John Deere will benefit from sustainable plastic research conducted by University of Wisconsin-Stout students and faculty, according to an April 9 announcement. Led by Professor Wei Zheng, the team has spent two academic years studying how recycled plastic polymers could be used in John Deere vehicle manufacturing.
The project aims to help John Deere incorporate more recyclable and renewable materials into its products, which reflects a growing industry focus on sustainability. The collaboration was established through connections made via the Society of Plastics Engineers and facilitated by UW-Stout’s Office of Corporate Relations & Economic Engagement.
Since August 2024, student researchers have tested various types of recycled plastics using injection molding machines in the university’s Plastics Engineering Lab. Stephanie Kuhn, a junior double majoring in plastics engineering and mechanical engineering, said, “I just love being able to use all the machines hands-on. It helps being able to see and use the equipment.” She added that participating in this research has reinforced her classroom learning about sustainable practices: “It has definitely opened my eyes that we need to learn to be more sustainable,” she said. “If John Deere begins to use this, hopefully other manufacturers will, too.”
Professor Adam Kramschuster also contributed by setting up and optimizing the injection molding process while training student assistants like Ryan Xu. Kramschuster said, “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.” Zheng noted that previous student assistants have secured jobs at companies such as EVCO and Phillips Medisize after gaining experience on this project.
The University of Wisconsin-Stout features modern labs and industry-linked spaces designed for practical learning according to the official website. The institution is recognized as Wisconsin’s Polytechnic University for blending theory with application according to the official website, operates within the University of Wisconsin System according to the official website, emphasizes career readiness through hands-on experiences according to the official website, supplies laptops through its eStout program according to the official website, and builds partnerships with businesses for internships and research opportunities according to the official website.
Zheng’s sabbatical during 2024-25 focused on advancing sustainability in plastics engineering by exploring ways thermosetting plastics can be made recyclable through reverse crosslinking processes—a challenge due to their cured chemical structure—further aligning her work with industry trends toward environmental responsibility.
