Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Stout are working with John Deere to explore how recycled plastics can be used in sustainable manufacturing, offering both environmental benefits and valuable hands-on experience for students.
Led by Professor Wei Zheng, the initiative focuses on testing whether recycled plastic polymers can meet the performance standards required for use in heavy equipment. Over the past two academic years, students in the university’s plastics engineering program have been actively involved in molding and analyzing recycled materials as part of this industry collaboration.
The research takes place in UW-Stout’s Plastics Engineering Lab, where students use injection molding machines to process recycled plastic pellets. After molding, the materials are shaped into test samples and evaluated for mechanical, thermal, and physical performance. This process helps determine whether recycled plastics can withstand the demands of real-world applications in agricultural and construction machinery.
Students such as Stephanie Kuhn and Ryan Xu gain practical experience by working directly with advanced equipment and analyzing material data. Their involvement highlights the program’s emphasis on applied learning and sustainability, while also preparing them for careers in plastics engineering.
The project is supported by UW-Stout’s Office of Corporate Relations and Economic Engagement and reflects the university’s strong focus on industry partnerships. Faculty members, including Professor Adam Kramschuster, play a key role in guiding students and optimizing manufacturing processes such as injection molding.
Sustainability remains central to the research. The collaboration aims not only to reduce plastic waste but also to demonstrate that recycled materials can meet strict industrial standards. Wei Zheng has also been advancing research into improving the recyclability of thermoset plastics—materials that are traditionally difficult to recycle due to their permanent chemical structure.
With support from John Deere, which provides materials and technical expertise, the project has already delivered promising results. The initiative underscores how academic-industry partnerships can drive innovation while equipping students with skills that enhance their career prospects in the growing field of sustainable manufacturing.