Container recycling system

Abstract

To provide a container recycling system that improves the recovery rate of containers used for transporting and storing various liquids and enables proper processing and disposal of the liquids filled in the containers and the containers themselves. [Solution] The system comprises an information terminal IT with the functions of reading, writing and transmitting information, a personal computer 1 provided by a container molding manufacturer M1, a personal computer 2 provided by a liquid filling manufacturer M2, a personal computer 3 provided by an end user U, a personal computer 4 provided by a cleaning manufacturer M3, a personal computer 5 provided by a material recycler M5, and a personal computer 6 provided by an industrial waste disposal company M4, and a network 7 connecting these personal computers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 to one another.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a container recycling system. [Background technology]

[0002] As shown in Figure 2, containers used for transporting and storing various liquids are often sent from a "molding manufacturer" 21, which molds the containers, to a "liquid filling manufacturer" 22, which fills the containers with the liquid. After the liquid is filled at the liquid filling manufacturer 22, the containers are sent to an "end user" 23, which uses the liquid. After the liquid is removed and used at the end user 23, the containers are sent to a "cleaning manufacturer" 24 or returned to the liquid filling manufacturer 22. Containers deemed unusable due to their external shape or other factors are sent to an "industrial waste disposal company" 25. Containers cleaned at the cleaning manufacturer 24 are sent to the liquid filling manufacturer 22. However, containers that cannot be used as containers due to deterioration of their external shape or other reasons are sent to a "material recycler" 26 or to the "industrial waste disposal company" 25. The material recycler 26 sends the containers sent from the cleaning manufacturer 24 to the molding manufacturer 21, where they are used as part of the container material. Furthermore, when material recycler 26 performs material recycling, the containers sent from cleaning manufacturer 24 may be cleaned before being crushed or pelletized, or may be supplied to a molding manufacturer other than molding manufacturer 21. Furthermore, among the containers sent from cleaning manufacturer 24 to material recycler 26, those that are determined not to be material recyclable due to the type of liquid remaining in the container or material deterioration are sent to industrial waste disposal company 25.

[0003] As such, containers used to transport and store various liquids undergo complex processing routes, and are either completely reused, partially reused, or discarded. In this case, if various information about the containers, such as information about the container's raw materials, molding process, and the liquid to be filled, could be obtained, appropriate processing conditions could be adopted by each of the above-mentioned disposal companies. As a result, for example, cleaning equipment manufacturers can expect to reduce cleaning costs by adopting optimal cleaning conditions. Furthermore, recycling companies can reduce recycling costs by adopting optimal recycling conditions. Furthermore, industrial waste disposal companies can reduce processing costs by adopting optimal processing conditions, without causing environmental problems due to the adoption of inappropriate processing conditions.

[0004] Currently, various pieces of information about containers on the market are attached to them using means such as QR codes (registered trademarks) and barcodes, but these are not necessarily effective enough. As a result, it is not possible to clearly define who is responsible for cleaning, recycling, or waste disposal. In other words, when a container molding manufacturer sends a molded container to a liquid filling manufacturer, they believe that they are responsible for managing the container; when a liquid filling manufacturer sends a liquid-filled container to an end user, they believe that they are responsible for managing the container; when an end user sends a used container to a cleaning manufacturer, they believe that they are responsible for managing the container; when a cleaning manufacturer sends a cleaned container to a recycling company, they believe that they are responsible for managing the container; and when an end user, cleaning manufacturer, or recycling company sends a container to an industrial waste disposal company, they believe that they are responsible for managing the container.

[0005] In this way, it can be said that none of the people involved in the various processes of containers used to transport and store various liquids, from molding to disposal, recognize that they are responsible for managing the containers. Therefore, there is a risk that water pollution will occur due to inappropriate cleaning conditions at cleaning equipment manufacturers. Furthermore, there is a risk that environmental pollution will occur due to inappropriate recycling conditions at recycling companies or inappropriate treatment conditions at industrial waste disposal companies.

[0006] Therefore, in order to establish a recycling system for containers used for transporting and storing various liquids, it is urgent to ensure that they are properly treated and disposed of.

