Computer-implemented method for plastic compound classification

Abstract

A computer-implemented method for controlling classification of plastic compounds, comprising the steps of: providing a computer-based database comprising a plurality of entries on a label, each label identifying a particular plastic compound (S100); receiving scan data from a sample of a plastic compound (S200); identifying a label in the sample of the plastic compound based on the received scan data and the plurality of entries of the database (S300); classifying the plastic compound based on the identified label of the sample of the plastic compound (S400).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a computer-implemented method for classifying plastic compounds, computer program elements for such method, a computer-readable medium storing such computer program elements, a plastic compound classification apparatus, a system for classifying plastic compounds, and the use of a computer-based database in such method. Background Technology

[0002] Plastics offer significant advantages 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 production reaching triple-digit million-tonnes per year. A large portion of plastics is used in packaging, automobiles, and electronics. Only a small fraction of the plastic waste generated at the end of its use or lifespan is reused. Plastic waste recycling 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 value chain.

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

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

[0005] These and other objectives, which become apparent upon reading the following description, are addressed by the subject matter of the independent claims. The dependent claims relate to preferred embodiments of this disclosure.

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

[0007] In other words, this disclosure proposes using a label to explicitly mark plastic compounds, thereby generating an ID for the plastic compound. Characteristics of the plastic compound, such as polymer type, grade, blend, number of reuses, sustainability score, etc., are assigned to the ID. The information data of the ID and the characteristics of the plastic compound are stored in a database. By scanning, the plastic compound, the label, and thus 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 or the content of recycled materials or sustainability score. Therefore, users (e.g., plastic component recycling companies) can classify plastic compounds, or product retailers can classify plastic compounds in reverse vending machines, for example.

[0008] The proposed method may be advantageous for classifying plastic compounds composed of different material layers and combinations thereof. It may also be advantageous for classifying recycled and non-recycled plastic compounds. Furthermore, it may be advantageous for classifying food-grade and non-food-grade plastic compounds. It may further be advantageous for classifying plastic compounds based on their recycling cycle number. The proposed method is further advantageous because the classification is insensitive to the color of the plastic compound. Finally, it is advantageous because classification can be performed using shrink-labels.

[0009] The proposed method is not limited to the end-of-life / recycling steps in the plastics value chain, but can be used for any purpose at any step in the plastics value chain. For example, the method can be used to improve customer 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 components. The proposed method can further be advantageously used as the basis for product traceability, including sustainability scores, where further information (e.g., products manufactured using specific plastic compounds) is added to the traceability and stored in a database. The proposed method can further facilitate the reduction of 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 withdrawal of materials from mechanical recycling cycles to other recycling possibilities, namely chemical recycling, thermal recycling (incineration), or organic recycling.

[0010] The term sustainability score should be understood broadly in the present context and includes a number configured to present information about the sustainability of plastic compounds, wherein sustainability preferably relates to the amount of recycled material in the plastic compound and / or the number of recycling cycles of the recycled material. Sustainability scores may include metrics such as verbal codes for “poor,” “good,” “very good,” or color codes for “red,” “orange,” “green,” or numerical codes for “1,” “2,” “3.” Sustainability scores are not limited to the examples above. Sustainability scores may be based on data submitted by primary ingredient suppliers and processors for OEMs, retailers, or end customers. The term computer-based database should be understood broadly in the present context and includes any database or data system configured to store and manage data. Databases may be centrally or decentralized and may include different access authorizations (e.g., read, read / write, etc.) for different users. Databases may be stored and executed on cloud servers. Databases may be implemented as blockchain networks. Blockchain can increase protection against falsified data and thus increase customer trust. Blockchain can increase analytical capabilities (e.g., determining the number of recycling cycles of a plastic compound). The terminology entries, in this context, should be broadly understood and include any data that can be stored in a database. Preferably, the terminology entries relate to the ID of the plastic compound, such as a binary code. The terminology markers, in this context, should be broadly understood and include elements configured to disclose information associated with the ID of the plastic compound. The terminology markers may include chemical tracers, i.e., molecules embedded in the plastic resin, whose binary codes are present or absent as molecules. Such chemical tracers exhibit a variety of spectral properties and are therefore detectable (e.g., fluorescent under UV light). By adding different chemical tracers, each with a unique spectrum, codes can be created that serve as entries in the database. These chemical tracers may be advantageous because they are insensitive to deformation or other physical stresses and thus improve the detectability of the plastic compound throughout its life cycle. The terminology markers may further include QR data, digital watermarks, and barcodes. The terminology scan data, in this context, should be broadly understood and include any data received from the scanning and / or detection process. Preferably, the scan data includes data from spectral analysis and optical scanners (e.g., cameras in smartphones). The term "plastic compound" should be understood broadly in the present context and includes any plastic material at any possible stage of the life cycle or value chain of plastic materials. 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 and / or automotive interior parts), and finished plastic materials (e.g., PET bottles, packaging).

