Internship | Life Cycle Analysis on the Production of Bio-Based Molecules

About this internship

The chemical industry produces more than 250 billion tonnes of materials annually. These products form the foundation of our modern economy, with chemicals influencing nearly every product we use today. At present, most chemicals are derived from fossil resources, leading to substantial greenhouse gas emissions. This situation conflicts with global efforts to mitigate climate change and meet international climate targets, such as those outlined in the Paris Agreement. In addition, recent geopolitical developments have highlighted vulnerabilities in the security of chemical supply chains. At the same time, consumers and brand owners are increasingly demanding more sustainable products, with a strong focus on reducing CO₂ footprints. Biobased chemicals offer a promising pathway to address these challenges. By using locally produced, non-food-competing residual biomass as feedstock instead of petrochemicals, biobased production can significantly improve carbon footprints while reducing geopolitical dependencies. In this context, TNO has developed platform technologies that enable the efficient conversion of non-edible hemicelluloses into a range of high-value biobased chemical products for diverse end-use applications.

What will be your role?

In this project, you will perform a life cycle analysis (LCA) of processes that convert biomass or biorefinery residue streams into high-value, commercially viable biobased chemicals. Your work will include an extensive literature review, a detailed assessment of relevant technologies and conversion routes, and a critical evaluation of their environmental impacts.

You will systematically identify the strengths and limitations of each approach, as well as potential risks and outstanding knowledge gaps. The project will culminate in a comparative assessment of the environmental performance of biobased chemical production versus current fossil-based industry benchmarks.

Throughout the project, you will collaborate closely with experienced chemists and engineers from TNO, as well as with partners from the Biorizon team and the Voltachem team, ensuring a high-quality and impactful outcome.

What we expect from you

We expect that you will:

• Be driven to contribute to the realization of a greener chemical industry.
• Be enthusiastic and eager to learn.
• Have an affinity for chemical processes and engineering concepts.
• Have a structured approach to your work, and show a great deal of autonomy.
• Have a flexible approach to working days/hours.
• Be comfortable communicating in English.

What you'll get in return

• A highly professional, innovative internship environment, within a team of top experts.
• A suitable internship allowance (615 euro for wo-, hbo- and mbo-students, for a full-time internship).
• Possibility of eight hours of free leave per internship month (for a full-time internship).
• A free membership of Jong TNO, where you can meet other TNO professionals and join several activities, such as sports activities, (work-related) courses or the yearly ski-trip.
• Use of a laptop.
• An allowance for travel expenses in case you don’t receive an OV-card.

TNO as an employer

At TNO, we innovate for a healthier, safer and more sustainable life. And for a strong economy. There is all the space and support for your talent and ambition. You work with people who will challenge you: who inspire you and want to learn from you. Our state-of-the-art facilities are there to realize your vision. What you do at TNO matters: impact makes the difference. Because with every innovation you contribute to tomorrow’s world.