[0007] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses, as shown in FIG. 3, a paper container recycling system including a mobile phone A, a management server C, and a collection device B connected to a network in order to improve the collection rate of paper containers G in recycling. The mobile phone A includes a first reading means 31 that reads a two-dimensional code H provided on the inside of the paper container G, a first analysis means 32 that analyzes identification information converted into the two-dimensional code H read by the first reading means 31, and a first transmission means 33 that connects to the management server C via the network and transmits to the management server C the identification information analyzed by the first analysis means 32 and personal identification information that identifies an individual who recycles the paper container G. The collection device B includes a second reading means 34 that reads the two-dimensional code H provided on the inside of the paper container G, a second analysis means 35 that analyzes identification information converted into the two-dimensional code H read by the second reading means 34, and a first transmission means 33 that connects to the management server C via the network. and a second transmitting means 36 connected to a management server C and transmitting the identification information obtained by analysis by the second analyzing means 35 to the management server C, wherein the management server C comprises: a first receiving means 37 receiving the identification number and the individual identifying information transmitted from the first transmitting means 33 of the mobile phone A; a first information storing means 38 confirming whether the individual identifying information received by the first receiving means 37 is stored in a personal database, and if so, storing the identification number received by the first receiving means 37 in combination with the individual identifying information in the personal database; a second receiving means 39 receiving the identification number transmitted from the collection device B; and a first point adding means 40 confirming whether the identification number received by the second receiving means 39 is stored in the personal database, and if so, adding points to an individual identified by the individual identifying information stored in the personal database in combination with the identification number.

[0008] According to the paper container recycling system described in Patent Document 1, points are awarded for recycling paper containers, which can increase the participation rate of consumers who purchase and dispose of paper containers, thereby improving the collection rate of paper containers. However, even paper containers often have different layer configurations of base materials and different types of resin, depending on the contents filled in the paper container, such as only paper and resin, or paper, aluminum foil, and resin. Therefore, even if paper containers can be collected through the recycling system, they must be sorted after collection, which can be time-consuming, or they may not be properly sorted, resulting in them being discarded or incinerated as unrecyclable. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-242943 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] In view of the above problems, the object of the present invention is to provide a container recycling system that does not have the drawbacks of the above-mentioned conventional technology, improves the recovery rate of containers used to transport and store various liquids, enables proper processing and disposal of the liquids filled in the containers and the containers themselves, and further improves the workability, work efficiency, and operational performance of all manufacturers and businesses involved in the recycling system. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] To achieve the above-mentioned objective, the container recycling system of the present invention comprises a container molding manufacturer, a liquid filling manufacturer that fills a specified liquid into containers molded by the container molding manufacturer, an end user that uses the liquid filled into containers by the liquid filling manufacturer, a cleaning manufacturer that cleans the containers after use by the end user, an industrial waste disposal company, a material recycling company, an information terminal with the functions of reading, writing and transmitting information, a personal computer provided by the container molding manufacturer, a personal computer provided by the liquid filling manufacturer, a personal computer provided by the end user, a personal computer provided by the cleaning manufacturer, a personal computer provided by the material recycling company, a personal computer provided by the industrial waste disposal company, and a network that connects all of these personal computers to each other.

[0012] For container molding manufacturers, the identification information relating to the manufacturing history of the container includes information on the raw materials of the container (e.g., type of resin, physical and chemical properties of the resin, resin blend ratio, etc.), information on the molding of the container (e.g., molding atmosphere, molding temperature, molding pressure, molding time, molding pattern, etc.), and other management information (e.g., container shape, container size, container manufacturing control number, container performance information, etc.).

[0013] For liquid filling manufacturers, the identification information regarding the manufacturing history of the container includes publicly available information about the container (e.g., the container's manufacturing control number, etc.) and information about the filled liquid (type of liquid, properties of the liquid, concentration of the liquid, amount of liquid filled, date and time of filling, handling method, etc.).

[0014] For end users, identification information regarding the manufacturing history of the container includes publicly available information about the container (e.g., the container's manufacturing control number, etc.), information about the liquid filled in it (type of liquid, properties of the liquid, concentration of the liquid, amount of liquid used, date and time of use, handling method, etc.).

[0015] For cleaning manufacturers, the identification information relating to the manufacturing history of the container includes publicly available information about the container (e.g., the container's manufacturing control number, etc.), information about the cleaning liquid (type of cleaning liquid, properties of the cleaning liquid, concentration of the cleaning liquid, amount of cleaning liquid used, cleaning date and time, drying method, concentration of the filling liquid, etc.).

