In 2017, after more than 20 years in construction, Dustin Bowers set out to help solve the massive waste problem he saw in the building industry. In 2017, he founded PLAEX Building Systems, a modular construction block system that is low-waste, no-cut, reusable, and made from over 90% under and unrecycled waste materials. Dustin’s innovative PLAEX-crete composite diverts vast amounts of unused plastic and aggregate waste from landfills. Ultra-durable, water and crack-resistant, it is formed into fully interlocking systems for a wide range of wall applications. With a look, feel, and weight similar to concrete, PLAEX-crete  is not susceptible to the freezing, splitting, and cracking of traditional building materials. And unlike many other recycled plastic products, it is not buoyant and is load-bearing, making it ideally suited for a wide range of damp and demanding applications.

See the art piece made by Katherine Neily for the Most Innovative Product or Service Winner here.