Advanced Materials
Advanced materials- engineered at the nanoscale level to improve on mechanical, chemical, and physical properties- can push technical innovation and impact a range of ancillary industries by improving the performance of existing goods and helping to solve some of the major challenges the world faces today, from climate change to food security.
Plastikon Healthcare
Plastikon Healthcare in Lawrence is one such company that works with advanced materials. Plastikon is a force majeure in the global health market due to their creative and progressive manufacturing processes, innovations in new tech, and their use of medical-grade raw materials that meet FDA standards.
The Wonderful Company, one of the largest nut processors, collaborated with WISE-KU to develop ways to repurpose 50 million pounds of pistachio shells, that once simply accumulated on fallow farmland.
Green Manufacturing
Green manufacturing, also known as sustainable manufacturing, focuses on best practices to reduce environmental impact through a commitment to less waste and the reduction of carbon emissions.
WISE-KU
One model working to marry multiple disciplines, researchers, and students together is the KU Wonderful Institute for Sustainable Engineering (WISE-KU). Its leading-edge facility is comprised of 5,000 sq.ft. of customized laboratory space and 2,000 sq. ft. of office space.