[0016] For industrial waste disposal companies, identification information regarding the manufacturing history of a container includes publicly available information regarding the container (e.g., the container's manufacturing control number, etc.) and publicly available information regarding the liquid (type of liquid, properties of the liquid, concentration of the liquid, amount of liquid filled, disposal method, disposal date and time, etc.).

[0017] For material recyclers, the identification information relating to the manufacturing history of the container includes publicly available information about the container (for example, the manufacturing control number of the container) and information about the recycling conditions (for example, the cleaning and crushing conditions).

[0018] While there are no particular limitations on the medium on which the identification information related to the container's manufacturing history is written, a data carrier is preferred, and for example, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) can be used. RFID is a general term for technology that uses short-range wireless communication to exchange information with dedicated tags that record data such as ID information without contact. It is known as an automatic identification technology that reads data from dedicated tags and recognizes their contents without human intervention. Dedicated tags are also called RF tags, RFID tags, or IC tags. These tags consist of an IC chip that can write data, an antenna, and a capacitor. Using a dedicated reader / writer, information can be exchanged between the tag and the tag via short-range wireless communication. There are three types of RFID RF tags: passive tags without batteries, active tags with built-in batteries, and semi-active tags that combine the characteristics of both. All three are usable. Even passive tags without batteries can be activated by electromagnetic induction when a reader / writer is brought close, and communication begins. In addition to the types of tags mentioned above, there are various types of RFID tags, depending on communication methods, access methods, frequency bands, etc. There are three types of communication methods: electromagnetic coupling (mutual induction), electromagnetic induction (induced electromagnetic field), and radio wave (radiation electromagnetic field). The electromagnetic coupling method uses mutual induction generated between the coils of the tag and the reader / writer, the electromagnetic induction method uses induced magnetic flux, and the radio wave method uses radio waves. Access methods include read-only, write-once, and read-write, which allow data to be rewritten any number of times. There are four types of frequency bands: LF (long wave band of 135 kHz or less), HF (short wave band of 13.56 MHz), UHF, and microwave. In the present invention, it is preferable to use RFID that allows data to be rewritten.

[0019] QR Code (registered trademark), for example, can be used as a medium for writing identification information related to the manufacturing history of a container. QR Codes handle data such as numbers, English letters, kanji, kana, binary symbols, and control codes, and are capable of displaying large amounts of information in a small code. They can display data both vertically and horizontally, allowing them to be displayed in a small space. They are readable from any direction, 360°, and have an error correction function, making them resistant to dirt and damage. QR Codes are available in two varieties: Model 1 (maximum version 14 (73 x 73 cells), capable of handling up to 1,167 digits) and Model 2 (maximum version 40 (177 x 177 cells), capable of handling up to 7,089 digits). Micro QR Codes, which allow printing in a smaller space, are also available (maximum version M4 (17 x 17 cells), capable of handling up to 35 digits). Furthermore, it is also possible to use rMQR codes, which are rectangular QR codes that can be easily displayed in a small space, with one large and one small cut-out symbol arranged in one place, achieving both ease of reading and a large amount of information (R7 x 43 (7 cells x 43 cells) can handle 12 digits, and the maximum R17 x 139 (7 cells x 139 cells) can handle up to 361 digits). Furthermore, it is also possible to use SQRC (registered trademark), which has a data reading restriction function and can be used for managing private information and internal company information. It is also possible to use Frame QR, which has a freely usable canvas area within the code and allows text and images to be added to the canvas area. In the present invention, it is preferable to use QR codes that allow data to be rewritten. [Effects of the Invention]

[0020] According to the present invention, all parties involved in container manufacturing, from container molding manufacturers to liquid filling manufacturers, end users, cleaning manufacturers, industrial waste disposal companies, and material recyclers, can share information about container manufacturing in real time, thereby improving the recovery rate of containers used to transport and store various liquids and enabling appropriate processing and disposal of the liquids filled into the containers and the containers themselves. Furthermore, the workability, work efficiency, and operational performance of all manufacturers and companies involved in the recycling system can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a container recycling system according to the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic layout diagram showing a conventional container processing system. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of a paper container recycling system described in Patent Document 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0023] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a container recycling system of the present invention. In Figure 1, the container recycling system of the present invention includes a container molding manufacturer M1, a liquid filling manufacturer M2 that fills containers molded by the container molding manufacturer M1 with a predetermined liquid, an end user U that uses the liquid filled into containers by the liquid filling manufacturer M2, a cleaning manufacturer M3 that cleans the containers after use by the end user U, an industrial waste disposal company M4, a material recycler M5, an information terminal IT equipped with functions for reading, writing, and transmitting information, a personal computer 1 provided by the container molding manufacturer M1, a personal computer 2 provided by the liquid filling manufacturer M2, a personal computer 3 provided by the end user U, a personal computer 4 provided by the cleaning manufacturer M3, a personal computer 5 provided by the material recycler M5, a personal computer 6 provided by the industrial waste disposal company M4, and a network 7 that interconnects these computers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6.

