Plastic compound sorting device, computer-implemented method, system, computer-program element and computer readable medium for sorting of plastic compounds and relevant uses

Abstract

A computer-based method for controlling the sorting of plastic compounds includes the following steps: providing a computer-based database including entries on a plurality of tags, each tag identifying a specific plastic compound (S100); receiving scan data from a sample of plastic compounds (S200); identifying tags in the sample of plastic compounds based on the received scan data and the plurality of tags in the database (S300); and sorting the plastic compounds based on the identified tags in the sample of plastic compounds (S400).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to a computer implementation method for sorting plastic compounds, a computer program element for such a method, a computer-readable medium for storing such a computer program element, a plastic compound sorting apparatus, a system for sorting plastic compounds, and the use of a computer-based database in such a method. Prior Technology

[0002] Plastics offer substantial benefits in terms of light weight, durability, low cost, suitability for a wide temperature range, good temperature and light resistance, and ease of processing. Due to these benefits, global demand for plastics increases annually, resulting in global plastic production reaching hundreds of millions of tons per year. A large portion of plastics is used in packaging, vehicles, and electronics. Only a small fraction of the plastic waste generated after use or at the end of its lifespan is reused. Recycling plastics is an option for reducing plastic waste and conserving natural resources. Due to the wide variety of polymer types, grades, blends, and / or additives, plastic waste recycling requires separation and sorting. Therefore, sorting is a major issue in plastic waste recycling. Recycling has a significant impact on the economic aspects of plastic waste recovery and the sustainability of plastics throughout the supply chain.

[0003] In view of this, it was further found that there is a need to provide a method for recycling plastics. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a method for controlling and improving the sorting of plastic compounds.

[0005] These and other objectives will become clear upon reading the following detailed description, which demonstrates the objectives of the invention through the subject matter of the independent items. The appendices, however, pertain to preferred embodiments of this application.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a computer-based method for sorting plastic compounds is provided, comprising the following steps: providing a computer-based database including entries on a plurality of tags, each tag identifying a specific plastic compound; receiving scan data from a sample of plastic compounds; identifying tags in the sample of plastic compounds based on the received scan data and the plurality of tags in the database; and sorting the plastic compounds based on the identified tags in the sample of plastic compounds.

[0007] In other words, this invention proposes using markings to clearly identify plastic compounds, thereby generating IDs for the plastic compounds. Characteristics of the plastic compound, such as polymer type, grade, blend, number of reuses, sustainability score, etc., are assigned to the ID. The ID information and the characteristics of the plastic compound are stored in a database. By scanning, the plastic compound, the marking, and therefore the ID of the plastic compound are identified and matched against the database. The matching result reveals the characteristics of the plastic compound, such as the type of plastic, the content of recycled materials, or the sustainability score. Therefore, it is feasible for users, such as plastic parts recycling companies, to sort plastic compounds; or, conversely, for users, such as product retailers, to sort plastic compounds at the vending machine end.

[0008] The proposed method facilitates the sorting of plastic compounds composed of different material layers and combinations. It also facilitates the sorting between recycled and non-recycled plastic compounds. Furthermore, it facilitates the sorting between food-grade and non-food-grade plastic compounds. Finally, it facilitates sorting based on the number of recycling cycles of the plastic compound. The method is further advantageous because the sorting is insensitive to the color of the plastic compound. Finally, it is advantageous because sorting is performed using shrink-labels.

[0009] The proposed method is not limited to the end-of-life / recycling steps in the plastics supply chain, but can be used for any purpose at any step in the plastics supply chain. For example, the method can be used to improve user interaction / experience in the retail of plastic compounds, such as plastic packaging. The proposed method can facilitate the establishment of an effective recycling economy for plastic parts. The proposed method can further benefit as the basis for product traceability including sustainability scores, wherein further information (e.g., post-production products with specific plastic compounds) is added to the traceability and stored in a database. The proposed method can also help reduce plastic waste and increase the amount of recycled plastic waste. The proposed method helps minimize cross-contamination of materials and maximize the quality and value of reprocessed plastic compounds. The proposed method can also be used to trigger the exit of materials from mechanical recycling loops to other recycling possibilities, namely, exit to chemical recycling, thermal recycling (incineration), or organic recycling.

