Teresa Oehlcke, M. Sc.

Tel. +49 (0)721 608 44580

Email: teresa.oehlcke@kit.edu

Background

Waste-to-X (WtX) refers to technologies that convert waste streams – such as plastics or biomass – into valuable products such as energy, chemicals or secondary raw materials. Such approaches are becoming increasingly important because they have the potential to replace fossil resources in sectors such as industry, transport or chemical production that are difficult to defossilize. However, a sound assessment of their ecological impact is needed to ensure that these technologies can be used in a scalable and sustainable manner.

Contents of the work

The aim of this work is a systematic literature review of LCA (Life Cycle Assessments) studies that deal with the environmental impacts of Waste-to-X processes. The focus is on parameters such as global warming potential or resource consumption – both in comparison to fossil alternatives and in terms of potential for improvement.

In addition to the actual conversion technology (e.g. pyrolysis, gasification), the analysis also includes upstream and downstream process steps such as waste treatment, product refinement and carbon capture and utilization.

The literature work offers a well-founded deepening in the field of sustainable material cycles, sharpens the methodical handling of LCA and strengthens skills in structured research and scientific systematization.

Requirements

• Degree in industrial and chemical engineering or related fields of study with an interest in circular economy and sustainable technologies.
• Determined and systematic way of working and an interest in sustainability.
• Application with: current transcript of records, CV and short letter of motivation