[0024] A two-dimensional code (identification code) 9 recording identification information relating to the manufacturing history of the container is provided on the containers 8a, 8b molded at the container molding manufacturer M1.

[0025] 1, molding manufacturer M1 writes identification information related to the manufacturing history of the container into a two-dimensional code (identification code) 9 provided on molded container 8a or 8b, and then sends this molded container 8a or 8b to liquid filling manufacturer M2. This identification information includes first-level information consisting of product information (A***), container manufacturing location (** factory), manufacturing machine (* machine), manufacturing date, manufacturing time, raw materials, and crushing method; second-level information consisting of UN standard information, resin type, SDS, etc.; third-level information related to the manufacturing monitoring system that monitors manufacturing process settings, actual control conditions, manufacturing conditions, etc.; and fourth-level information related to the manufacturing management system that manages order-to-shipment information (customer information, product specification information, product composition information, raw material inventory and ordering information, production plan, output information, quality control information, packaging information), and sales information.

[0026] The information in the first and second layers is shared via network 7 among the computers of container molding manufacturer M1, liquid filling manufacturer M2, end user U, cleaning manufacturer M3, industrial waste disposal company M4, and material recycler M5. The information in the third and fourth layers is kept confidential, with container molding manufacturer M1, liquid filling manufacturer M2, end user U, cleaning manufacturer M3, industrial waste disposal company M4, and material recycler M5 each having their own unique information in the third and fourth layers. Container molding manufacturer M1, liquid filling manufacturer M2, end user U, cleaning manufacturer M3, industrial waste disposal company M4, and material recycler M5 can each access their own unique information in the third and fourth layers, but cannot access information in the third and fourth layers that is unique to others.

[0027] For example, a container molding manufacturer M1, a liquid filling manufacturer M2, an end user U, a cleaning manufacturer M3, an industrial waste disposal company M4, and a material recycler M5 can read the information on the first and second levels by reading the identification codes on the containers 8a and 8b with a reading means, and the information on the first and second levels is shared via the network 7.

[0028] On the other hand, as mentioned above, container molding manufacturer M1, liquid filling manufacturer M2, end user U, cleaning manufacturer M3, industrial waste disposal company M4, and material recycler M5 cannot access the third and fourth tier information that is unique to others. For example, in order for container molding manufacturer M1 to access the third tier information (the manufacturing monitoring system that monitors the history of changes over time in controllable parameters such as mixers, extruders, and molds, as well as the temperature, humidity, and cleanliness level at the manufacturing site) and the fourth tier information (information from orders to shipments and costs, such as order information, the composition of ordered products (product numbers and blending ratios of raw materials, product numbers and blending ratios of functional agents), production plans including molding machine capacity, output (efficiency), inspection information, and product information such as product costs and unit sales prices), container molding manufacturer M1 can access the manufacturing monitoring system that monitors the third tier information and the manufacturing management system that manages the fourth tier information by entering a unique password into computer 1 equipped with container molding marker M1. In this way, container molding manufacturer M1 can obtain detailed information about manufacturing (including confidential information) from the manufacturing monitoring system that monitors the information in the third tier and the manufacturing control system that manages the information in the fourth tier. Also, by inputting their own unique passwords into computers 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6, liquid filling manufacturer M2, end user U, cleaning manufacturer M3, industrial waste disposal company M4, or material recycler M5 can access their own unique manufacturing monitoring system that monitors the information in the third tier and the manufacturing control system that manages the information in the fourth tier.

