WSU student helps give plastic a second shot at life through pickleball
OGDEN, Utah — For Weber State student Parker Libby, engineering isn’t just about innovation, but also impact.
The 20-year-old is collaborating with WSU professor Randy Hurd to explore how recycled plastics can meet tournament standards for pickleball production instead of ending up in landfills.
Libby has always loved building things, from Pinewood Derby cars with his grandfather to connecting marble sets at grandma’s house. That draw to the process of creation led him to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering.
After graduating from Roy High School, Libby enrolled at WSU due to affordability and proximity, but he stayed for the community and opportunities.
Libby’s journey into undergraduate research started when a high school teacher recommended him for the Office of Undergraduate Research program, which he had never heard of before but said he’s glad to be a part of now.
Hurd, assistant professor of mechanical engineering, suggested research on pickleballs, which Libby thought “sounded fun and productive.”
“Everyone loves pickleball — who doesn’t?” Libby said. “And people would love it even more if there were an eco-friendly option, so we started with that.”
Libby spent two semesters testing pickleballs to get a feel for how they perform under specific conditions.
“To be an official pickleball, there’s very strict requirements,” Libby said, explaining the standard they’re aiming for. “It has to weigh a certain amount, be durable, have a certain bounce from a certain height, the diameter has to be a certain size, and they all have to be tested within 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.”
Libby and Hurd are now experimenting with how much recycled plastic can be used, be that 10% or 20% or higher, while still meeting those standards. They’d also like to make the balls purple to reflect WSU pride. They’re currently seeking additional funding or manufacturers who are willing to make that a reality.
“Most pickleballs end up in the trash can within a year or two,” Hurd said. “You don’t really keep a pickleball that your grandfather gave to you, right? However many are produced in a year, the amount of waste generated is pretty darn close to that.”
Much of the work has involved researching how recycled plastics have been used elsewhere and getting a sense of what is possible. Applied research with various pickleballs found that properties varied between brands, which meant they didn’t have to hit an exact mark but instead needed to stay within an acceptable range.
Throughout the research, Libby has learned a lot. Most surprising, and most devastating, has been how much plastic is produced compared to how little is actually repurposed.
But Libby sees engineers as uniquely situated to help tackle environmental challenges.
“Every degree has a role in sustainability, but I think engineers have a greater role,” he said. “We’re the ones creating more stuff and if we’re able to implement more recycled plastic or metal or wood, that would help the environment a lot.”
Both Libby and Hurd hope their work will inspire other companies and makers to adopt recycled materials — not just for pickleballs but various plastic products, as well.
“Think outside the box and don’t just go with the flow,” Libby said. “See how you can make the world a better place with whatever you are doing.”
As a student senator for the College of Engineering, Applied Science & Technology, Libby meets with his student body in order to learn and present their concerns and suggestions in the student senate, and said he thrives when able to improve things for those around him.
“I’ve been using what I’ve learned here so far to help others,” Libby said. “Helping people out as much as I can brings a good feeling to my heart.”
Ashlee Ellinwood, Marketing & Communications
- Contact:
Bryan Magaña, public relations director
801-626-7948, bryanmagana@weber.edu