Advancing LCA methods for supporting a more sustainable bioeconomy transition

As an extension of my master's thesis, I worked as a research assistant at the Institute for Chemical and Thermal Process Engineering (ICTV). During this period, I expanded the parameterized and modular material flow model in Brightway2 to assess the environmental impacts of various scenarios of end-of-life value chains in Brazil's waste management system.

In collaboration with the University of São Paulo and RITTEC Umwelttechnik GmbH, I analyzed the waste management system in São Paulo, Brazil, to assess the potential integration of an innovative PET plastics recycling technology at different locations as part of the revolBRAS project. This evaluation considered socio-economic, environmental, technological, political, and cultural factors. During my research, I conducted interviews with key industry partners in Brazil. The environmental analysis involved the development of a modular and parameterized material flow model in Brightway2 for conducting life cycle assessments of potential end-of-life value chain configurations.

At the Chair of Sustainable Manufacturing and Life Cycle Engineering at the Institute of Machine Tools and Production Technology (IWF), I contributed to various projects focused on Life Cycle Assessment and Data Analysis. During this period, my primary responsibilities included conducting and supporting Life Cycle Assessments in accordance with ISO 14040 and 14044, specifically in the areas of different waste treatment options for PET waste, Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS), as well as the life cycle of Lithium-Ion Batteries. I used software such as Brightway2, GaBi, and Umberto for these assessments. Additionally, I provided support and co-supervision for a laboratory aimed at teaching basic skills in Python and Brightway2. In parallel projects, I engaged in data analysis related to the forming processes of hybrid structures, with a focus on describing raw data to evaluate dataset quality. Furthermore, I expanded existing surrogate models using machine learning techniques.

As a working student, I assisted in project planning and coordination. Additionally, I made contributions in the field of release and certification management of vehicle components, ensuring their compliance with country-specific legislation