PlantSwitch is a startup with a mission to replace all petroleum-based single-use plastics with plant-based alternatives. PlantSwitch's proprietary technology upcycles agricultural residues into plant-based resin that can be used to manufacture nearly all types of plastic products. According to the company, their home-compostable resin can fully break down in backyard compost within 12 months, leaving behind no microplastics.
PlantSwitch resins mimic the feel and functionality of plastic and can be integrated into existing production machinery, eliminating the need for costly upgrades. By upcycling agricultural waste streams, raw material costs remain minimal, positioning PlantSwitch as one of the lowest-cost plastic alternatives on the market.
The process of making PlantSwitch's circular products is straightforward and sustainable. The company first uses leftovers from major food production, such as rice hulls and wheat straw, giving these low-value byproducts a second life. Its proprietary technology then converts these feedstocks into biopolymer resin that can manufacture most plastic products. PlantSwitch's drop-in solution allows plastic manufacturers to seamlessly switch to these plant-based materials. After use, PlantSwitch products can be disposed of in a backyard or home compost, where they will break down in just a few months.
