EHS Intern (Waste Recycling)

Location: Turnhout, Vlaanderen, be Department: Environmental Health & Safety Employment Type: {'id': 'intern', 'label': 'Intern'}

Job Description

About the role

As an EHS Intern (Waste Recycling) at our Turnhout facility, you will play a central role in driving environmental sustainability and operational excellence. In this position, you will be responsible for coordinating and moderating our roadmap project focused on waste improvement, rerouting, and waste prevention, with a dedicated emphasis on shifting disposal pathways toward high-value recycling streams. You will also lead comprehensive waste mapping efforts to establish full end-to-end traceability from waste origin through to final disposal and processing. You will not work on a waste island; instead, you will actively connect with our broader network, partnering closely with other Avery Dennison sites, regional sustainability teams, Enterprise Lean Sigma (ELS) teams, and external waste recyclers, participating in frequent touchpoints to track progress and proactively address opportunities, challenges, and threats. This internship is scheduled to start on January/February for a duration of 3-6 months. The role requires a minimum commitment of 3-4 days per week, with the flexibility to work from home 1 day per week.

Key Responsibilities

This is a hybrid position requiring on-site presence at our Turnhout facility.

Coordinate and moderate the end-to-end site OGSM project dedicated to waste improvement, reduction, and prevention.

Drive the rerouting of waste streams with a strong operational focus on diverting materials away from general disposal and toward recycling solutions.

Conduct comprehensive waste mapping to establish complete traceability from waste generation points to ultimate disposal and recycling processing.

Partner and collaborate cross-functionally with internal teams (including site operations, ELS, and sustainability networks across other Avery Dennison sites) as well as external waste recycling partners.

Organize and participate in regular touchpoints to monitor project milestones, evaluate progress, and proactively identify opportunities, risks, and challenges.

Qualifications

Required

Currently enrolled in a relevant Bachelor's or Master's degree program (e.g., Environmental Health & Safety, Environmental Engineering, Sustainability, Chemical/Industrial Engineering, or a related discipline).

Strong analytical mindset with the ability to map complex processes, analyze operational data, and establish traceability systems.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English to coordinate cross-functional initiatives and engage with diverse teams.

Skills you need to succeed

Proactive project management abilities with strong organizational skills to track deliverables, identify roadblocks, and maintain momentum on key initiatives.

A collaborative mindset with strong interpersonal skills to connect effectively with internal operational networks and external partners.

Additional Information

What we offer

We believe in empowering talent and creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and heard. As an intern, you will gain hands-on experience, real responsibility, and the opportunity to grow within a supportive and diverse team.

Compensation in line with your internship agreement

Dedicated mentorship and continuous learning opportunities

An inclusive and collaborative workplace culture

Flexible working hours

Mileage allowance according to company policy

Meal allowance: 10 EUR per working day

Access to our on-site canteen with affordable meal

For this internship, a compensation of 10 euros per day is offered, as well as reimbursement for commuting.

Why join Avery Dennison

We are a global materials science and digital identification solutions company with locations in over 50 countries, and approximately 35,000 employees worldwide. As a science and innovation company, we believe that diverse teams are stronger teams. We are committed to fostering a culture of curiosity and courage, where you can grow your career with a company that has innovation in its DNA. Founded on creating real-world impact to enable a better future, we strive to provide an open, collaborative culture where diversity of thought is encouraged and respected. Hear from our employees about what it's like working at Avery Dennison. Learn more at www.averydennison.com.

Our site in Turnhout, founded in 1978, is a collaborative and dynamic environment that supports other Avery Dennison divisions and employs approximately 420 talented individuals. It plays a key role in producing advanced adhesive solutions that address engineering, design, and sustainability challenges. These performance tapes are designed for functionality, productivity, and integration, enhancing manufacturing efficiency and reducing waste. Serving industries like automotive, building and construction, medical, and personal care, the business drives innovation and promotes sustainable practices.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Avery Dennison is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status, or any other protected status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to a disability, please contact us to request an accommodation via [email protected]. In the EMEA region, we foster an inclusive culture through active Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) like Elevate, Unite, and our Mental Health group. Please visit our DE&I page to learn more about our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion approach.

Pay Transparency Statement

The hiring base salary range above represents what Avery Dennison reasonably expects to pay for this position as of the date of this posting. Actual salaries will vary within the range, and in some cir