Method for monitoring environmental impact of chemical production

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to the field of sustainable industrialization, in particular to monitoring environmental effects in industrial manufacturing processes. The present disclosure relates to a method, apparatus, input material, output material, network node, data service and confirmation service for confirming environmental impact data associated with an input material to be used for producing one or more output materials, where the environmental impact data relates to one or more environmental characteristics of the input material.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure pertains to the field of sustainable industrialization, particularly the monitoring of environmental impacts in industrial manufacturing processes. It relates to methods, apparatus, input materials, output materials, network nodes, data services, and verification services for confirming environmental impact data associated with one or more environmental characteristics of the input material, whereby the environmental impact data relates to one or more environmental properties of the input material. Background Technology

[0002] This disclosure generally covers the tracking of environmental impacts during the production or manufacturing process. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In one aspect, a method, particularly a computer-implemented method, is disclosed for identifying environmental impact data associated with an input material to be used in the production of one or more output materials, wherein the environmental impact data relates to one or more environmental characteristics of the input material, the method comprising the following steps:

[0004] • Provide at least one identifier associated with the input material, environmental impact data associated with the input material, and one or more confirmation inputs associated with the generation of the environmental impact data;

[0005] • Provide a set of validation rules, which includes one or more validation rules configured to validate the environmental impact data based on the generation of the environmental impact data associated with the input material;

[0006] • Select at least one confirmation rule from the set of confirmation rules for at least one of these confirmation inputs, and generate at least one confirmation score by applying the at least one confirmation rule to the provided at least one confirmation input;

[0007] • Depending on the confirmation score, the confirmed environmental impact data is assigned to at least one identifier associated with the input material.

[0008] On the other hand, a method, particularly a computer-implemented method, is disclosed for identifying environmental impact data associated with an input material to be used in the production of one or more output materials, wherein the environmental impact data relates to one or more environmental characteristics of the input material, the method comprising the following steps:

[0009] • Provide at least one identifier associated with the input material, environmental impact data associated with the input material, and one or more confirmation inputs associated with the generation of the environmental impact data;

[0010] • Provide a set of confirmation rules, which includes one or more confirmation rules configured to confirm the environmental impact data based on at least one of these confirmation inputs;

[0011] • Select at least one confirmation rule from the set of confirmation rules for at least one of these confirmation inputs, and generate at least one confirmation score by applying the at least one confirmation rule to the provided at least one confirmation input;

[0012] • Depending on the confirmation score, confirmed environmental impact data is assigned to at least one identifier associated with the input material, specifically, the environmental impact associated with the input material is assigned as confirmed environmental impact data to at least one identifier associated with the input material.

[0013] On the other hand, an apparatus for confirming environmental impact data associated with an input material to be used in the production of one or more output materials is disclosed, wherein the environmental impact data relates to one or more environmental characteristics of the input material, the apparatus comprising:

[0014] • A data providing interface configured to provide at least one identifier associated with the input material, environmental impact data associated with the input material, and configured to provide one or more confirmation inputs associated with the generation of the environmental impact data;

[0015] • A rule-providing interface is configured to provide a set of validation rules, which includes one or more validation rules configured to validate environmental impact data based on the generation of environmental impact data associated with the input material;

[0016] • A verification engine configured to select at least one verification rule from the set of verification rules for at least one verification input, the verification engine being configured to generate at least one verification score by applying the at least one verification rule to the provided at least one verification input, and, depending on the verification score, the verification engine being configured to assign verified environmental impact data to the at least one identifier associated with the input material.

[0017] On the other hand, an apparatus for confirming environmental impact data associated with an input material to be used in the production of one or more output materials is disclosed, wherein the environmental impact data relates to one or more environmental characteristics of the input material, the apparatus comprising:

[0018] • A data providing interface configured to provide at least one identifier associated with the input material, environmental impact data associated with the input material, and configured to provide one or more confirmation inputs associated with the generation of the environmental impact data;

[0019] • A rule-providing interface is configured to provide a set of confirmation rules, which includes one or more confirmation rules configured to confirm environmental impact data based on at least one of these confirmation inputs;

[0020] • A confirmation engine configured to select at least one confirmation rule from the set of confirmation rules for at least one of the confirmation inputs, the confirmation engine being configured to generate at least one confirmation score by applying the at least one confirmation rule to the provided at least one confirmation input, and, depending on the confirmation score, the confirmation engine being configured to assign confirmed environmental impact data to the at least one identifier associated with the input material, particularly being configured to assign the environmental impact associated with the input material as confirmed environmental impact data to the at least one identifier associated with the input material.

[0021] On the other hand, the use of environmental impact data confirmed according to any of the methods disclosed herein for monitoring the environmental impact of producing one or more output materials from one or more input materials associated with the confirmed environmental impact data is disclosed.

[0022] On the other hand, the use of environmental impact data confirmed according to any of the methods disclosed herein for generating environmental impact data associated with one or more output materials produced based on one or more input materials associated with the confirmed environmental impact data is disclosed.

[0023] In another aspect, a method, particularly a computer-implemented method, is disclosed for monitoring the environmental impact of producing one or more output materials from one or more input materials associated with environmental impact data, wherein the environmental impact data associated with the one or more output materials is generated based on environmental impact data associated with one or more input materials used to produce the one or more output materials, and is verified according to the method disclosed herein or by the apparatus disclosed herein.

[0024] In another aspect, an apparatus for monitoring the environmental impact of producing one or more output materials from one or more input materials is disclosed, wherein environmental impact data associated with the one or more output materials is generated based on environmental impact data associated with one or more input materials used to produce the one or more output materials, and is verified according to the method disclosed herein or by the apparatus disclosed herein.

[0025] In another aspect, an input material is disclosed that is associated with environmental impact data and one or more confirmation inputs for verifying the environmental impact data according to the methods or apparatus disclosed herein.

[0026] On the other hand, an output material associated with environmental impact data is disclosed, wherein the environmental impact data is generated based on environmental impact data associated with one or more input materials used to produce the output material, and the environmental impact data associated with the one or more input materials is confirmed according to the method disclosed herein or by the apparatus disclosed herein.

[0027] On the other hand, a network node and / or confirmation service is disclosed, which is configured to confirm environmental impacts according to any of the methods disclosed herein, for example, for generating environmental impact data associated with one or more output materials produced based on (multiple) input materials.

[0028] In another aspect, a network node, data service, and / or confirmation service associated with confirmation instructions are disclosed, which execute the methods disclosed herein when executed by the network node, data service, confirmation service, and / or computer element.

[0029] In another aspect, a computer element having instructions, such as a computer program product or a machine-readable medium, is disclosed that, when executed on one or more computing nodes or processors, are configured to perform steps of the methods disclosed herein or are configured to be executed by the means disclosed herein.

[0030] Any disclosures, embodiments, and examples described herein relate to the methods, systems, apparatuses, uses, chemical products, input materials, output materials, and computer elements listed above and below. Advantageously, the benefits provided by any embodiment and example also apply to all other embodiments and examples. Example

[0031] Embodiments of this disclosure will be outlined below through examples and / or embodiments. It should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments and / or examples described.

[0032] This disclosure relates to the field of sustainable industrialization, particularly the monitoring of environmental impacts in industrial manufacturing processes. Production networks undergo dynamic changes to mitigate their environmental impact. In particular, chemical production networks face dynamic changes regarding the input materials fed to such networks. Monitoring the environmental impacts associated with these input materials is challenging because they contribute to both the environmental impact of the chemical production network and the output materials produced by it.

