Master Thesis - Water footprint in LCA

Master thesis project within Essity's Product Sustainability team, focused on how water scarcity footprints using the AWARE method can be reliably implemented in LCAs for hygiene products. The work includes studying data quality and availability, regionalization of inventory flows, allocation modelling, and whether the WWF Water Risk Filter can serve as a proxy or screening tool. The student will work with a team of LCA specialists and requires regular presence at the Gothenburg office. Two students may apply as a pair, submitting one application each and clearly stating which person they intend to do the thesis with.

Responsibilities

Mapping of the largest sources for uncertainty in water footprint results; Mapping of status of water footprint inventory data (Essity specific, supplier specific and generic data needed for hygiene LCAs); Proposal of ways forward to increase data quality of inventory data; How to handle allocation issues when relevant, i.e. in production units and for recycled materials; Evaluation of if the AWARE method sufficiently covers water from a product sustainability perspective; Evaluation if the WWF Water Risk Filter can be used as a proxy or screening tool

Requirements

Good understanding of life cycle thinking; strong interest in LCA and LCA methodology; currently studying at Master level at a Swedish university; conducting Master Thesis project during spring 2027; based in the Gothenburg area or able to arrange accommodation locally for the duration of the project