[0010] In this case, the term "sustainability score" is broadly understood to include, and encompasses, a representation configured to present information about the sustainability of a plastic compound, wherein sustainability is preferably related to the amount of recycled material in the plastic compound and / or the number of recycling cycles of the recycled material. A sustainability score may include a metric, such as verbal codes "bad," "good," "very good," or color codes "red," "orange," "green," or numerical codes "1," "2," "3." Sustainability scores are not limited to the above examples. Sustainability scores may be based on data submitted by the OEM's master feeder and converter, retailer, or end customer. In this case, the term "computer-based database" is broadly understood to include, and encompasses, any database or data system configured to store and manage data. Databases may be organized centrally or decentralized and may include different access permissions (e.g., read, read / write, etc.) for different users. Databases may be stored and accessed on cloud servers. Databases may be implemented as blockchain networks. Blockchain can increase protection against spoofing, thereby increasing customer trust. Blockchain can enhance analytical capabilities (e.g., determining the number of cycles a recycled plastic compound has been recycled). In this context, the term "entry" is broadly understood to include, and encompasses, any data that can be stored in a database; preferably, in this context, the term "entry" relates to the ID of a plastic compound, such as a binary code. In this context, the term "tag" is broadly understood to include, and encompasses, elements configured to reveal information associated with the ID of a plastic compound. The term "tag" can include chemical tracers, i.e., molecules embedded in the plastic resin, as binary codes indicating the presence or absence of the molecule. Such chemical tracers exhibit various spectral properties and are therefore detectable (e.g., fluorescing under ultraviolet light). By adding different chemical tracers, each with a unique spectrum, codes can be created as entries in the database. These chemical tracers can be advantageous because they are insensitive to deformation or other physical stresses, thus improving the detectability of plastic compounds throughout their lifecycle. The term "tag" can also include two-dimensional barcode data, digital watermarks, and barcodes. In this case, the term "scanned data" is broadly understood to include, and encompasses, any data received during scanning and / or detection. Preferably, scanned data includes data from spectral analysis and optical scanners (e.g., smartphone cameras). In this case, the term "plastic compound" is broadly understood to include, and encompasses, any plastic material at any possible stage of its lifecycle or supply chain. Preferably, the term "plastic compound" includes plastic raw materials (e.g., PE, PP, PET raw materials), semi-processed plastic materials (e.g., semi-finished electronic components and / or vehicle interior parts), and finished plastic materials (e.g., PET bottles, packaging).

[0011] In one embodiment, the computer-implemented method includes the steps of: receiving a blockchain storing a plurality of scan data of samples, a plurality of identified tags of samples, and / or a plurality of sorting decisions of samples; and uploading the received scan data of samples, the identified tags of samples, and / or the determined sorting decisions of samples to the blockchain. The term "blockchain" is well-known in the prior art and includes a growing list of data / records linked using cryptographic links. Data / records include a plurality of scan data of samples, a plurality of identified tags of samples, and / or a plurality of sorting decisions of samples. Data / records are not limited to these examples. Data / records may also include timestamps and transaction data, as well as information related to sample products (e.g., raw materials, semi-finished products, final products). By uploading a plurality of scan data of samples, a plurality of identified tags of samples, and / or a plurality of sorting decisions, the open ledger is expanded due to new records / entries. The ledger may be a distributed ledger, where each user may have a copy and be able to generate new entries, and where new entries may have to be verified by each user. In summary, this can facilitate increased transparency in the handling of different stages of the lifecycle and / or specific plastic raw materials. It can further generate new data points related to specific raw material compounds and enhance analytical capabilities. It can also further protect users from deceptive entries / data related to specific plastic raw materials (e.g., multiple identified tags leading to false data and deceptive sorting decisions due to logical errors detected in the blockchain). In other words, scan data for specific plastic raw materials is recorded in the blockchain at the time of a transaction (e.g., any scan), thus revealing the raw material's resume and other related products (e.g., semi-finished products, finished products, waste). By using blockchain, certified data can be provided based on data entries stored by upstream users throughout the lifecycle of the raw material compound. Customers / users can use applications to access certified data and sorting decisions.

[0012] In one embodiment, the step of controlling the sorting of plastic compounds includes: identifying at least one data entry in a blockchain associated with an identified tag of a sample; and controlling the sorting of plastic compounds based on the at least one data entry and the identified tag. In other words, the identified tag of a sample is matched against existing entries containing the identified tag. This can show the history of a particular plastic material. This can show the number of times a particular plastic material has been reused / recycled. For example, if a particular plastic material is used to produce plastic bottles, and you find this particular plastic material in another product (e.g., a toothbrush), you can infer that this particular plastic material has been reused. This can facilitate improved sorting of plastic compounds.

