Internship – Valorization Model

STARTING DATE: February 2025

Mission to Metrics

The mission of The Ocean Cleanup is to develop and scale technologies to rid the world’s oceans of plastic. Since the beginning, we have always planned to do something valuable with the plastic we clean up, so we can turn the problem into a solution. The Ocean Cleanup seeks a motivated intern to support the activities of the Catch Management team. One of the key objectives of our valorization team is to develop a sustainable marketplace model for HDPE and LDPE waste streams, allowing customers to transform plastic waste into valuable products. This internship will focus on building a valorization model specifically for these materials, culminating in a business case and potential pilot recommendation for implementation. The intern will engage in both theoretical research (60%) and practical support (40%), working closely with our team to contribute to our goal of sustainable waste valorization.

Responsibilities

As the Valorization Model Intern, you will be responsible for the development and conceptualization of a marketplace model for HDPE and LDPE waste streams. Your contributions will help build knowledge and support decision-making for marketplace implementation. Key responsibilities include:

• Conduct research on certification requirements for recycled plastics
• Investigate and evaluate potential marketplace scenarios for HDPE and LDPE waste streams
• Select the most suitable marketplace platform
• Develop and continuously refine a business case for the ‘Marketplace’ model, including forecasts for plastic catch and market demand
• Identify potential pilot locations for marketplace implementation
• Prepare a strategic next steps plan to guide future development

Professional Qualifications

• Pursuing a Master’s degree or in the final stages of a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Business, or related fields
• Strong research and analytical skills, with experience in business model development
• Familiarity with waste management, sustainability, or circular economy principles
• Experience in data analysis and business case development
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Fluent in English

Personal Qualifications

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, milestone-driven environment
• Creative and curious, with a drive to innovate sustainable solutions
• Strong organizational skills, with attention to detail
• Flexible team player who can work independently and collaboratively
• Intrinsic motivation to contribute to our goal of reducing ocean plastic

Additional Details

• Work permit: A valid European Union work permit is required for this position (the role is based in Rotterdam, the Netherlands)
• Duration: 6 months (extension possible)
• Starting date: February 2025
• At The Ocean Cleanup, we believe we are stronger together, while harnessing the uniqueness each individual brings. That is why we take a fair, equal opportunity, and transparent approach to hiring and welcome special needs requests
• Note that the candidate must be enrolled at a University (MSc program) during the internship.

Curious to hear how it is to work at The Ocean Cleanup? Listen to our team members explain their work in our podcasts.