[0011] In an embodiment, the computer-implemented method includes the following steps: receiving a blockchain storing multiple sample scan data, multiple sample identification tags, and / or multiple sample classification decisions; and uploading the received sample scan data, sample identification tags, and / or determined sample classification decisions to the blockchain. The term blockchain is well-known in the prior art and, in the current context, encompasses a growing list of data / records using cryptographic links. Data / records currently include multiple scan data of samples, multiple identification tags of samples, and / or multiple classification decisions of samples. Data / records are not limited to these examples. Data / records may also include timestamps and transaction data, as well as relevant data on sample products (e.g., raw materials, semi-finished products, final products). By uploading multiple scan data of samples, multiple identification tags of samples, and / or multiple classification 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 can generate new entries, and where new entries may have to be verified by each user. In summary, this can facilitate increased transparency at different stages of the lifecycle and / or the handling of specific plastic raw materials. This can further generate new data points related to specific raw material compounds and enhance analytical capabilities. This further protects users from deceptive entries / data associated with a specific plastic raw material (e.g., multiple identified tags leading to falsified data and revealing deceptive classification decisions due to logical errors detected in the blockchain). In other words, scan data for a specific plastic raw material is recorded in the blockchain at the time of transaction (e.g., any scan), thus revealing the raw material's history and other related products (e.g., semi-finished products, finished products, waste). By using blockchain, authentication data can be provided based on data entries stored by upstream users throughout the lifecycle of the raw material compound. Customers / users can use application software to access verification data and classification decisions.

[0012] In an embodiment, the step of controlling the classification of plastic compounds includes: identifying at least one data entry in a blockchain associated with an identification tag of a sample; and controlling the classification of the 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 with existing entries including the identified tag. This can reveal the history of a particular plastic material. This can reveal the number of times a particular plastic material has been reused / recycled. For example, if a particular plastic material was produced for a plastic bottle, and you find that particular plastic material in another product (e.g., a toothbrush), you can deduce the reuse of that particular plastic material. This can help improve the classification of plastic compounds.

[0013] In an embodiment, the step of identifying markers includes determining the type and / or quantity of markers in a plastic compound sample. 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 raw material is determined. By determining the quantity of markers, the share of recycled plastic raw materials can be determined. This can facilitate control over sorting decisions. Marker determination may include UV detection techniques, near-infrared detection techniques, mid-infrared detection techniques, X-ray fluorescence detection techniques, neuronal activation techniques, or magnetic detection techniques, such as NMR.

[0014] In this embodiment, the step of identifying the markings includes determining the weight fraction of the markings in the plastic compound sample. By determining the markings and their volumetric content in the sample, you can also calculate the weight content. Quantification can also be performed by determining the relative ratios of different marking systems in the sample. This more specific description of the material composition of the plastic compound sample may be beneficial for improving the classification of plastic compounds.

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

[0016] In one embodiment, a method is provided in which further information is added to a specific plastic compound by means of a user, wherein the further information preferably includes the stage in the value chain and / or the product type. This may be helpful in demonstrating recycling content.

[0017] In one embodiment, a method is provided in which a user verifies each new entry on the blockchain. This can help increase protection against counterfeit entries.

[0018] In an embodiment, a method is provided in which a sample of a plastic compound comprises one or more elements 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 this disclosure relates to a computer program element that, when executed, instructs a processor to perform any step of the methods described above. The computer program element can therefore be stored on a computing unit, which may also be part of an embodiment. The computing unit can be configured to perform or induce the execution of steps of the methods described above. Furthermore, it can be configured to operate components of 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. This exemplary embodiment of the disclosure covers computer programs that use the disclosure from the outset and computer programs that convert existing programs into programs using the disclosure by means of updates. Furthermore, the computer program element may be able to provide all the necessary steps to complete the exemplary embodiment of the methods described above. According to another exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, a computer-readable medium, such as a CD-ROM, USB stick, etc., is proposed, wherein the computer-readable medium has a computer program element stored thereon, which is described in the previous section. Computer programs can be stored and / or distributed on suitable media, such as optical storage media or solid-state media, provided together 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 to the working memory of a data processor. According to another exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, a medium is provided for making computer program elements available for download, the computer program elements being arranged to perform a method according to one of the embodiments previously described in this disclosure.