[0013] In one embodiment, the step of identifying markers includes determining the type and / or quantity of markers in a sample of plastic compounds. The type of marker may include elements of a periodic system and combinations thereof. By determining the type of marker, the ID of a specific plastic material is determined. By determining the quantity of markers, the share of recycled plastic material can be determined. This is advantageous for controlling sorting decisions. Marker determination may include UV detection technology, near-infrared detection technology, mid-infrared detection technology, X-ray fluorescence detection technology, neuron activation technology, or magnetic detection technology, such as nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR).

[0014] In one embodiment, the step of identifying the markings includes determining the weight fraction of the markings in a sample of the plastic compound. By determining the markings and their volumetric content in the sample, the weight content can also be calculated. Quantification can also be accomplished by determining the relative proportions of different marking systems in the sample. This more specific description of the material composition of the plastic compound sample can facilitate the sorting of refined plastic compounds.

[0015] In one embodiment, a method is provided in which the marker is selected from a group consisting of UV markers, NMR markers, IR markers, XRD markers, XRF markers, two-dimensional barcodes, and / or stegographic features.

[0016] In one embodiment, a method is provided in which a user performing the method adds further information to a specific plastic compound, wherein the further information preferably includes the stage in the supply chain and / or the product type. This can facilitate the certification of recycled content.

[0017] In one embodiment, a method is provided in which users of the blockchain verify each new entry. This can help improve protection against fake entries.

[0018] In one embodiment, a method is provided in which a sample of a plastic compound comprises one or more materials selected from the group consisting of: low-density polyethylene (LDPE), linear LDPE (LLDPE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyoxymethylene (POM), polypropylene (PP), polyamide (PA), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), polystyrene (PS), polylactic acid (PLA), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or polycarbonate (PC).

[0019] Another aspect of the invention relates to a computer program element that, when executed, instructs a processor to perform any step of the methods described above. Therefore, the computer program element can be stored on a computing unit, which may also be part of an embodiment. The computing unit can be configured to perform or cause the execution of steps of the methods described above. Furthermore, it can be configured as a component operating the system described above. The computing unit can be configured to automatically operate and / or execute user commands. The computer program can be loaded into the working memory of a data processor. The data processor can therefore be equipped to execute the methods according to one of the foregoing embodiments. Exemplary embodiments of the invention cover computer programs that use the invention from the outset and computer programs that convert existing programs into programs using the invention through updates. Furthermore, the computer program element can provide all the necessary steps to complete the process of the exemplary embodiments of the methods described above. According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, a computer-readable medium, such as a CD-ROM, a USB storage device, etc., is provided, wherein the computer-readable medium has computer program elements as described above stored thereon. Computer programs can be stored and / or distributed on suitable media, such as optical storage media or solid-state media provided with or as part of other hardware, but can also be distributed in other forms, such as via the Internet or other wired or wireless telecommunications systems. However, computer programs can also be presented via networks like the World Wide Web and can be downloaded from such networks into the working memory of a data processor. According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, a medium is provided for adapting a computer program element for download, wherein the computer program element is configured to perform a method according to one of the foregoing embodiments of the invention.

[0020] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a computer-readable medium for storing the aforementioned computer program elements.

[0021] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a plastic compound sorting apparatus, comprising: a wavelength scanner; a programmable controller; wherein the wavelength scanner is configured to scan a sample of plastic compounds; and wherein the programmable controller is configured to sort the plastic compounds by the method described above. In this application, the term "wavelength scanner" is broadly understood to include, and includes, a scanner configured to determine the wavelength of atoms or molecules. The term "wavelength scanner" includes scanners based on ultraviolet detection technology, near-infrared detection technology, mid-infrared detection technology, X-ray fluorescence detection technology, or neuronal activation technology. In this application, the term "programmable controller" is broadly understood to include, and includes, a controller configured to be programmed and controlled to perform the method described above. The term "programmable controller" preferably includes a CPU of a smartphone, tablet computer, desktop computer, or cloud-based device. In this embodiment, the plastic compound processing apparatus preferably includes a user interface configured to display a determined sustainability score (e.g., a smartphone display).