[0033] To reliably monitor the environmental impact of production output materials, the environmental impact of the input materials supplied to such production can be provided. This can be done by aggregating the environmental impacts associated with the production of the input materials. However, it is necessary to ensure the quality and reliability of such aggregated values, as low quality or low reliability can negatively impact the quality and reliability of monitoring the environmental impact of producing output materials using such input materials.

[0034] By providing environmental impact data associated with (multiple) input materials, verification inputs associated with the generation of environmental impact data, and verification rules, environmental impact data associated with (multiple) input materials to be provided for the production of (multiple) output materials from such (multiple) input materials can be reliably verified. This improves the quality of environmental impact data associated with (multiple) input materials and used to monitor the environmental impact of the production of (multiple) output materials from such input materials. Therefore, verifying such environmental impact data based on the generation of environmental impact data enables reliable monitoring of production using such (multiple) input materials. Advantageously, the methods and apparatus disclosed herein do not rely on high data throughput—that is, they do not require a complete dataset associated with the generation of environmental impact data based on the production of input materials, but only certain characteristics of the dataset associated with the generation of environmental impact data. In other words, verification only requires certain characteristics related to the quality of the complete dataset used to generate environmental impact data and the generation of environmental impact data itself, without requiring the complete dataset. Since these characteristics are related to the quality of the complete dataset used to generate environmental impact data and the generation of environmental impact data itself, verification remains meaningful even without the need to transmit (multiple) large datasets used to generate environmental impact data. This further reduces the environmental impact of computational resources required to validate environmental impact data, while allowing for meaningful validation. Additionally, it avoids transferring confidential data included in the complete dataset to the validation entity, while still achieving reliable and meaningful validation. This allows for transparency regarding the quality of environmental impact data associated with input materials, as confidential data about the production of input materials is avoided. For example, transparency allows for control over the flow of input materials into production based on the quality of environmental impact data associated with such input materials, and allows for control over the environmental impact associated with the production of (multiple) output materials based on the quality of the environmental impact data associated with the input materials.

[0035] Verifying the environmental impact data provided in connection with (multiple) input materials may include determining the accuracy and / or quality and / or completeness of the provided environmental impact data. The accuracy and / or quality and / or completeness of the provided environmental characteristic data may relate to and / or be reflected in the generated verification score.

[0036] Environmental impact data associated with input materials (or multiple input materials) to be used in the production of one or more output materials may involve any measure of the environmental impact of the input materials. Environmental impact data may involve one or more environmental characteristics of the input materials.

[0037] Environmental characteristics can indicate the environmental performance of (multiple) input materials. Environmental characteristics can relate to properties associated with the production of (multiple) input materials. Environmental characteristics can relate to product carbon footprint, bio-based content, recycled content, bio-derived carbon content, or other suitable measures of environmental impact listed below, or any combination thereof. Environmental characteristics can relate to one or more features that can impart an environmental impact to (multiple) input materials. Environmental characteristics can include (multiple) environmental, technological, recyclability, or circularity characteristics associated with the environmental impact of (multiple) input materials.

[0038] For example, environmental characteristics may include carbon footprint, greenhouse gas emissions, resource use, air emissions, ozone depletion potential, water pollution, noise pollution, or eutrophication potential. Environmental characteristics may include, for example, material characteristics related to the production of the input materials (e.g., those made from bio-based or recycled inputs). Technical characteristics may specify or quantify the input material properties that are at least indirectly associated with environmental impact. Technical characteristics may include, for example, input material composition data, bill of materials, input material specification data, input material component data, input material safety data, application characteristic data, application instructions, or input material quality data. Recyclability characteristics may specify or quantify the life cycle characteristics of input materials associated with recycling. Recyclability characteristics may include, for example, recycling data, reuse rate, recovery rate, recycling cycles, reuse performance of reused input materials, quality of reused input materials, etc. Recyclability characteristics may specify or quantify the life cycle characteristics of input materials associated with recycling. Recyclability characteristics may include the composition of the input material, which includes components specifically tailored to make the input material suitable for recycling. (Multiple) recyclability characteristics may include, for example, recycling data, recyclable data, etc. (Multiple) bio-based characteristics may include, for example, bio-based content, bio-source content, renewable content, etc.

[0039] In an embodiment, at least one identifier associated with the input material may involve a hierarchical identifier structure including one or more material class identifiers associated with a material class, one or more material identifiers associated with materials included in the material class, and / or one or more component identifiers associated with the material's (multiple) components. The hierarchical identifier structure may include at least one material class identifier linked to one or more material identifiers. The (multiple) material identifiers may further link to one or more component identifiers associated with chemical components included in the material represented by the material identifier.

[0040] In another embodiment, one or more verification inputs relate to one or more characteristics associated with input material production data used to generate environmental impact data. The input material production data may include data collected or gathered for one or more production processes related to the production of the input material and used to generate environmental impact data. The input material production data may include measurement or calculation data related to one or more production processes.

[0041] Input material production data may include data related to one or more production processes associated with the production of one or more input materials. Characteristics associated with the input material production data may involve one or more quality metrics representing the correlation or relevance of the input material production data to the production of one or more output materials. Characteristics associated with the input material production data may involve the qualitative correlation or relevance of the input material production data to the production of one or more output materials. In other words, the characteristic represents the quality of the input material production data relative to the input materials provided to the production of one or more output materials. At least one characteristic may involve one or more quality metrics representing the relevance of the input material production data to the production of one or more output materials. This characteristic may involve at least the technical, geographical, and / or temporal relevance of the input material production data to the production of one or more output materials. One or more quality metrics of the input material production data may include at least technical, geographical, and / or temporal quality metrics.

[0042] In another embodiment, one or more confirming inputs relate to the technical relevance between the production (e.g., production process and / or setup) used to generate environmental impact data and the production (e.g., production process and / or setup) used to produce the input material. Technical relevance can be associated with or relate to the relationship between the production(s) used to produce the input material and the input material production data used to generate the environmental impact data and such production(s). Environmental impact data can be generated based on input material production data collected from non-limiting examples of: one or more production processes for producing one or more input materials provided for the production of one or more output materials; one or more production processes of the same technical type for producing input material types associated with one or more input materials; one or more production processes of different technical types for producing input material types associated with one or more input materials; one or more production processes for producing input materials associated with a production entity different from the entity providing the environmental impact data; one or more production processes for producing different input material types; laboratory measurements corresponding to one or more production processes for producing input materials or input material types; modeling of one or more production processes for producing input materials or input material types; or any selection or combination thereof. Technical relevance can be determined depending on the technology used to collect the input material production data used to generate the environmental impact data.

[0043] In another embodiment, one or more verification inputs relate to the geographic relevance between production (e.g., multiple production processes and / or settings) used to generate environmental impact data and production (e.g., multiple production processes and / or settings) used to produce multiple input materials. Geographic relevance may be associated with or relate to the geographic location and / or production conditions of the multiple production processes used to produce the multiple input materials, and the relationship between the input material production data used to generate environmental impact data and such multiple production processes and / or production conditions. Environmental impact data can be generated based on input material production data collected from, but not limited to, the following: one or more production locations for producing (multiple) input materials supplied to production (e.g., a chemical production network); multiple production locations for producing (multiple) input materials (including locations for producing (multiple) input materials supplied to production (e.g., a chemical production network); different production locations for producing (multiple) input materials under production conditions corresponding to those of the production locations for producing (multiple) input materials supplied to production (e.g., a chemical production network); one or more production locations for producing (multiple) input materials under production conditions different from those of the production locations for producing (multiple) input materials supplied to production (e.g., a chemical production network); one or more production locations different from those of the production locations for producing (multiple) input materials supplied to production (e.g., a chemical production network); or any selection or combination thereof. Geographical relevance can be determined depending on the location where the input material production data used to generate the environmental impact data is collected.

