John Deere will benefit from ongoing research into sustainable plastic materials conducted by University of Wisconsin-Stout students and faculty, according to an April 9 announcement. The two-year project aims to identify recycled polymers that can be used in the manufacturing process for John Deere vehicles.
The initiative is significant as it supports efforts to make manufacturing more environmentally friendly by incorporating recyclable and renewable materials. The collaboration reflects a broader industry trend toward sustainability.
Professor Wei Zheng leads the project with student assistants in the university’s plastics engineering program. Zheng said, “John Deere is asking two key questions: Can recycled polymers be used to manufacture these parts? And can those parts meet performance requirements?”
Since August 2024, students and faculty have tested various types of recycled plastic, molding them into shapes using equipment in the Plastics Engineering Lab at Jarvis Hall Technology Wing. Stephanie Kuhn, a junior involved in the project, described working hands-on with machines and equipment as essential for her learning experience. “I just love being able to use all the machines hands-on. It helps being able to see and use the equipment,” Kuhn said. She added that her involvement has increased her awareness about sustainability: “It has definitely opened my eyes that we need to learn to be more sustainable.”
Ryan Xu, another student assistant who attends Menomonie High School while taking classes at UW-Stout, appreciated gaining practical experience with advanced machinery and data analysis through this applied research.
Professor Adam Kramschuster assisted by optimizing injection molding processes for sample production and training students during trials. “I love working with students. It’s why I am here, and I enjoy it when they learn and take responsibility as their knowledge base grows,” Kramschuster said.
Zheng noted that previous student researchers have leveraged their experience on this project into jobs within the plastics industry at companies such as EVCO and Phillips Medisize. She said John Deere has been supportive throughout the process by providing molds, materials, technical expertise, and connections with suppliers.
The research will continue through at least August of this year. Zheng said, “John Deere is quite pleased with the results we have generated so far.”