[0029] For example, when container molding manufacturer M1 receives the container's identification code along with the first and second level information about a container defect from liquid filling manufacturer M2 or end user U, which are shared over network 7, container molding marker M1 can, by entering a unique password into PC 1, obtain detailed information about the cause of the defect, the manufacturing date of the defective container, and the manufacturing time, minute, and second from the manufacturing monitoring system that monitors the third level information and the manufacturing control system that manages the fourth level information, and can quickly check not only the product lot, shipping information, inspection information, and raw material information, but also the product history before and after the exact time the defective container was manufactured. Also, if the cause of the defect extends beyond the time the defective container was produced, by sharing the first and second level information about the potentially defective container over network 7, liquid filling manufacturer M2 and end user U can quickly and accurately deal with operational problems.

[0030] Previously, when container molding manufacturer M1 received a report of a container defect from liquid filling manufacturer M2 or end user U, they would obtain the lot information stamped on the container from liquid filling manufacturer M2 or end user U and use that lot information to check shipping status, inspection information, manufacturing history, and raw material information. However, because one lot can last for a long time (e.g., a day or half a day), and because many manufacturing-related factors, such as the production, packaging, shipping, and unloading processes, are involved, containers are not delivered and filled in the order in which they were manufactured (chronological order). Instead, containers with various manufacturing dates and times are mixed together in one lot and used randomly. Therefore, even if the manufacturing date and time of the container in which the defect occurred can be identified, liquid filling manufacturer M2 and end user U cannot identify and separate the containers manufactured on that specific date and time. As such, traditional management was limited to lot-by-lot units, making it difficult to quickly and accurately address operational problems.

[0031] For example, if container molding manufacturer M1 receives first- and second-level information about a container defect from liquid filling manufacturer M2 or end user U, along with the container's identification code, shared over network 7, container molding marker M1 can obtain detailed information about the manufacture of the defective container by entering a unique password into PC 1, enabling management down to the hour, minute, and second. As a result, by sharing first- and second-level information about containers manufactured around the exact time that a potentially defective container was manufactured over network 7, liquid filling manufacturer M2 and end user U can take appropriate measures, minimizing operational problems caused by the defective container (such as line shutdowns for equipment inspections or production cuts).

[0032] UN standard information refers to information on standards that certify that international dangerous goods transport is possible for explosives (Class 1), compressed gases (Class 2), flammable liquids (Class 3), combustible substances (Class 4), oxidizing substances (Class 5), poisons (Class 6), radioactive materials (Class 7), corrosive substances (Class 8), and hazardous substances (Class 9) in accordance with the United Nations Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods. Containers that meet UN standards are affixed with a mark that includes the type of container, container material, type of top plate (fixed or removable), container class (an indicator of the degree of danger of the hazardous material), specific gravity of the contents, hydrostatic test pressure, year of manufacture, name of the country of approval, and abbreviation of the manufacturer.

[0033] A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is a document that provides information on the properties and handling of potentially hazardous or harmful chemicals when transferring or providing products containing such chemicals to other businesses, in accordance with the United Nations Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS). An SDS includes product and company information (product name, name, address, and contact information of the business providing the SDS), a hazard summary (using GHS-compliant pictograms and signal words), composition, ingredient information (names of designated chemicals contained, types of designated chemicals, and content rates), first aid, fire-fighting measures, spillage measures, handling and storage precautions, exposure prevention and personal protection measures, physical and chemical properties, stability and reactivity, hazard information, environmental impact information, disposal precautions, transportation precautions, applicable laws and regulations, and other information.

[0034] Liquid filler manufacturer M2 reads the identification information written in the two-dimensional code 9 on molded container 8a or 8b sent from container molding manufacturer M1 using information terminal IT, and then transmits this identification information to PC 2 using information terminal IT. Then, after filling molded container 8a or 8b with a predetermined liquid, it writes identification information related to the manufacturing history of the container (details of the filled liquid: for example, the chemical formula of the liquid, chemical composition, amount filled, date and time of filling, filling time, name of filling factory, name of filling machine, etc.) into the two-dimensional code 9 provided on molded container 8a or 8b, and sends this molded container 8a or 8b to end user U.

[0035] The end user U reads the identification information written in the two-dimensional code 9 on the molding container 8a or 8b sent from the liquid filling manufacturer M2 using the information terminal IT, and then sends this identification information to the PC 3 using the information terminal IT. Then, after using the liquid filled in the molding container 8a or 8b, the end user U writes identification information related to the manufacturing history of the container (details of usage: for example, if the liquid filled in the molding container 8a or 8b was used to clean an IC chip, the weight of the liquid used to clean the IC chip, the date and time of use, the name of the factory used, the name of the machine used, etc.) into the two-dimensional code 9 on the molding container 8a or 8b, and sends the molding container 8a or 8b to the cleaning manufacturer M3.