[0044] In another embodiment, one or more verification inputs relate to the temporal relevance of input material production data used to generate environmental impact data. The temporal relevance of the input material production data may include the duration of existence of the input material production data used to generate the environmental impact data and / or the time range or span of the input material production data used to generate the environmental impact data. Temporal relevance may relate to the duration of existence of the input material production data and / or the time range / span covered by the input material production data. For example, one or more verification inputs may relate to the time period for collecting the input material production data used to generate the environmental impact data. For example, one or more verification inputs may relate to the time range / span covered by the input material production data. The time range / span may represent the scope of the collection of input material production data. The temporal relevance can be determined depending on the duration of existence and / or the time range / span of the input material production data used to generate the environmental impact data.

[0045] In another embodiment, one or more confirming inputs relate to the share of the quantity of input materials covered by the environmental impact data, and / or the share, quantity, or quantity share of input materials to which the environmental impact data applies, and / or the share, quantity, or quantity share of input materials to which the environmental impact data is confirmed, to be confirmed, or can be confirmed, and / or the share, quantity, or quantity share of input materials associated with (multiple) confirming inputs. The relevance to the input materials provided to the production of one or more output materials can be determined depending on the share of input material production data used to generate the environmental impact data applicable to the quantity of input materials. One or more confirming inputs may relate to the share of the quantity of input materials provided to production and associated with the environmental impact data.

[0046] In another embodiment, the confirmation rules include or correspond to executable logic or computer-executable instructions configured to confirm environmental impact data based on at least one of the confirmation inputs.

[0047] In another embodiment, at least one verification rule is selected based on the environmental impact data type and / or verification input category. The verification rule set may include one or more verification rules. The verification rule set may include one or more verification rules related to different environmental characteristics provided by or included in the environmental impact data. This may also be referred to as the environmental impact data type. The verification rule set may include one or more verification rules related to different verification input categories. Verification input categories may relate to the technical, geographical, and / or temporal characteristics of the input material production data used to generate the environmental impact data. Verification input categories may at least relate to: the technical relevance of the input material production data used to generate the environmental impact data; the geographical relevance of the input material production data used to generate the environmental impact data; the temporal relevance of the input material production data used to generate the environmental impact data; the share of the quantity of input materials covered by the environmental impact data; and / or the share, quantity, or quantity share of input materials to which the environmental impact data applies; and / or the share, quantity, or quantity share of input materials to which the environmental impact data is verified, to be verified, or can be verified; and / or the share, quantity, or quantity share of input materials associated with the verification input; or any combination or selection thereof. Verification input categories may relate to the characteristics of the generation process used to generate the environmental impact data.

[0048] In another embodiment, at least one verification rule is configured to generate a verification score based on one or more characteristics associated with the input material production data used to generate the environmental impact data. Multiple verification rules can be configured to generate verification scores based on one or more verification inputs. A verification score can be determined for each verification input category, each environmental impact data type, and / or each verification input.

[0049] In another embodiment, the at least one confirmation rule is configured to generate a confirmation score based on at least the following: the technical relevance of the input material production data used to generate the environmental impact data to the input materials provided to the production of one or more output materials; the geographical relevance of the input production data used to generate the environmental impact data to the input materials provided to the production of one or more output materials; the temporal relevance of the input production data used to generate the environmental impact data; the share of the quantity of input materials covered by the environmental impact data; and / or the share, quantity, or quantity share of input materials to which the environmental impact data applies; and / or the share, quantity, or quantity share of input materials to which the environmental impact data is confirmed, to be confirmed, or can be confirmed; and / or the share, quantity, or quantity share of input materials associated with the confirmed input; or any combination or selection thereof.

[0050] In another embodiment, if the environmental impact data provided by the confirmation score indicator is at least partially confirmed, the provided environmental impact data is confirmed, wherein at least the confirmed portion of the environmental impact data is assigned to at least one identifier associated with (multiple) input materials. In another embodiment, if the environmental impact data provided by the confirmation score indicator is at least partially unconfirmed, the provided environmental impact data is not confirmed, wherein the unconfirmed environmental impact data is replaced by reference environmental impact data, which is assigned as confirmed environmental impact data to at least one identifier associated with (multiple) input materials. Reference environmental impact data can be retrieved from a database, for example, based on at least one identifier associated with the input material. In the case of a hierarchical identifier structure, reference environmental impact data can be retrieved from a database, for example, based on a component identifier or material class identifier linked to the material. In another embodiment, if the environmental impact data provided by the confirmation score indicator is at least partially unconfirmed, the provided environmental impact data is not confirmed, wherein the input material associated with the unconfirmed environmental impact data is rejected, for example, not provided to the production of one or more output materials.

[0051] In another embodiment, the confirmation scores for each confirmed input are aggregated, and the confirmed environmental impact data is assigned to at least one identifier associated with the input material based on the aggregated scores. The aggregated scores may include a weighted total score and / or a total score. An aggregated score may be determined for each confirmed input category and / or for each environmental characteristic included in the environmental impact data.

[0052] In another embodiment, the method further includes the step of providing verified environmental impact data to monitor the environmental impact of the production of one or more output materials from input materials.

[0053] In another embodiment, confirmed environmental impact data may be stored, including a timestamp indicating that the confirmed environmental impact data was retrieved and / or confirmed. Based on the timestamp and a predefined confirmation period, a method for confirmation can be triggered to request environmental impact data associated with the input material and one or more confirmation inputs associated with the environmental impact data. Thus, the confirmed environmental impact data can be updated within a predetermined time frame. Advantageously, this method therefore allows for reliable data confirmation taking into account changes in the provided environmental impact data associated with the input material and / or one or more confirmation inputs associated with the environmental impact data. Attached Figure Description

[0054] The disclosure will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings and the disclosure, the same reference numerals are intended to refer to the same or similar elements, components and / or portions. Detailed Implementation

[0055] Figure 1 An example of a production station with connections to multiple input and output material flows is shown.

[0056] Figure 2 This illustration demonstrates an example of generating and providing environmental impact data at one stage of the value chain.

[0057] Figure 3 This illustration demonstrates an example of retrieving and verifying environmental impact data at one stage of the value chain.

[0058] Figure 4a , Figure 4b An example is shown of providing confirmation inputs associated with environmental impact data to the confirmation engine.

[0059] Figure 5 An example flowchart is shown for a method of verifying environmental impact data based on one or more verification inputs.

[0060] Figure 6 A sample flowchart is shown for a method used to verify input data.

[0061] Figure 7 This shows an example result of confirming based on the confirmation input category.

[0062] Figure 8 Example data structures for different confirmation categories are shown.

[0063] Figure 9 An example flowchart is shown for a method of confirming environmental impact data based on a summary confirmation score.

[0064] Figure 10Another example flowchart is shown for a method to identify environmental impact data based on the identified input category.

[0065] Figure 11 An example flowchart is shown for methods used to monitor the environmental impact of chemical production and / or one or more chemical materials.

[0066] Figure 12 An example distributed network environment with network nodes is shown, which are configured to provide environmental impact data, validation inputs, or validated environmental impact data in association with the provision of (multiple) input materials.

