Sanford Business PlantSwitch Leads Way For Bioplastic Production In North Carolina

Business certainly is booming for Dillon Baxter, CEO and co-founder of PlantSwitch. Along with fellow co-founder Maxime Blandon, Dillon has brought the future of environmentally friendly, plant-based plastics to their new facility in Sanford. Being a Sanford native myself, I knew I just had to talk with Dillon and hear about his vision for PlantSwitch as he gets things rolling in my hometown.

It is immediately clear that Dillon is passionate about this business and the positive environmental impact it possesses. "We’re trying to redefine the entire plastic industry. Plastic waste is becoming a massive issue," Dillon said. "By using plant material instead of petroleum, we’re able to use a more sustainable material that looks like plastic, feels like plastic, but is much better for the environment long-term."

As you can see on their website, PlantSwitch uses breakthrough technology to create bioplastic material for things we use in our day-to-day lives. Spanning across the fast food, pharmacy, and cosmetics industries, PlantSwitch aims to ween society off its reliance of petroleum-based products that do lasting damage to the environment. In our conversation, Dillon was excited about his vision for the future of his business and the industry as a whole. “Our goal is to make Sanford the center of bioplastic production for the US. This is going to be a massive industry going forward."

Admittedly I was a bit surprised to find that a business like PlantSwitch would choose Sanford as its central hub for such a colossal undertaking. Don't get me wrong, I have much love in my heart for my hometown. Let's be honest though, the Santrap wouldn't be anyone's first guess when you ask them which NC city was host to a bioplastic lab. But according to Dillon, Sanford is actually the ideal locale for his blossoming bioplastic business.

"We have a world-class lab here in Sanford that we're using for (research and development). We have lots of access to agricultural feedstocks. Sanford was a really great spot, just checked all the boxes for us. Seems like a real booming area that we can create a lot of jobs with.” 

Dillon is preparing to take PlantSwitch to a national stage by developing their raw material for many Fortune 500 companies. He even has aspirations of going international with his innovative and exciting business. I for one am proud to have such a progressive and environmentally-conscious business in my old stomping grounds, and I wish Dillon all the luck in the world moving forward.

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It's that time of year when we all start thinking of finding the perfect pumpkin and making canned jams and other goodies! I've found the best place to score these seasonal delights are at farmers markets in North Carolina. Searching for the best local farmers market can be a fun and rewarding experience. As a southern gal who loves her fresh produce, I can tell you that there are a few things to keep in mind when looking for the perfect market. Here are some tips to help you find the best local farmers market:

New Bern has so much to offer and this market is a must see on your weekend adventures! Grab some goodies, enjoy the vendors wares and head to the local waterfront for a perfect Saturday.

421 South Front St. New Bern, NC
252-633-0043

The downtown Hickory Farmers Market is well known for having a great selection of products, year round! Fans of this market rave about the different goat cheeses, baked goods (yum!) and meats.

Union Square, Hickory, NC 28601, Hickory, NC, United States, North Carolina

Durham has so much to offer and this market is near the top for must do activities in the area. Reviewers are raving: This farmer's market is good because it has the seasonal vegetables/fruits that you're looking for, but also the atmosphere with the food trucks and different types of people. There are musicians playing music, kids playing, skate boarders skating, and just that great Durham eclectic vibe of people. I always find good produce and there is great parking and people watching.

The Pavilion
at Durham Central Park
501 Foster Street
Durham, NC 27701

Tis the season for pumpkins! And Josh's Farmers Market in Mooresville delivers on that front, along with other falltastic goodies!

630 Brawley School Road
Mooresville, NC 28117

Seven days a week, serious food connoisseurs and regular folks, carefully pick through mounds of gorgeously presented fresh local produce at this popular open market, which is owned by the State of North Carolina.

I-40, Exit 297, Lake Wheeler Road

The Cape Fear Farmer's Market was designed as a place for our local farmers to offer their fresh and locally grown products. Farmers at the Market offer a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, baked goods, meats, eggs, jams, jellies, preserves, honey-based products, and farm-related products. Each Saturday, vendors can display and sell their handcrafted one-of-a-kind items. Please be aware that participation in the Market varies. Hours of operation are Monday through Saturday, 7:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.

106 Martin Luther King Dr, Elizabethtown, NC

Local vendors and seasonal items make this market a hit! From food to hand made crafts, Wake Forest Farmers Market also doubles as a perfect holiday gift destination.

235 S. Taylor StreetWake Forest, NC

Open year round and with such a loyal following, they even offer a punch card for repeat shoppers! From seafood to tamales, Holly Springs Farmers Market offers a diverse offering of deliciousness.

300 W. Ballentine St., Holly Springs, NC

Come meet your local farmers and artisans and celebrate NC agriculture and craftsmanship with us at the Sanford Farmers’ Market! Offering a diverse selection of seasonal vegetables, fruit, meat, flowers, baked goods, crafts, and more, all produced within the local community! Farmers markets are essential for farmers, food entrepreneurs, and artisans to support their operations and give consumers weekly access to seasonal fruits and vegetables picked at peak ripeness.

The Pittsboro Farmers’ Market is a “Producer Only” market, which means that the vendors may only sell the items they grow or produce; vendors are not allowed to buy and re-sell at the PFM. Producers within a 50 mile radius of Pittsboro are eligible to join the market.* This ensures fresh local offerings for the customers.

220 Lorax Lane, Pittsboro, NC

The Cary Downtown Farmers Market began in 1996, when three small family farms wanted a place to sell their products directly to the community. A strong community has developed at the market over the years. The town of Cary has come to know and trust the farmers who make their food while sampling produce, learning about where and how the food is grown, and talking about recipes with other shoppers. Onsite there are cooking demos and lots of kid's activities.

200 E. Chatham St, Cary, NC, United States, North Carolina

Yoga, beer and amazing vendors! Dirtbags Farmers Market is a market you don't want to miss. Plus, the market calendar is loaded down with special, themed weekend events during the market season.

5435 Corporation Dr, Hope Mills, NC