Caitlin Welsh
PhD Researcher | School of Chemical Engineering | The University of Queensland
February – August 2024 | 6 months
Company Spotlight
Lifecycles is a Melbourne-based consultancy specialising in lifecycle assessment (LCA) and sustainability solutions. For over 20 years, they’ve helped organisations measure environmental impacts, reduce carbon footprints, and implement circular economy strategies through expert analysis and tools like SimaPro.
Placement Overview
Caitlin’s placement focused on developing life cycle assessment (LCA) skills using SimaPro and PIQET software. She conducted comparative LCA studies on packaging trays made from virgin and recycled polyethylene (PE), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), and paper, contributing to sustainable packaging design and industry-relevant environmental impact analysis.
Skills Developed
- Proficiency in Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology and interpretation
- Hands-on experience with LCA tools including SimaPro and PIQET
- Data collection, modelling, and analysis for environmental impact studies
- Technical reporting and contribution to sustainability training programs
- Understanding of packaging material impacts across full product life cycles
Outcomes
- Completed comparative LCA for trays made from virgin and recycled PE, PHA, and paper
- Contributed to the delivery of Lifecycles’ LCA 1.01 training program
- Strengthened ability to communicate complex sustainability concepts to industry audiences
- Gained insight into integrating LCA into product development for environmentally benign packaging
- Built professional networks within a leading sustainability consultancy
Caitlin says:
“Working with Lifecycles gave me the opportunity to apply my research in a real-world context and deepen my understanding of environmental impact assessment.”
Learn more about how our industry placements prepare graduates for careers in sustainable materials research.