[0067] The following embodiments are merely examples for implementing the methods, apparatus, and services disclosed herein in conjunction with the production process, and should not be considered limiting.

[0068] Figure 1 An example of a production station with connections to multiple input and output material flows is shown.

[0069] Figure 1 The production sites 100, 102, and 104 shown may include a chemical production network 100 and upstream production systems 102 and 104 that produce multiple input materials for the chemical production network. Upstream production systems 102 and 104 may produce multiple input materials for the chemical production network 100 through recycling processes, refining processes, or other chemical and / or physical processes suitable for producing multiple input materials for the chemical production network 100. The chemical production network 100 may produce multiple output materials 118, 120, and 122 from multiple input materials 114 and 116 provided to the chemical production network 100. The chemical production network 100 may form part of a discrete product supply chain, wherein the discrete product is produced from one or more chemical outputs, chemical final products, or chemical output materials provided by the chemical production network 100. The chemical production network 100 may include multiple chemical processes that can be connected to form a network with multiple production chains interconnected via their material flows.

[0070] To produce input materials 114 and 116 to be supplied to chemical production network 100, upstream production systems 102 and 104 may use input materials 106-112 and associated production processes. The production processes using input materials 106-112 and upstream production systems 102 and 104 may be associated with environmental impacts. A non-limiting example is the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the production processes using input materials 106-112 and upstream production systems 102 and 104.

[0071] Therefore, the input materials 114, 116 to be provided to the chemical production network 100 can be associated with the environmental impact of the associated production processes using the input materials 106-112 and the upstream production systems 102, 104.

[0072] Similarly, the use of input materials 114, 116 provided to the chemical production network 100 may affect the environmental impact of the chemical production network 100 and its output materials 118, 120, 122. To monitor the environmental impact of each producer participating in the value chain, the environmental impact associated with the input materials 114, 116 provided to the chemical production network 100 can be provided to the operating system of the chemical production network 100 in the form of environmental impact data. Environmental impact data may include one or more aggregated values ​​representing the environmental impact. A non-limiting example is greenhouse gas emissions associated with the associated production processes using input materials 106-112 and upstream production systems 102, 104. Such aggregated values ​​may include the product carbon footprint of the input materials 114, 116 to be provided to the chemical production network 100. Based on the environmental impact data associated with the input materials 114, 116 provided to the operating system of the chemical production network 100, the environmental impact of the input materials 114, 116 can be taken into account when determining the environmental impact data of the output materials 118, 120, 122 produced by the chemical production network 100. Therefore, providing reliable environmental impact data from one producer of input materials 114, 116 to another producer using such input materials 114, 116 is crucial for further monitoring the environmental impact of output products produced by other participants in the supply chain.

[0073] In particular, the input material flows of the chemical production network 100 play a crucial role in monitoring the environmental impact of the network or the output materials 118, 120, and 122 produced by the chemical production network 100. This becomes more challenging as the input material flows of the chemical production network 100 diversify. The environmental impact of input materials 114 and 116 can depend on the production processes and raw materials used to produce them. Therefore, different input materials 114 and 116 may have different environmental impacts. Similarly, similar input materials 114 and 116 produced by different production processes may therefore have different environmental impacts. To monitor the environmental impact of the chemical production network 100 or the output materials 119, 120, and 122 produced by the chemical production network 100, it is necessary to consider the environmental impact of each type of input material entering the network 100. The environmental impact can be provided by the manufacturers of input materials 114 and 116. Environmental impacts can be quantified through environmental impact data, which includes, but is not limited to, one or more emission characteristics such as product carbon footprint, recycled content, bio-based content, bio-derived carbon content, or any other suitable metric. Therefore, recipients of (multiple) input materials (e.g., chemical production network 100) require reliable environmental impact data to reliably monitor the environmental impacts of chemical production network 100 and / or output materials 118, 120, 122 produced by chemical production network 100. The embodiments and examples described below illustrate measures for ensuring the reliability of environmental impact data associated with input materials (e.g., input materials 114, 116). Furthermore, the embodiments and examples described below enable reliable monitoring of input materials 114, 116 entering chemical production network 100, particularly regarding their environmental impacts. This, in turn, allows for reliable monitoring of the environmental impacts of chemical production network 100 and / or output materials 118, 120, 122 produced by chemical production network 100.

[0074] Figure 2 This illustration demonstrates an example of generating and providing environmental impact data at one stage of the value chain.

[0075] As in Figure 1 As described in the context, producers at each stage of the value chain can determine environmental impact data to track the environmental impact of input material production and pass this impact on to the next participant in the value chain (e.g., downstream participants). Environmental impact data can be generated at each stage of production in the value chain. For example, refer to [reference]. Figure 1 Upstream producers operating upstream production systems 102 and 104 can generate environmental impact data and provide this data, along with input materials (such as input materials 114 and 116), to chemical producers operating chemical production network 100. Figure 2The presentation can involve environmental impact data generated by any participant in the value chain. For simplicity, the following description focuses on... Figure 1 The upstream production systems 102 and 104 are shown in the diagram. Furthermore, for simplicity, the following description focuses on the product carbon footprint as an environmental impact data point. This should not be considered limiting. The concepts described are similarly applicable to other participants and / or other environmental impact data.

[0076] Upstream producers can operate production systems 102 and 104, including production facility 200 and production operating system 202. When input material 204 enters the upstream production facility (represented by system boundary 205), environmental impact data (hereinafter referred to as Co2e) associated with input material 204 can be provided to production operating system 202. Environmental impact data Co2e may involve a numerical identifier ID1 associated with input material 204.

[0077] For output material 206 to be produced by production facility 200, input material 204 may be processed to produce output material 206 through, for example, recycling processes, refining processes, or other chemical and / or physical process settings of production facility 200. Such a process requires processing input material 204 into output material 206, requires an energy supply to operate the production process, and requires production process conditions to convert input material 204 into output material 206.

[0078] The inbound distributor 208 can be configured to retrieve environmental impact data of the input material 204 and provide such data to the carbon footprint (CF) generator 210. The process data provider 212 can be configured to collect process data associated with processing (multiple) input materials 204 to produce (multiple) output materials 206. Process data can be collected from one or more production processes in which the (multiple) output materials 206 are produced by the production facility 200. The process data provider 212 can be configured to collect energy data associated with the energy consumption of the processing. The process data provider 212 can be configured to provide both process data and energy data to the CF generator 210. The CF generator 212 can be configured to determine the carbon footprint of the (multiple) output materials 206 produced by the production facility 200. The carbon footprint of the (multiple) output materials 206 can be determined based on process data, energy data, and the carbon footprint of the (multiple) input materials 204 used to produce the (multiple) output materials 206.

[0079] CF generator 210 can be configured to determine the carbon footprint of (multiple) output materials 206 produced by production facility 200. The carbon footprint can be generated from process data, energy data, and the carbon footprints of (multiple) input materials 204 collected over a specific time range / span or defined period for a particular output material 206. Therefore, the carbon footprint can correspond to a summarized time value determined from historical data. Such a time-summarized carbon footprint can be provided for all output materials 206. In other words, the carbon footprint may not be obtained from real-time data for each output material, but rather from historical data and can be summarized over a certain time range. The summarized carbon footprint can be stored in a database and provided for each output material 206 leaving the system boundary of production facility 200.