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

[0021] Another aspect of this disclosure relates to a plastic compound sorting apparatus, comprising: a wavelength scanner; and 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 means of the described method. The term wavelength scanner is to be broadly understood in the present context and includes scanners configured to determine the wavelengths of atoms or molecules. The term wavelength scanner includes scanners based on UV detection technology, near-infrared detection technology, mid-infrared detection technology, X-ray fluorescence detection technology, or neuronal activation technology. The term programmable controller is to be broadly understood in the present context and includes a controller configured to be programmed and controlled to perform the described method. The term programmable controller preferably includes the CPU of a smartphone, tablet computer, desktop computer, or cloud. In this context, the plastic compound processing apparatus preferably includes a user interface configured to display the determined sustainability score (e.g., a smartphone display).

[0022] Another aspect of this disclosure relates to a system for classifying plastic compounds, comprising: a computer-based database including entries for 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 plastic compound sample based on the received scan data and the plurality of tags in the database; and at least one classification unit configured to classify the plastic compounds based on the identified tags of the plastic compound sample. The receiving unit and / or the processing unit may be a distributed hardware component (e.g., a separate 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 classification unit may mechanically classify the plastic compounds, for example, by means of controlled airflow.

[0023] The final aspect of this disclosure relates to the use of a computer-based database comprising entries for multiple markers, each marker identifying a specific plastic compound and / or scan data from samples of the plastic compound in the methods described above.

[0024] In an embodiment, the step of identifying the markings 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 markings identified in the plastic compound sample. Life cycle refers to the period from the production of the plastic compound to its disposal and recycling. The identified markings can be associated with a specific product and thus reveal parameters of the previous life cycle of the plastic compound. The proportion of the identified markings in the sample reveals the content of recycled plastic in the plastic compound. Material recyclers can adjust the proportion of markings in the plastic compound each time it is produced. In summary, this can facilitate improved sorting of plastic compounds. For example, each time a material recycler produces a plastic compound, additional markings can be added to the plastic compound. The markings can indicate the number of times the plastic compound has been recycled.

[0025] The transition of plastic compounds from the sorting process to other recycling possibilities, preferably from mechanical recycling to chemical recycling, to thermal recycling (incineration) and / or to organic recycling, can be triggered based on the determined life cycle number of the plastic compound and / or the amount of recycled plastic.

[0026] In a further embodiment, the determined lifetime number and / or the recycled plastic content of the plastic compound can also be used to trigger the withdrawal of the plastic compound from a closed-loop recycling process (e.g., recycling of plastic bottles) to another application (e.g., non-food contact packaging materials). Attached Figure Description

[0027] The present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which...

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic overview of the steps of the method according to this disclosure;

[0029] Figure 2 This is a partial schematic diagram of a plastic compound sorting device according to the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 3 This is an overview of the system based on this disclosure; and

[0031] Figure 4 This section illustrates an exemplary application of the method in the circular economy. Detailed Implementation

[0032] Figure 1A schematic overview of the steps of the method according to this disclosure is shown. The computer-implemented method for controlling the classification of plastic compounds includes the step S100 of providing a computer-based database containing entries for a plurality of tags, each tag identifying a specific plastic compound. The identified tag reveals an ID of the specific plastic compound associated with the data. In this example, the ID comprises a binary system with 5 digital bits (0 or 1) implemented using 5 different tags. If a tag is detected, the corresponding digital bit is 1; otherwise, it is 0. Therefore, you can encode 2^5 different IDs using tags. This will... Figure 2 This will be further explained below. In this example, the data includes the batch size, production data, 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 created by authorized plastic material manufacturers. In step S200, scan data from a plastic compound sample is received. Preferably, the scan data includes data from spectral analysis. The markers used to encode the specific plastic compound are chemical tracers. Chemical tracers exhibit various spectral properties and are therefore detectable via spectroscopy. In step S300, markers in the plastic compound sample are identified based on the received scan data and multiple markers in the database. The scan data, for example, reveals the presence of one or more markers in the spectral measurement data. These results are matched against entries in the database. If a match is successful, data associated with the specific plastic compound ID is revealed. In step S400, a classification decision is determined based on the identified markers of the plastic compound sample. In this example, the classification decision is part of the data associated with the ID of the specific plastic compound. However, the control of the classification of plastic compounds is not limited to this example. A further preferred approach is to upload the received sample scan data, sample identification tags, and / or the determined sample classification decisions to the blockchain. By uploading this information to the blockchain, the ledger is expanded, thus generating a high degree of transparency in the history of a particular plastic compound. In this context, the classification of plastic compounds can be controlled by analyzing all existing blockchain entries, leading to more accurate classification decisions.

