-in” solution, compatible with existing plastic manufacturing equipment, making it easy and affordable for manufacturers to switch without costly overhauls.

This is a game-changer for Dallas and beyond. As the city continues to grow as a hub for sustainable business and innovation, PlantSwitch exemplifies how local entrepreneurship can have global impact. Their work supports Dallas’s reputation as a city that celebrates bold ideas and practical solutions to real-world problems.

Meet the Founders: Dillon Baxter & Maxime Blandin

Dillon Baxter, PlantSwitch’s CEO, brings a unique blend of business acumen and environmental passion to the table. A graduate of Southern Methodist University (SMU), Dillon’s journey began in investment banking, but his drive to make a tangible difference led him to sustainability entrepreneurship. Recognized as a National Merit Finalist, a Poets & Quants Best and Brightest Business Major, and a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, Dillon is a visionary leader. He’s also a former collegiate golfer, channeling the same discipline and focus from the greens into building a company that’s changing the world—one fork and straw at a time.

Maxime Blandin, co-founder and Head of Business Development, brings a global perspective to PlantSwitch’s mission. Originally from Martinique, Maxime moved to the U.S. at 13 to pursue golf, earning a scholarship at SMU and later competing on the European Tour. His international experience and strategic mindset have been instrumental in forging partnerships and expanding PlantSwitch’s reach. Maxime is known for his relentless drive, his ability to connect with people, and his commitment to making sustainability accessible for everyone.

Celebrating Dallas’ Green Pioneers

Dillon Baxter and Maxime Blandin are more than just founders; they are visionaries who have turned a pressing environmental challenge into a scalable business opportunity. Their leadership and commitment have already made Dallas proud, and their company’s trajectory suggests even greater things ahead.

PlantSwitch is a testament to what’s possible when innovation, sustainability, and business acumen meet. As Dallas continues to nurture its entrepreneurial spirit, companies like PlantSwitch are proof that local talent can drive global change—one plant-based product at a time.

Dallas, meet your next green champion. The future is not plastic—it’s PlantSwitch.