[0080] In addition to the carbon footprint, multiple verification inputs can be generated during the generation of the carbon footprint. For example, verification input generator 214 can provide multiple verification inputs associated with the carbon footprint generated by CF generator 210. These verification inputs can be provided to CF generator 210 and can be linked to the generated carbon footprint (CF). Verification input generator 214 can be configured to generate and provide multiple verification inputs of different categories. For example, the multiple verification inputs can relate to the technical data generation scheme on which CF generator 210 generates the carbon footprint (CF). Further, for example, the multiple verification inputs can relate to technical relevance data indicating the relevance between the production process from which process data, energy data, or input material data used to generate the carbon footprint originates and the production process used to produce output material 206. Further, for example, the multiple verification inputs can relate to geographic relevance data indicating the relevance between the location of the production process from which process data, energy data, or input material data used to generate the carbon footprint originates and the location of the production process used to produce output material 206. Furthermore, for example, the validation inputs(s) may involve time-dependent data indicating the duration and / or time range of the existence of process data, energy data, or input material data used to generate the carbon footprint. Furthermore, for example, the validation inputs(s) may involve the correlation of the carbon footprint of the input materials, indicating the total amount or share of the input materials to be used in downstream production where the carbon footprint is applied. Furthermore, for example, the validation inputs(s) may involve validation and / or certification schemes applied to carbon footprint generation.

[0081] When output material 206 leaves the production facility, identifier provider 218 can be configured to provide an output material identifier ID2 associated with output material 206 produced by production facility 200 and provided at the exit point of production facility 200.

[0082] Outbound assigner 216 can be configured to assign the determined carbon footprint to output material identifier ID2. Further, environmental impact data, including the product carbon footprint, can be assigned to at least one output material identifier ID2. At least a portion of the confirmed input(s) can be assigned to at least one output material identifier ID2. Outbound assigner 216 can be configured to provide environmental impact data associated with the output material, particularly the carbon footprint, to another operating system, such as... Figure 3 , Figure 4a and Figure 4b This will be described in more detail in the context of [the relevant information]. The outbound assigner 216 can be further configured to provide multiple confirmation inputs associated with the generation of environmental impact data to another operating system, such as [other inputs]. Figure 3 , Figure 4a and Figure 4b More detailed description in the context.

[0083] Figure 3 This illustration demonstrates an example of retrieving and verifying environmental impact data at one stage of the value chain.

[0084] As in Figure 1 and Figure 2 As described in the context, the chemical production network 100 and its operation can be monitored and / or controlled by the production operating system 202. Input materials 204, such as naphtha, LNG, pyrolysis oil, bio-naphtha, or biogas, can be provided to the chemical production network 100. Input materials 204 can be used in the chemical production network 100 to produce one or more output materials 206. Multiple input materials can be produced by upstream producers as multiple output materials, such as... Figure 2 As shown in the document.

[0085] When input material 204 enters, environmental impact data (e.g., product carbon footprint) associated with input material 204 can be provided to the computing interface of the production operating system 202 via a communication network. The data provider can be configured to provide environmental impact data associated with one or more input materials 204 to the computing interface, which is configured to verify the environmental impact data associated with input material 206. The environmental impact data may include an input material identifier ID2 and the product carbon footprint associated with input material 204. The input material identifier ID2 may be associated with the physical entity of input material 204 entering the chemical production network 100. The input material identifier ID2 may be linked to the carbon footprint of input material 204 as an environmental attribute. The environmental impact data can be provided at, before, or after the entry point of one or more input materials 204 into the chemical production network 100.

[0086] Inbound distributor 208 can be configured to retrieve environmental impact data and provide such data to verification engine 220. Inbound distributor 208 can be configured to retrieve environmental impact data based on input material identifier ID2. Verification engine 220 can be configured to verify environmental impact data based on verification input(s). Multiple verification inputs can be provided to verification engine 220, as in... Figure 4a and Figure 4b As described in the context of Figure 4 to [the following text is missing]. Figure 10 The configuration and functionality of the verification engine 220 are further described in detail within the context. If the provided environmental impact data (e.g., carbon footprint) passes verification, the verification engine can be configured to provide the retrieved environmental impact data (e.g., carbon footprint) as verified environmental impact data to the CF generator 212. If the provided environmental impact data (e.g., carbon footprint) fails verification, the verification engine can be configured to request the environmental impact data provider to resend the data or to review the data. If the provided environmental impact data (e.g., carbon footprint) fails verification, the verification engine can be configured to reject the environmental impact data (e.g., carbon footprint) and may not provide such data to the CF generator 212 for further processing. For example, a reference value may be provided to the CF generator 212 for further processing, or the input material 204 may be rejected and may not enter the chemical production network 100 or any chemical processes(s) performed within the chemical production network 100.

[0087] Process data provider 212 can be configured to collect process data associated with processing (multiple) input materials 204 to produce (multiple) output materials 206. Process data provider 212 can be configured to collect energy data associated with energy consumption during processing. Process data provider 212 can be configured to provide process data and energy data to CF generator 210.

[0088] CF generator 210 can be configured to determine the carbon footprint of output material 206 produced by chemical production network 100. The carbon footprint of output material 206 can be determined based on process data, energy data, and the carbon footprints of input materials 204 used to produce (multiple) output materials 206. The carbon footprints of the (multiple) input materials 204 can at least partially correspond to the (multiple) carbon footprints confirmed by verification engine 220. The carbon footprint can be generated from process data, energy data, and the carbon footprints of (multiple) input materials 204 collected over a certain time frame for a specific output material 206. Therefore, the carbon footprint can be a summarized time value determined from historical data. Such a time-summarized carbon footprint can be provided for all output materials 206. In other words, the carbon footprint may not be obtained from real-time data for each output material 206, but rather from historical data and can be summarized over a certain time frame. The summarized carbon footprint can be stored in a database and provided for each output material 206 leaving the system boundary of chemical production network 100.

[0089] As output material 206 leaves chemical production network 100, identifier provider 216 can be configured to provide an output material identifier ID3 associated with output material 206 produced by chemical production network 100 and provided at the exit point of chemical production network 100. Outbound assigner 218 can be configured to assign the determined carbon footprint to output material identifier ID3. Further, environmental impact data, including product carbon footprint, can be assigned to at least one output material identifier ID3. Outbound assigner 218 can be configured to provide environmental impact data associated with the output material, particularly the carbon footprint, to another operating system. The operating system can be associated with downstream production that uses output material 206 as input material to produce one or more other output materials.

[0090] Figure 4a , Figure 4b An example is shown of providing confirmation inputs associated with environmental impact data to the confirmation engine.

[0091] Figure 4a , Figure 4b The simplified system line output shown in the diagram can correspond to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The system circuit outputs are shown in more detail in the diagram. Figure 4a , Figure 4b Two production operating systems, 1 and 2, are shown. Production system 1 may include a confirmation input generator 214, such as in... Figure 2 As shown in the context. Production system 2 may include confirmation engine 220, such as in, for example, in Figure 3As shown in the context, the verification input generator 214 can be configured to generate multiple verification inputs and provide them to the verification engine 220. These multiple verification inputs can be provided along with environmental impact data (such as PCF (product carbon footprint)) associated with the input material identifier.

[0092] exist Figure 4a In this embodiment, the verification engine 220 can be configured to generate a verification input data structure 224, which can be used as a template for verification inputs associated with relevant environmental impact data. The verification engine 220 can be configured to request verification input(s) from the verification input generator 214. The verification engine 220 can be configured to provide the verification input data structure to the verification input generator 214. The verification input generator 214 can be configured to generate verification input(s) based on the verification input data structure. The verification input generator 214 can be configured to provide the verification input(s) to the verification engine 220 based on the verification input data structure 224. The verification input generator 214 can be configured to provide environmental impact data and associated verification input(s) to the verification engine 220 based on the verification input data structure 224, which is populated with the environmental impact data and associated verification input(s) provided by the verification input generator 214. The verification engine 220 can be configured to verify the environmental impact data based on the verification input data structure 224, which is populated with the environmental impact data and associated verification input(s) provided by the verification input generator 214.