[0022] Another aspect of the invention relates to a system for sorting plastic compounds, comprising: a computer-based database including entries on a plurality of tags, each tag identifying a specific plastic compound; at least one receiving unit configured to receive scan data from a sample of plastic compounds; at least one processing unit configured to identify tags in the sample of plastic compounds based on the received scan data and the plurality of tags in the database; and at least one sorting unit configured to sort plastic compounds based on the identified tags in the sample of plastic compounds. The receiving unit and / or processing unit may be a distributed hardware component (e.g., a discrete CPU) or a virtual component on a single hardware component (e.g., a central CPU). The receiving unit may include an interface with a specific communication standard (e.g., Ethernet, USB, HTML, NFC, Bluetooth, PCI, etc.). The sorting unit may mechanically sort the plastic compounds, for example, by means of controlled airflow.

[0023] The final aspect of the invention relates to the use of a computer-based database as described above, the database comprising entries on a plurality of tags and / or scanned data from samples of plastic compounds, wherein each tag identifies a specific plastic compound.

[0024] In one embodiment, the step of identifying the markers includes determining parameters from the previous life cycle of the plastic compound and / or determining the content of recycled plastic in the plastic compound based on the identified markers in a sample of the plastic compound. Life cycle refers to the period from the production of the plastic compound to its end-of-life and recycling. Identified markers can be associated with a specific product and thus can reveal parameters from the previous life cycle of the plastic compound. Markers determined from a portion of the sample can indicate the content of recycled plastic in the plastic compound. The material recycler can adjust the proportion of markers in the plastic compound each time it is produced. In summary, this can facilitate the sorting of refined plastic compounds. For example, each time the material recycler produces a plastic compound, additional markers can be added to the plastic compound. The markers can indicate the number of times the plastic compound has been recycled.

[0025] Plastic compounds are preferably withdrawn from the sorting process to other recycling possibilities, more preferably from mechanical recycling to chemical recycling, to thermal recycling (incineration), and / or to organic recycling, and said withdrawal can be triggered based on a determined number of times the plastic compound has a life cycle and / or the amount of recycled plastic.

[0026] In another embodiment, determining the number of times a plastic compound has a life cycle and / or the amount of recycled plastic can also be used to trigger the withdrawal of the plastic compound from a closed-loop recycling process, such as that of a plastic bottle recycling system, to other applications, such as non-food contact packaging materials. Simple Explanation of the Diagram

[0027] The present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the drawings, wherein: [Figure 1] is a schematic diagram of the steps of the method according to the present invention; [Figure 2] is a partial schematic diagram of the plastic compound sorting device according to the present invention; [Figure 3] is a schematic diagram of the system according to the present invention; and [Figure 4] shows an exemplary application of the method in the circular economy. Implementation

[0028] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of the steps of the method according to the present invention. The computer-implemented method for controlling the sorting of plastic compounds includes step S100, which provides a computer-based database containing entries on a plurality of tags, each tag identifying a specific plastic compound. The identified tag displays the ID of the specific plastic compound associated with the data. In this example, the ID comprises a 5-digit (0 or 1) binary system implemented with 5 different tags. If a tag is detected, the corresponding bit is 1; otherwise, it is 0. Thus, 2^5 different IDs can be encoded using tags. This will be further explained in Figure 2. In this example, the data includes the batch size, production information, target product, and sustainability score of the specific plastic compound. In this example, the database is a computer-based database stored in the cloud. The entries for the specific plastic compound are established by an authorized plastic material manufacturer. In step S200, scan data from a sample of the plastic compound is received. Preferably, the scan data includes data from spectral analysis. The tag used to encode the specific plastic compound is a chemical tracer. Chemical tracers exhibit various spectral properties, thus allowing detection via spectral analysis. In step S300, markers in the plastic compound sample are identified based on the received scan data and multiple markers in the database. For example, the scan data may show the presence of one or more markers in the spectral measurement data. These results are matched against entries in the database. In the case of a positive match, data associated with the ID of the specific plastic compound is displayed. In step S400, a sorting decision is determined based on the identified markers of the plastic compound sample. In this example, the sorting decision is part of the data associated with the ID of the specific plastic compound. However, the control of plastic compound sorting is not limited to this example. More preferably, the received sample scan data, the identified sample markers, and / or the determined sample sorting decision are uploaded to a blockchain. By uploading this information to the blockchain, the ledger is expanded, resulting in high transparency of the history of a specific plastic compound. In this case, the sorting of plastic compounds can be controlled by analyzing all existing entries in the blockchain, which can produce refined sorting decisions.