[0036] The cleaning manufacturer M3 uses its information terminal IT to read the identification information written in the two-dimensional code 9 on the molded container 8a or 8b sent by the end user U, and then sends this identification information to the computer 4 using the information terminal IT. Then, after cleaning the molded container 8a or 8b, it writes identification information related to the manufacturing history of the container (details of the liquid used for cleaning: for example, the liquid's chemical formula, chemical composition, amount used, cleaning date and time, cleaning time, name of cleaning plant, name of cleaning machine, etc.) into the two-dimensional code 9 provided on the molded container 8a or 8b, and sends the molded container 8a or 8b to a material recycler M5 or an industrial waste disposal company M4.

[0037] Material recycler M5 uses its information terminal IT to read the identification information written in the two-dimensional code 9 on molded container 8a or 8b sent from cleaning manufacturer M3, and then transmits this identification information from the information terminal IT to computer 5. Then, after performing the necessary processing (e.g., cleaning) on ​​the container, it writes identification information related to the manufacturing history of the container (the number of times it has been recycled, the processing performed on the container, the date and time of processing, the processing time, etc.) into the two-dimensional code 9 on molded container 8a or 8b, and sends this molded container 8a or 8b to container molding manufacturer M1.

[0038] The industrial waste disposal company M4 reads the identification information written in the two-dimensional code 9 on the molded container 8a or 8b sent from the cleaning manufacturer M3 using the information terminal IT, and then transmits this identification information to the personal computer 6 using the information terminal IT. Then, after performing the necessary treatment on the container (for example, burying it), the industrial waste disposal company M4 transmits the treatment method and treatment date and time to the personal computer 6 using the information terminal IT.

[0039] Since personal computers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 are connected to one another via network 7, container molding manufacturer M1, liquid filling manufacturer M2 that fills a specified liquid into containers molded by container molding manufacturer M1, end user U that uses the liquid filled into containers by liquid filling manufacturer M2, cleaning manufacturer M3 that cleans the containers after use by end user U, industrial waste disposal company M4 and material recycler M5 can share the first and second level information in the identification information written in two-dimensional code 9 of molded container 8a or 8b, which has been read by information terminal IT.

[0040] The above is the basic flow of the container recycling system of the present invention, but liquid filling manufacturer M2 may use information terminal IT to read the identification information written in the two-dimensional code 9 on molded container 8a or 8b sent from container molding manufacturer M1, transmit this identification information to PC 2 using information terminal IT, and then return molded container 8a or 8b to container molding manufacturer M1 without filling it with the specified liquid. For example, if the product number engraved on the container differs from the specifications, if the container is a UN standard container but does not meet the UN standard, if a container molded using a resin other than the specified resin has been mistakenly mixed in, if foreign matter has been found to have been mixed in the container, or if the container is damaged, liquid filling manufacturer M2 will return molded container 8a or 8b to container molding manufacturer M1 without filling it with the specified liquid. At the same time as the return, the liquid filling manufacturer M2 inputs the above-mentioned defect details into the defect information field provided in the first or second level of the identification information of the computer 2 on the information terminal IT, and the defect information is instantly transmitted to the container molding manufacturer M1.

[0041] The end user U may read the identification information written in the two-dimensional code 9 of the molded container 8a or 8b sent from the liquid filling manufacturer M2 using the information terminal IT, send this identification information to the computer 3 using the information terminal IT, and then return the molded container 8a or 8b to the liquid filling manufacturer M2 without using the liquid filled in the molded container 8a or 8b. For example, if the container is deformed or the composition or composition ratio of the specified filling liquid is different, the end user U will return the molded container 8a or 8b to the liquid filling manufacturer M2 without using the liquid filled in the molded container 8a or 8b. Furthermore, if an abnormality such as discoloration or contaminants is found in the filled liquid, the end user U will return the molded container 8a or 8b to the container molding manufacturer M1 without using the liquid filled in the molded container 8a or 8b. At the same time as returning the product, the end user U can input the details of the defect into the defect information field located in the first or second level of the identification information of the computer 3 on the information terminal IT, and the defect information will be instantly transmitted to the container molding manufacturer M1 and the liquid filling manufacturer M2.