[0093] exist Figure 4b In this embodiment, the confirmation input generator 214 can be configured to generate and provide (multiple) confirmation inputs according to the confirmation input data structure 224. The confirmation engine 220 can be configured to request (multiple) confirmation inputs from the confirmation input generator 214. The confirmation input generator 214 can be configured to generate (multiple) confirmation inputs according to the confirmation input data structure 224. The confirmation input generator 214 can be configured to provide (multiple) confirmation inputs to the confirmation engine 220 according to the confirmation input data structure 224. The confirmation input generator 214 can be configured to provide environmental impact data and associated (multiple) confirmation inputs to the confirmation engine 220 according to the confirmation input data structure 224. The confirmation engine 220 can be configured to confirm the environmental impact data 224 based on the confirmation input data structure 224 populated with the environmental impact data and associated (multiple) confirmation inputs provided by the confirmation input generator 214.

[0094] Other embodiments for generating and providing confirmation input(s) are possible, and Figure 4a , Figure 4b The examples shown should not be considered limiting. For instance, environmental impact data may be provided separately from the confirmation inputs(s) associated with the environmental impact data.

[0095] Figure 5 An example flowchart is shown for a method of verifying environmental impact data based on one or more verification inputs. Environmental impact data can be associated with input materials to be provided for production of one or more output materials.

[0096] To be used, for example, via Figures 1 to 3 The input materials for the chemical production network 100, which produces output materials, can be associated with numerical identifiers. These identifiers represent the physical identity of the input materials, such as the manufacturer, type, batch, flow within a specific timeframe, name, production location, and / or target location. This information can be provided as data entries to a digital user interface (e.g., a display or computing interface), and the provided information can be associated with the numerical identifiers. In this way, input materials can be characterized and uniquely linked to numerical identifiers.

[0097] Multiple numerical identifiers, environmental data, and one or more verification inputs associated with the input material may be provided. Environmental impact data and one or more verification inputs may be linked to or associated with the numerical identifiers. Environmental impact data may involve any measure of the environmental impact of the input material. Environmental impact data may include one or more environmental characteristics of the input material. Environmental characteristics may indicate the environmental performance of the input material. Environmental characteristics may involve characteristics of the production of the input material. Environmental characteristics may involve one or more features that can impart an environmental impact to the input material. Environmental characteristics may include multiple environmental, technological, recyclability, or circularity characteristics associated with the environmental impact of the input material.

[0098] Multiple environmental characteristics can specify or quantify ecological standards associated with the environmental impact of a product. These characteristics can be or can be generated from measurements taken during the life cycle of one or more products. Environmental characteristics can be determined at any stage of the product's life cycle and can characterize the product's environmental impact during or up to that stage. For example, multiple environmental characteristics may include carbon footprint, greenhouse gas emissions, resource use, air emissions, ozone depletion potential, water pollution, noise pollution, or eutrophication potential. Multiple environmental characteristics may include, for example, product characteristics related to the production of the product, such as bio-based, vegetarian, halal, kosher, palm oil-free, natural, etc.

[0099] (Multiple) technical features can specify or quantify product performance that is at least indirectly related to environmental impact. (Multiple) technical features can be or can be generated from measurements taken during the life cycle of one or more products. Technical features can be determined at any stage of the product life cycle and can characterize the product's performance during or up to that stage. (Multiple) technical features can include, for example, product composition data, bill of materials, product specification data, product component data, product safety data, application characteristic data, application instructions, or product quality data.

[0100] Multiple cyclical characteristics can specify or quantify the product lifecycle characteristics associated with recycling. Multiple cyclical characteristics can be or can be generated from measurements performed during the lifecycle of one or more products. Multiple cyclical characteristics can be or can be generated from recycling data recorded in one or more previous lifecycles (including reuse). Cyclical characteristics can be determined at any stage of the product lifecycle and can characterize reuse or recycling performance within or up to that stage. Multiple cyclical characteristics can include, for example, recycling data, reuse rate, recovery rate, recycling cycles, reuse performance of reused products, quality of reused products, etc.

[0101] Multiple recyclability characteristics can specify or quantify the lifecycle characteristics of a material or product associated with recycling. Multiple recyclability characteristics can include the composition of the material, containing components specifically tailored to make the material suitable for recycling. Multiple recyclability characteristics can be or can be generated from measurements taken during the lifecycle of one or more materials or products. Multiple recyclability characteristics can be or can be generated from recycling data recorded in one or more previous lifecycles. Recyclability characteristics can be determined at any stage of the material or product lifecycle and can characterize recycling performance within or up to that stage. Multiple recyclability characteristics can include, for example, recycling data, recyclability data, etc.

[0102] Environmental characteristics may involve the carbon footprint of the product, bio-based content, recycled content, bio-derived carbon content, or other suitable measures of environmental impact as listed above, or any combination thereof.

[0103] (Multiple) confirmed inputs may involve generating environmental impact data associated with the input materials, such as, for example, in Figure 2 and Figure 3The context described herein. (Multiple) confirmatory inputs may relate to the technical data generation scheme upon which the environmental impact data is based. If the environmental impact data includes the carbon footprint of at least one byproduct of the input material, the scheme may relate to standards such as ISO 14067, ISO 14040 / 44, PAS 2050, or GHG Protocol product standards. Depending on the environmental impact data, the scheme may relate to other standards or certifications.

[0104] One or more validation inputs may involve input material production data associated with the production of the input material. This input material production data may include process data collected from the production of the input material, energy data related to energy use in the production of the input material, and / or the environmental characteristics of the materials used in the production of the input material. One or more validation inputs may involve the technical, geographical, and / or temporal relevance of the input material production data used to generate environmental impact data to the production of the input material.

[0105] Technology relevance can involve the production processes(s) used to produce the input materials and the relationship between the input material production data and these production processes(s) used to generate environmental impact data. For example, environmental impact data can be generated based on input material production data collected from:

[0106] ○ One or more production processes used to produce input materials supplied to a chemical production network.

[0107] ○ One or more production processes using the same technology type as the input materials.

[0108] ○ One or more production processes using different technological types for producing input materials.

[0109] ○ One or more production processes used to produce input materials for another production entity.

[0110] ○ One or more production processes used to produce different input materials.

[0111] ○ Laboratory measurements corresponding to one or more production processes used to produce the input materials.

[0112] ○ Model one or more production processes used to produce input materials.

[0113] The technology relevance can be determined based on the input material production data used to generate environmental impact data. The higher the technology relevance, the higher the quality of the environmental impact data.

[0114] Geographic relevance can involve the location and / or conditions of (multiple) production processes used to produce input materials, and the relationship between the input material production data used to generate environmental impact data and these (multiple) production processes (input material production data). For example, environmental impact data can be generated based on input material production data collected from:

[0115] ○ One or more production locations used to produce input materials for the chemical production network.

[0116] ○ Multiple production locations for producing input materials, including locations for producing input materials supplied to the chemical production network.

[0117] ○ Different production locations used to produce the input material under production conditions corresponding to the production conditions of the production location used to produce the input material supplied to the chemical production network.