[0033] Figure 2This is a partial schematic diagram of a plastic compound sorting apparatus 10 according to the present disclosure. The plastic compound processing 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, 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 tags, A and B. The X-ray generator 12 is configured to generate X-rays and direct them to the specific plastic compound 16, wherein the X-rays excite tags A and B. The tags are, for example, Fe and Ni. Each tag emits unique radiation in X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, which depends on the atomic number of the element. The X-ray fluorescence scanner 14 is configured to scan a sample of plastic compound 16, wherein scanning means detecting the emitted radiation of the tags. The X-ray fluorescence scanner is coupled to the programmable controller 15, which identifies the signature and ID of the specific plastic compound 16, respectively. The programmable controller 15 is further configured to sort the plastic compounds by means of the methods described above.

[0034] Figure 3 An overview of the system according to this disclosure is shown. System 30 for classifying plastic compounds includes a computer-based database 31 containing entries for multiple tags, each tag identifying a specific plastic compound. System 30 further includes a receiving unit 32 configured to receive scan data from a sample of plastic compounds. System 30 further includes a processing unit 33 configured to identify tags in the plastic compound sample based on the received scan data and the multiple tags in the database. Classification unit 34 is further configured to classify the plastic compounds based on the identified tags of the plastic compound sample. The processing unit is further configured to upload the received sample scan data, the identification tags of the sample, and / or the determined classification decision of the sample to a blockchain 35. By uploading this information to blockchain 35a, the ledger is expanded, and thus a high degree of transparency in the history of a particular plastic compound is generated. In this context, classification decisions can be further determined by analyzing all existing entries in blockchain 35, which can lead to improved classification of plastic compounds.

[0035] Figure 4An exemplary application of this method in a circular economy 40 is illustrated. A plastic compound manufacturer 42 can produce a specific plastic compound, including the label A, in a first step. The corresponding data for the specific plastic compound can be transmitted to a digital platform 41, where the digital platform (and its server) can store the corresponding 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 QR codes and can then be transported from the manufacturer 43 to a warehouse 44, for example, in another country, and then from there to a retailer 45. The associated transportation data for each plastic bottle 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. Waste including plastic bottle 46 and another plastic bottle 48 with another label B can then be collected by a waste disposal company 47. The waste disposal company 47 may have a sorting machine 49. The sorting machine 49 can identify plastic bottles 46 with the specific plastic compound labeled A. The collected data related to plastic bottle 46 can be transferred from waste disposal company 47 to digital platform 41. Waste disposal company 47 can sell plastic bottle 46 to recycling company 50, which produces new specific plastic materials. Recycling company 50 can add an additional label C to the plastic material and then sell the plastic material to plastic compound producer 42. Recycling company 50 can query data related to plastic bottle 46 from digital platform 41 and further transfer the new data 41 to the digital platform.

[0036] This disclosure is also described in conjunction with preferred embodiments as examples. However, those skilled in the art can understand and implement other variations and practices of the claimed invention by studying the drawings, this disclosure, and the claims. It is worth noting that, specifically, the described steps can be performed in any order, i.e., this disclosure is not limited to a particular order of these steps. Furthermore, it is not necessary to perform different steps in one place or in another; each step can be performed in different places using different devices / data processing units. In the claims and description, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite articles "a" or "an" do not exclude a plural. A single element or other unit can perform the function of multiple entities or items listed in the claims. The fact that certain measures are listed in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used in an advantageous implementation.

