Parametric Life Cycle Assessment of plastic waste management pathways in Switzerland: identifying technical and demand levers to achieve climate targets
Context
Plastics are used across all sectors of the economy, and global consumption continues to rise. However, their use comes with a significant environmental footprint—particularly at the disposal stage. In Switzerland, only about 9% of plastic waste is recycled; the remainder is incinerated. This practice not only generates greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions but also releases fossil carbon as CO2, contradicting the principles of a circular economy (CE).
Internship Objective
The goal of this internship is to assess the environmental impacts and costs associated with plastic disposal, broken down by use category (packaging, textiles, agriculture, construction, etc.). The work will adopt a systemic perspective, using the ASI framework to explore three complementary strategies:
- Improve – Evaluate existing and emerging treatment and conversion technologies.
- Shift – Examine material substitution options within major consumption sectors.
- Avoid – Assess opportunities for consumption reduction to minimize waste generation.
Main Tasks
- Conduct an LCA-based assessment (using Brightway) of disposal scenarios across plastic categories.
- Develop a systemic understanding of the Swiss plastic management system within the ASI framework.
- Perform cost and impact analyses of alternative strategies and technologies.
- Optionally: model selected treatment or conversion pathways using Aspen.
- Produce clear, well-structured written deliverables summarizing findings and recommendations.
Required Skills
- Python (data processing, LCA workflows)
- Life Cycle Assessment (preferably experience with Brightway)
- Strong writing and synthesis abilities
- Process modelling (Aspen), optional but appreciated
contact
please contact soline.corre@epfl.ch if you are interested in this project !