[0118] ○ One or more production locations used to produce the input material under different production conditions than one or more production locations that supply the input material to the chemical production network.

[0119] ○ One or more production locations that are different from one or more production locations that provide input materials to the chemical production network.

[0120] Geographic relevance can be determined by the location where the input material production data used to generate environmental impact data is collected. Higher geographic relevance generally indicates higher quality environmental impact data.

[0121] Temporal relevance can involve the duration of existence of the generated data and / or the time range covered by the input material production data. For example, one or more validation inputs can involve the time period during which input material production data is collected to determine environmental impact data. The time period can represent the maximum duration of existence of the input material production data. For example, one or more validation inputs can involve the time period covered by the input material production data. The time period can represent the time period during which the input material production data is collected. Temporal relevance can be determined based on the duration of existence and / or the time period covered. The shorter the duration of existence and / or the longer the time period covered, the higher the statistical temporal relevance and the higher the quality of the environmental impact data.

[0122] One or more validating inputs may relate to the share of the quantity of input materials covered by the environmental impact data, and / or the share, quantity, or quantity share of input materials to which the environmental impact data applies, and / or the share, quantity, or quantity share of input materials to which the environmental impact data is validated, to be validated, or can be validated, and / or the share, quantity, or quantity share of input materials associated with the validating input. For example, a share may relate to how much of the quantity of input materials supplied to the chemical production network is represented by or associated with the input material production data used to generate the environmental impact data. Depending on the share, the relevance between the input materials produced and the input material production data used to generate the environmental impact data can be determined. The higher the share, the higher the quality of the environmental impact data. One or more validating inputs may relate to temporal relevance and the share of the quantity of input materials covered by the environmental impact data.

[0123] One or more validation inputs may involve input material production data that is at least partially collected or validated from measurements. One or more validation inputs may involve the validation of environmental impact data. One or more validation inputs may involve verification and / or certification mechanisms for environmental impact data. One or more validation inputs may involve the type of input material production, such as validated, measured, calculated, or approximate. Multiple validation inputs may involve input material production data that includes environmental impact data associated with the raw materials used to produce the input material. Multiple validation inputs may involve multiple allocation schemes for generating environmental impact data.

[0124] This information can be provided as entries to a digital user interface (such as a display or computing interface), and the provided information can be associated with a digital identifier for the input material. To reliably track the environmental impact of the input material, the digital identifier associated with the input material can be linked or associated with environmental impact data and one or more verification inputs. In this way, environmental impact data and associated verification input(s) can be characterized and uniquely linked to the digital identifier.

[0125] A set of verification rules can be provided, comprising one or more verification rules configured to verify environmental impact data based on the generation of environmental impact data associated with input materials. Multiple verification rules can be configured to verify environmental impact data based on one or more verification inputs. Verification rules may correspond to or include executable logic or computer-executable instructions. The logic or instructions can be configured to verify environmental impact data based on the generation of environmental impact data. The generation of environmental impact data may be represented by, associated with, or related to one or more verification inputs. The logic or instructions can be configured to verify environmental impact data based on at least one of the verification inputs. Verification rules can be configured to generate verification scores. Multiple verification rules may include computer-executable instructions or executable logic for mapping multiple verification inputs to one or more verification scores. One or more verification rules may relate to mapping verification inputs to a verification score for each verification input.

[0126] At least one confirmation rule can be selected from the confirmation rule set for each confirmation input category. Confirmation categories may include checks on input data (such as the provided confirmation input(s) and / or environmental impact data), the technical means upon which the environmental impact data is generated, technical relevance, geographical relevance, temporal relevance, data integrity, verification and / or authentication mechanisms for data generation of environmental impact data, one or more references to the environmental impact data, or combinations thereof. The confirmation rule set may include one or more confirmation rules for each confirmation category. This selection can be dynamic and / or static based on the confirmation input and confirmation rule pair. For example, the confirmation input and confirmation rule pair may be predefined. One or more confirmation rules can be configured to generate a confirmation score for each confirmation input. Confirmation rules can be configured to generate pass, review, or failure for each confirmation input and / or confirmation rule, as shown in the following example. Figure 6 The example is described further.

[0127] At least one confirmation score can be generated by applying at least one confirmation rule to at least one confirmation input in the confirmation input. For example... Figure 7 As shown, confirmation rules can be applied to confirmation input data, such as (multiple) confirmation inputs and / or environmental impact data. Depending on the confirmation score, failure, resend, review request, or approval can be assigned to each confirmation input and associated confirmation rule. For example, one or more confirmation rules can be configured to generate a confirmation score for each confirmation input based on:

[0128] ○ Input material production data, which includes process data collected from the production of input materials, energy data related to energy use in the production of input materials, and one or more emission characteristics of the materials used in the production of input materials, and / or

[0129] ○ The time period for collecting input material production data used to determine environmental impact data, and / or

[0130] ○ The share of the quantity of input materials covered by the environmental impact data, and / or the share, quantity, or quantity of input materials to which the environmental impact data applies, and / or the share, quantity, or quantity of input materials to which the environmental impact data is confirmed, to be confirmed, or can be confirmed, and / or the share, quantity, or quantity of input materials related to the confirmed input.

[0131] Furthermore, for example, one or more verification rules can be configured to generate verification scores based on one or more input material production data characteristics associated with the input materials. Further, for example, one or more verification rules can be configured to generate verification scores based on the technical, geographical, and / or temporal relevance of the input material production data used to generate environmental impact data to the input materials provided for the production of one or more output materials.

[0132] Depending on the confirmation score, environmental impact data may be valid or invalid. If the confirmation score indicates success, the confirmed environmental impact data can be assigned to the identifier associated with the input material. For example, confirmed environmental impact data can be provided to the CF generator 212 for further processing, and input material 204 can be fed to the chemical production network 100. If the provided environmental impact data (e.g., carbon footprint) fails to be confirmed, the confirmation engine can be configured to request the environmental impact data provider to resend the data or review the data. If the confirmation score indicates failure, environmental impact data may not be assigned to the identifier associated with the input material. For example, reference values ​​can be provided to the CF generator 212 for further processing, or input material 204 can be rejected and may not be provided to the chemical production network 100, particularly not to any production process(s) performed within the chemical production network 100.

[0133] By verifying the environmental impact data associated with (multiple) input materials, the quality of the generated data and thus its reliability can be assessed. This improves the reliability of monitoring the environmental impact of chemical production network 100 or the output materials 118, 120, and 122 produced by chemical production network 100. By using verified inputs associated with the generation of environmental impact data, the use of a complete dataset (such as input material production data) for generating the environmental impact data can be avoided, while allowing for meaningful and reliable verification of this data. This avoids transferring confidential data included in the complete dataset to the verification entity, while still achieving reliable and meaningful verification. This allows for transparency regarding the quality of the environmental impact data associated with the input materials, as the sharing of confidential data about the production of the input materials is avoided. For example, transparency allows for control of the flow of input materials into production based on the quality of the environmental impact data associated with these input materials, and allows for control of the environmental impact associated with the production of (multiple) output materials based on the quality of the environmental impact data associated with the input materials.

[0134] Figure 6 An example flowchart illustrating a method for verifying input data is provided. Input data may be associated with input materials. Input data may include input material identifiers(s), environmental impact data associated with the input data, and one or more verification inputs associated with the generation of environmental characteristic data.