[0042] The cleaning manufacturer M3 reads the identification information written in the two-dimensional code 9 of the molded container 8a or 8b sent from the end user U using the information terminal IT, and then transmits this identification information to the PC 4 using the information terminal IT. The cleaning manufacturer M3 may then return the molded container 8a or 8b to the end user U without cleaning it. For example, if the filled liquid is different from the specifications, the cleaning manufacturer M3 returns the molded container 8a or 8b to the end user U without cleaning it. Simultaneously with the return, the cleaning manufacturer M3 inputs the details of the defect into the defect information field provided in the first or second level of the identification information of the PC 4 using the information terminal IT, thereby instantly transmitting the defect information to the end user U. Furthermore, if the filled liquid is confirmed to be in accordance with the specifications, the cleaning manufacturer M3 cleans the molded container 8a or 8b and then returns the molded container 8a or 8b to the liquid filling manufacturer M2. At the same time as returning the container, the cleaning manufacturer M3 inputs the identification information into the product information field located on the first or second level of the identification information of the PC 3 using the information terminal IT, and the reuse information is instantly transmitted to the container molding manufacturer M1, the liquid filling manufacturer M2, and the end user U.

[0043] The industrial waste disposal company M4 reads the identification information written in the two-dimensional code 9 on the molded container 8a or 8b sent from the cleaning manufacturer M3 using an information terminal IT, and after completing the industrial waste disposal of the molded container, enters the identification information into the product information field provided in the first or second layer of identification information on the personal computer 6, thereby instantly transmitting the disposal information to the molding manufacturer M1.

[0044] The material recycler M5 reads the identification information written in the two-dimensional code 9 of the molded container 8a or 8b sent from the cleaning manufacturer M3 using an information terminal IT, crushes the molded container, and then inputs the identification information into a product information field provided in the first or second layer of identification information in the personal computer 5, thereby instantly transmitting container crushing information and material recycling raw material information to the container molding manufacturer M1.

[0045] The container recycling system of the present invention configured as above has the following advantages. (1) If there is any defect in the containers that make up the recycling system, the information can be instantly obtained via computer, allowing the container molding manufacturer M1, liquid filling manufacturer M2, and cleaning manufacturer M3 to respond to complaints quickly and shorten the lead time (the time it takes from product development to delivery).

[0046] (2) If a container that constitutes the recycling system has a defect, the container's identification code, along with the first- and second-level information on the defect, is shared over network 7 from liquid filling manufacturer M2, end user U, and cleaning manufacturer M3. By entering a unique password into PC 1, container molding manufacturer M1 can access the production monitoring system, which monitors the third-level information, and the production management system, which monitors the fourth-level information, and obtain the third- and fourth-level information. From there, container molding manufacturer M1 can identify the cause of the defect and take measures. By inputting the first- and second-level information on containers molded around the time the defective container was manufactured to PC 1, liquid filling manufacturer M2, end user U, and cleaning manufacturer M3 can then refer to the monitor screens of PCs 2, 3, or 4 via network 7 and take appropriate measures, thereby minimizing operational problems caused by the defective container.

[0047] (3) Container manufacturer M1 can track the usage status of containers after shipment via a computer, which allows them to predict container deterioration and use this information in factory production management. Also, container manufacturer M1 can instantly track the materials used in a container and the number of times it has been recycled via a computer, which allows them to smoothly determine where to reuse the recyclable products sent to them by material recycler M5.

[0048] (4) The container molding manufacturer M1 can accurately obtain information on material recycling (physical properties such as melt flow rate, melt viscosity, strength, and elongation before recycling), and by clarifying the source of the molded products used as recycled materials, it becomes easier to design the mixture to prevent deterioration of physical properties due to the mixing of different materials or the physical properties of the recycled material itself, making it easier to guarantee the quality of recycled containers. In other words, the so-called horizontal cycle, or container-to-container, becomes possible.

[0049] (5) By utilizing the container recycling system of the present invention, container molding manufacturer M1 can reuse molded containers and manage recycled containers over time, which is expected to enable efficient and long-term material recycling of molded containers and materials used, making it environmentally friendly.

[0050] (6) Liquid filling manufacturer M2 can instantly grasp the product information of the first and second levels via a computer, so there is no risk of misuse.