[0037] Reference List

[0038] 10. Plastic compound sorting device

[0039] 11-wavelength scanner

[0040] 12 X-ray generators

[0041] 13 Copper Filters

[0042] 14 X-ray fluorescence scanner

[0043] 15 Programmable Logic Controllers

[0044] 16 Plastic compounds

[0045] 30 System

[0046] 31 Database

[0047] 32 Receiving Unit

[0048] 33 Processing Units

[0049] 34 taxonomic units

[0050] 35 Blockchain

[0051] 40 Circular Economy

[0052] 41 Digital Platform

[0053] 42 Plastic compound manufacturers

[0054] 43 Manufacturers

[0055] Warehouse 44

[0056] 45 Retailers

[0057] 46 and 48 plastic bottles

[0058] 47 Waste Disposal Companies

[0059] 49 Classification Machine

[0060] 50 Recycling Companies

Claims

1. A computer-implemented method for controlling the classification of plastic compounds, comprising the following steps: A computer-based database is provided, which includes entries for multiple tags, each tag identifying a specific plastic compound (S100). Receive scan data (S200) from a sample of a plastic compound, including spectral measurement data, wherein the scan data reveals the presence of one or more markers in the spectral measurement data, wherein the one or more markers identify the plastic compound, wherein the markers are chemical tracers exhibiting various spectral properties; Identifying markers in the sample of the plastic compound based on the received scan data and the plurality of markers in the database (S300), wherein identifying the markers includes: determining the life cycle number of the plastic compound based on the identified markers in the sample of the plastic compound; The plastic compounds are classified based on the identified markers of the samples of the plastic compounds (S400).

2. The computer-implemented method according to claim 1, comprising the following steps: A blockchain that receives and stores scan data of multiple samples, identified tags of multiple samples, and / or classification decisions of multiple samples; The received scan data of the sample, the identified tags of the sample, and / or the classification decision of the sample are uploaded to the blockchain.

3. The computer-implemented method according to claim 2, wherein, The steps for classifying plastic compounds include: Identify at least one data entry in the blockchain that is associated with the identified tag of the sample; The plastic compounds are classified based on the at least one data entry and the identified markers.

4. The computer-implemented method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The steps for identifying the marker include: Determine the type and / or quantity of the markers in the sample of the plastic compound.

5. The computer-implemented method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The steps for identifying the marker include: Determine the weight fraction of the labeled content of the plastic compound in the sample.

6. The computer-implemented method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The steps for identifying the marker include: Determine the content of recycled plastic in the plastic compound.

7. The computer-implemented method according to claim 6, comprising the following steps: Based on the determined life cycle number of the plastic compound and / or the amount of recycled plastic, the plastic compound is triggered to exit the sorting process to other recycling possibilities.

8. The computer-implemented method according to claim 7, wherein, Triggering the exit of plastic compounds from the sorting process to other recycling possibilities further includes: This triggers the exit of plastic compounds from mechanical recycling to chemical recycling, thermal recycling, and / or organic recycling.

9. The computer-implemented method according to claim 8, wherein, The heat recovery includes incineration.

10. The computer-implemented method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising the following steps: Generate a signal that includes a command to display the classification decision on the user interface.

11. The computer-implemented method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The mark is selected from the group consisting of UV mark, NMR mark, IR mark, XRD mark, XRF mark, QR code, barcode and / or stegographic features.

12. The computer-implemented method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The sample of the plastic compound includes one or more elements 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).

13. The computer-implemented method according to any one of claims 1 to 12 for the use of recycling plastic compounds.

14. The computer-implemented method according to claim 7 is used for the mechanical recycling of plastic compounds, wherein, The plastic compounds that exit the sorting process may enter into other recycling possibilities.

15. The computer-implemented method according to claim 14 is used for the mechanical recycling of plastic compounds, wherein, The plastic compounds that exit the sorting process are then recycled through chemical, thermal, and / or organic processes.

16. The computer-implemented method according to claim 15 is used for the mechanical recycling of plastic compounds, wherein, The heat recovery includes incineration.

17. A computer program element that, when executed, instructs a processor to perform any step of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

18. A computer-readable medium storing computer program elements according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

19. A plastic compound sorting device (10), comprising: Wavelength scanner (11); Programmable Logic Controller (15); The wavelength scanner (11) is configured to scan a sample of plastic compound (16); The programmable controller (15) is configured to classify plastic compounds by means of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

20. A system (30) for classifying plastic compounds, comprising: A computer-based database (31) includes entries for multiple tags, each tag identifying a specific plastic compound; At least one receiving unit (32) is configured to receive scan data including spectral measurement data from a sample of a plastic compound, wherein the scan data reveals the presence of one or more markers in the spectral measurement data, wherein the one or more markers identify the plastic compound, wherein the markers are chemical tracers exhibiting various spectral properties; 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 (31) and to determine the life cycle number of the plastic compound based on the identified markers in the sample of the plastic compound; At least one classification unit (34) is configured to classify the plastic compound based on the identified markers of the sample of the plastic compound.

21. Use of a computer-based database in the method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, said computer-based database comprising entries for a plurality of markers, each marker identifying a specific plastic compound and / or scan data from a sample of the plastic compound.

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