[0029] Figure 2 is a partial schematic diagram of a plastic compound sorting apparatus 10 according to the present invention. The plastic compound sorting apparatus 10 includes a wavelength scanner 11, in this example an X-ray fluorescence scanner, which includes an X-ray generator 12 as an illumination source. The plastic compound sorting apparatus 10 also includes a copper filter 13 for reducing measurement noise and an X-ray fluorescence detection unit 14. The plastic compound system further includes a programmable controller 15. A specific plastic compound 16 includes two markers, A and B. The X-ray generator 12 is configured to generate X-rays and direct the X-rays to the specific plastic compound 16, wherein the X-rays excite markers A and B. For example, the markers are Fe and Ni. In the X-ray fluorescence spectrum, each marker emits unique radiation, depending on the number of atoms of the element. The X-ray fluorescence scanner 14 is configured to scan a sample of plastic compounds 16, wherein scanning refers to detecting the radiation emitted by the markers. The X-ray fluorescence scanner is coupled to the programmable controller 15, which identifies the signature and ID of the specific plastic compound 16. The programmable controller 15 is also configured to sort plastic compounds using the method described above.

[0030] Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of the system according to the present invention. The system 30 for sorting plastic compounds includes a computer-based database 31 containing entries on a plurality of tags, each tag identifying a specific plastic compound. The system 30 also includes a receiving unit 32 configured to receive scan data from samples of plastic compounds. The system 30 further includes a processing unit 33 configured to identify tags in the samples of plastic compounds based on the received scan data and the plurality of tags in the database. A sorting unit 34 is configured to sort plastic compounds based on the identified tags in the samples. The processing unit is also configured to upload the received sample scan data, the identified sample tags, and / or the determined sample sorting decision to a blockchain 35. By uploading this information to the blockchain 35, the ledger is expanded, resulting in high transparency of the history of a particular plastic compound. In this case, the sorting decision can be further determined by analyzing all existing entries in the blockchain 35, which can lead to improved sorting of the plastic compounds.

[0031] Figure 4 illustrates an exemplary application of the method in a circular economy 40. A plastic compound manufacturer 42 can produce a specific plastic compound, including the mark A, in a first step. The corresponding data for the specific plastic compound can be transmitted to a digital platform 41, where servers can store the respective data. The plastic compound manufacturer 42 can sell the specific plastic compound to a plastic bottle manufacturer 43. Production data of the plastic bottles associated with the specific plastic compound (e.g., timestamps, quantities, etc.) can be transmitted to the digital platform 41. The produced plastic bottles may include two-dimensional barcodes and can then be shipped from the manufacturer 43 to, for example, a warehouse 44 in another country and subsequently to a retailer 45. The associated shipping data for plastic bottles 46 can be transmitted to the digital platform 41. Customers can then purchase plastic bottles 46 from the retailer 45. Customers can discard plastic bottles 46 after use. A waste disposal company 47 can then collect waste including plastic bottles 46 and another plastic bottle 48 with another mark B. The waste disposal company 47 may have a sorting machine 49. The sorting machine 49 can identify plastic bottles 46 containing a specific plastic compound using the mark A. The collected data related to the plastic bottles 46 can be transferred from the waste disposal company 47 to the digital platform 41. The waste disposal company 47 can sell the plastic bottles 46 to a recycling company 50 that produces new, specific plastic materials. The recycling company 50 can add another mark C to the plastic material and then sell it to a plastic compound manufacturer 42. The recycling company 50 can query the data related to the plastic bottles 46 from the digital platform 41 and further transfer new data to the digital platform 41.

[0032] The invention has been described above with reference to preferred embodiments as examples. However, by studying the drawings, the disclosure of this application, and the claims, those skilled in the art can understand and implement other variations and carry out the claimed invention. It is worth noting that the described steps can be performed in any order, that is, the invention is not limited to a specific order of these steps. Furthermore, it is not necessary to perform different steps in one place or at another; that is, each step can be performed in different places using different devices / data processing units. In the claims and specification, the term "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite articles "a" or "an" do not exclude plural forms. A single element or other unit can fulfill the functions of multiple entities or items listed in the claims. The fact that certain measures are listed in different appendices does not mean that a combination of these measures cannot be used in an advantageous implementation.