[0051] (7) The end user U can instantly obtain information about the liquid contained in the container via a computer, so there is no risk of misuse.

[0052] (8) Cleaning manufacturer M3 can instantly obtain information about the liquid that was filled in the container via a computer, allowing them to quickly decide whether to reuse or recycle the container. Furthermore, because cleaning manufacturer M3 can instantly obtain the SDS via a computer, they can eliminate the extra work of checking the SDS, improving overall work efficiency.

[0053] (9) Material recycler M5 can instantly obtain all information about the containers sent to it via a computer, so when it carries out the necessary processing, it will not make any mistakes in the processing method.

[0054] (10) Industrial waste disposal company M4 can instantly obtain all information about the containers sent to it via a computer, so it will not make any mistakes in disposal methods. [Explanation of symbols]

[0055] M1 Container molding manufacturer M2 Liquid Filling Manufacturer U End User M3 Cleaning Maker M4 Industrial waste disposal company M5 Material Recycler IT information terminal 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 PC 7 Network 8a, 8b container 9 QR Code

Claims

[Claim 1] The system comprises a container molding manufacturer, a liquid filling manufacturer that fills containers molded by the container molding manufacturer with a predetermined liquid, an end user that uses the liquid filled into containers by the liquid filling manufacturer, a cleaning manufacturer that cleans the containers after use by the end user, an industrial waste disposal company, a material recycling company, an information terminal with functions for reading, writing and transmitting information, a personal computer (1) provided by the container molding manufacturer, a personal computer (2) provided by the liquid filling manufacturer that fills containers molded by the container molding manufacturer with a predetermined liquid, a personal computer (3) provided by an end user that uses containers filled into containers by the liquid filling manufacturer, a personal computer (4) provided by the cleaning manufacturer that cleans the containers after use by the end user, a personal computer (5) provided by the material recycling company, and a personal computer (6) provided by the industrial waste disposal company; The container molding manufacturer writes identification information relating to the manufacturing history of the container into an identification code provided on the molded container, and sends the molded container to the liquid filling manufacturer. The liquid filling manufacturer reads the identification information written in the identification code of the molded container sent from the container molding manufacturer using an information terminal and transmits it to PC 2, fills the molded container with a predetermined liquid, writes identification information related to the manufacturing history of the container in the identification code, and sends the molded container to the end user, The end user reads the identification information written in the identification code of the molded container sent from the liquid filling manufacturer using an information terminal and transmits it to a personal computer (3). After using the liquid filled in the molded container, the end user writes the identification information relating to the manufacturing history of the container into the identification code and sends the molded container to the cleaning manufacturer. The cleaning manufacturer reads the identification information written in the identification code of the molded container sent from the end user using an information terminal and transmits it to a personal computer (4), and after cleaning the molded container, writes identification information relating to the manufacturing history of the container into the identification code, and sends the molded container to the material recycler or industrial waste disposal company. The material recycler reads the identification information written in the identification code of the molded container sent from the cleaning manufacturer using an information terminal and transmits it to a personal computer (5), performs the necessary processing on the molded container, writes identification information relating to the manufacturing history of the container into the identification code, and sends the molded container to the mold manufacturer of the container. The industrial waste disposal company reads the identification information written in the identification code of the molded container sent from the cleaning manufacturer using an information terminal and transmits it to the computer 6, performs the necessary processing on the molded container, and then transmits the processing method and processing date and time to the computer 6 using the information terminal, Personal computers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 are connected to one another by a network, The identification information includes information that can be shared via a personal computer over the network and information that can only be deciphered using special decoding means, and in this container recycling system, the container molding manufacturer, the liquid filling manufacturer, the end user, the cleaning manufacturer, the industrial waste disposal company, and the material recycling company each have their own special decoding means, If a defect is found in the molded container, the liquid filling manufacturer returns the molded container to the container molding manufacturer without filling the molded container with the specified liquid, and enters the defect in the defect information field of the PC 2 using an information terminal. If a defect is found in the molded container, the end user does not use the liquid filled in the molded container, but returns the molded container to the liquid filling manufacturer or the container molding manufacturer, and enters the defect in the defect information field of the PC 3 using an information terminal. This container recycling system is characterized in that when a defect is found in a molded container, the cleaning manufacturer returns the molded container to the end user without cleaning it, and inputs the defect into a defect information column of a personal computer 4 using an information terminal.

Images