[0033] 10: Plastic compound sorting device 11: Wavelength Scanner 12: X-ray generator 13: Copper Filter 14: X-ray fluorescence scanner 15: Programmable Controller 16: Plastic compounds 30: System 31: Database 32: Receiving Unit 33: Processing Unit 34: Sorting Unit 35: Blockchain 40: Circular Economy 41: Digital Platform 42: Plastic compound manufacturers 43: Manufacturer 44: Warehouse 45: Retailers 46, 48: Plastic bottles 47: Waste Disposal Company 49: Sorting machine 50: Recycling Company S100: Steps S200: Steps S300: Steps S400: Steps

Claims

1. A computer-based method for controlling the sorting of plastic compounds, comprising the following steps: providing a computer-based database including entries on a plurality of tags, each tag identifying a specific plastic compound (S100); receiving scan data from a sample of plastic compounds (S200); identifying tags in the sample of the plastic compound based on the received scan data and the plurality of tags in the database (S300), wherein the identified tags include chemical tracers for marking materials in the sample of the plastic compound; sorting the plastic compounds based on the identified tags in the sample of the plastic compound (S400).

2. The computer implementation method as described in claim 1 further includes the following steps: receiving a blockchain that stores a plurality of scan data of a sample, a plurality of identified tags of the sample, and / or a plurality of sorting decisions of the sample; and uploading the received scan data of the sample, the identified tags of the sample, and / or the sorting decisions of the sample to the blockchain.

3. The computer-implemented method as described in claim 2, wherein the step of sorting the plastic compound includes: Identify at least one data entry in the blockchain that is associated with the identified tag of the sample; The plastic compounds are sorted based on the at least one data entry and the identified marker.

4. A computer implementation method as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the step of identifying the mark includes: Determine the type and / or quantity of the markers in the sample of the plastic compound.

5. A computer implementation method as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the step of identifying the mark includes: Determine the weight fraction of the labeled content in the sample of the plastic compound.

6. A computer implementation method as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the step of identifying the mark includes: Based on the identified markers in the sample of the plastic compound, the number of lifetimes of the plastic compound and / or the amount of recycled plastic in the plastic compound are determined.

7. The computer implementation method as described in claim 6 further includes the following steps: based on the determined number of times in the life cycle of the plastic compound and / or the content of the recycled plastic, triggering the plastic compound to exit from the sorting process preferably to other recycling possibilities, more preferably from mechanical recycling to chemical recycling, to thermal recycling (incineration), and / or to organic recycling.

8. The computer implementation method as described in any one of claims 1 to 3 further includes the step of: generating a signal including a command to display the sorting decision on a user interface.

9. The computer implementation method as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the mark is selected from the group consisting of UV marks, NMR marks, IR marks, XRD marks, XRF marks, two-dimensional barcodes, barcodes and / or stegographic features.

10. The computer implementation method as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the sample of said plastic compound comprises one or more materials selected from the group consisting of: low-density polyethylene (LDPE), linear LDPE (LLDPE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyoxymethylene (POM), polypropylene (PP), polyamide (PA), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), polystyrene (PS), polylactic acid (PLA), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or polycarbonate (PC).

11. Use of a computer-implemented method according to any one of claims 1 to 10 for the recycling of plastic compounds.

12. Use of a computer-implemented method according to claim 6 or 7 for the mechanical recycling of plastic compounds, wherein said plastic compounds exiting the sorting process are redirected to other recycling possibilities, preferably to chemical recycling, thermal recycling (incineration), and / or organic recycling.

13. A computer program element that, when executed, instructs a processor to perform any one of the steps of the method described in any one of claims 1 to 10.

14. A computer-readable medium storing the computer program elements described in claim 13.

15. A plastic compound sorting device (10), comprising: Wavelength scanner (11); Programmable controller (15); wherein the wavelength scanner (11) is configured to scan a sample of plastic compound (16); The programmable controller (15) is configured to sort the plastic compound by means of any one of claims 1 to 10.

16. A system (30) for sorting plastic compounds, comprising: A computer-based database (31) includes entries on multiple tags, each tag identifying a specific plastic compound; At least one receiving unit (32) is configured to receive scan data from a sample of a plastic compound; At least one processing unit (33) is configured to identify markers in the sample of the plastic compound based on the received scan data and the plurality of markers in the database, wherein the identified markers include chemical tracers for identifying materials in the sample of the plastic compound; At least one sorting unit (34) is configured to sort the plastic compound based on the identified markings of the sample of the plastic compound.

17. Use of a computer-based database as described in any one of claims 1 to 10, the computer-based database comprising entries on a plurality of tags and / or scanned data from samples of plastic compounds, wherein each tag identifies a specific plastic compound.

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