[0135] Based on at least one of the multiple confirmation inputs, at least one confirmation rule can be selected from the set of confirmation rules, such as in Figure 5 The selected confirmation rule can be applied to the corresponding confirmation input. A status flag can be set for each applied confirmation rule, indicating whether the corresponding confirmation input has passed, been approved, or failed. The status flag can include the confirmation score for each applied confirmation rule.

[0136] Figure 7 This demonstrates example results of validating environmental impact data based on the valid input category.

[0137] exist Figure 7 In the example, the input categories include the technical solutions on which the environmental impact data is based, technical relevance, geographical relevance, temporal relevance, data integrity, verification and / or certification mechanisms used to generate the environmental impact data, and one or more references to the environmental impact data.

[0138] exist Figure 7The example demonstrates the application of confirmation rules to the corresponding confirmation inputs for multiple input materials in each confirmation input category. Here, each row can represent an input material, such as row 1 representing input material 1, row 2 representing input material 2, and so on. The results are indicated by status flags associated with the PCF value. Status flags can indicate that confirmation is in progress, passed, requested for review, or failed. Status flags can be displayed as follows: Figure 5 and Figure 6 The status flag may be updated during or within the scope of the confirmation process described in the context of the confirmation process. The status flag may include a confirmation score indicating the confirmation status. For example, a confirmation score may be determined based on each confirmation rule, and confirmation may be based on individual scores (e.g., for each rule). Figure 7 The PCF value shown in the last line indicates that the process has failed or a review has been requested.

[0139] Figure 8 Example data structures for different confirmation input categories are shown.

[0140] The input data structure may include confirmation inputs that correspond to confirmation rules. Confirmation rules may include a scoring system that assigns a score to each confirmation input. Confirmation inputs can be structured according to their categories. Figure 8 The document illustrates one possible data structure for carbon footprint. Validation input categories can relate to quality indicators of environmental impact data, particularly quality indicators of the underlying primary input material production data and computational mechanisms used to generate the environmental impact data. Validation input categories can include the technical means upon which the environmental impact data is based, technical relevance, geographical relevance, temporal relevance, data integrity, verification and / or authentication mechanisms (including reliability and review mechanisms) used to generate the environmental impact data, and / or one or more references to the environmental impact data. Other data structures and validation input categories can be similarly applied. Other data structures and validation input categories can be applied to other environmental characteristics, such as recycled content or bio-based content.

[0141] Figure 9 An example flowchart is shown for a method of confirming environmental impact data based on aggregated scores. Environmental impact data can be associated with input materials to be provided for production of one or more output materials.

[0142] Figure 9 The method shown in the middle corresponds to the one in Figure 5 and Figure 6 The method is presented and described within the context of the input material. Identifiers associated with the input material can be provided. A set of verification rules configured to verify environmental impact data can be provided. Environmental impact data and verification input(s) can be provided. At least one verification rule can be selected for each verification input, and a verification score can be generated.

[0143] As Figure 5 and Figure 6 As a supplement or alternative, the confirmation scores for each confirmed input can be aggregated. For example, the total confirmation score can be provided by a weighted or unweighted sum. Based on the aggregated confirmation scores, environmental impact data can be confirmed as passed, reviewed, or failed. Upon passing, confirmed environmental impact data or its confirmed portion can be assigned to an identifier associated with the input material. For example, confirmed environmental impact data can be provided for monitoring the environmental impact of chemical production network 100 or output materials produced by chemical production network 100. Further, for example, input materials associated with confirmed environmental impact data can be provided to chemical production network 100. Upon failure, unconfirmed environmental impact data or its unconfirmed portion associated with the input material can be ignored. Reference data can be assigned to an identifier associated with the input material, or the input material can be rejected (e.g., the input material can be not provided to chemical production network 100).

[0144] Figure 10 Another example flowchart is shown for a method of identifying environmental impact data based on the identified input category. Environmental impact data can be associated with input materials to be provided for production of one or more output materials.

[0145] For example, in Figures 2 to 5 The environmental impact data and one or more verification inputs are provided as described in the context. To verify the environmental impact data, a set of verification rules can be provided. The set of verification rules may include one or more verification rules for each verification input category. Verification input categories may include checks on the provided input data, the technical means upon which the environmental impact data was generated, technical relevance, geographical relevance, temporal relevance, data integrity, verification and / or authentication mechanisms used for generating the environmental impact data, and one or more references to the environmental impact data.

[0146] As shown in Figure 4, Figure 5 and Figure 6 The input data shown includes input material identifier data, environmental impact data, and one or more verification inputs that can be provided for verification. Verification flags can be set based on the provided input data. For example, verification may fail if the input material identifier data is incomplete. Further, for example, verification may fail if the environmental impact data is empty. Further, for example, verification may fail if no verification input data is provided. Further, for example, verification may still pass if incomplete input data is provided, depending on whether the missing input data is mandatory or optional. Input data verification flags can be set to pass.

[0147] Environmental impact data can be verified based on additional input categories. The technical solutions used to generate the environmental impact data can be examined. These technical solutions can be predefined solutions with algorithmic rules used to generate the environmental impact data. Technical solutions can refer to standards such as ISO 14067 or ISO 14040 / 44. Technical solutions for verification can be preset. If a technical solution corresponds to a preset technical solution, the verification flag can be set to "pass".

[0148] Technology relevance can involve the production(s) used to produce the input material and the relationship between the input material production data used to generate the environmental impact data and these production(s). This allows for a scoring of the extent to which the environmental impact data represents the technological processes used to produce the input material. The score can be defined by the extent to which the environmental impact data represents the technological processes used to produce the input material. For example, if the score matches or at least corresponds to the production technology(s) used to produce the input material, the score can indicate a pass. If the score differs from the production technology(s) used to produce the input material, or if the score is based on process simulation or laboratory-scale production, or if the score is based on the technology(s) used to produce the input material rather than from the entity providing the environmental impact data (or in other words, from a third party), the score can indicate a failure. The scoring can include different score levels for each option.

[0149] Geographic relevance can involve the location and / or production conditions of the production processes(s) used to produce the input materials, and the relationship between the input material production data used to generate environmental impact data and these production processes(s). This allows for a scoring of the extent to which the selected data represents the geographic nature of the processes used to produce the input materials. The score can be defined by the extent to which the selected data represents the geographic nature of the processes used to produce the input materials. For example, if the generated data was collected at the locations(s) or regions(s) where the input materials are produced, a score can indicate a pass. If the generated data was collected at locations(s) or regions(s) where the production conditions correspond to the production conditions at the locations(s) or regions(s) where the input materials are produced, a score can indicate a pass. If the generated data was collected at locations(s) or regions(s) where the production conditions differ from the production conditions at the locations(s) or regions(s) where the input materials are produced, or if the locations(s) where the generated data was collected are unknown, a score can indicate a failure.

[0150] Temporal relevance can involve the duration of existence of the input material production data and / or the time range covered by the input material production data. This allows for scoring of the degree to which the selected data represents actual time. For example, a score can indicate a pass if the dataset covers no more than 3, 6, or 10 years relative to the time period covered by the input material production data. A score can indicate a failure if the dataset covers more than 10 years relative to the time period covered by the input material production data or if the duration of existence is unknown. Additionally, the time period for which process data was collected to calculate the environmental impact data of the input material can be scored. For example, a score can indicate a pass if the dataset covers more than one year. A score can indicate a failure if the dataset covers less than one year or 6 months.

[0151] Data integrity allows for scoring of the degree to which data statistically represents the production of input materials, and also addresses seasonal and other normal fluctuations in the data. This can be combined with a small fraction of the production volume or quantity supplied as input materials to the chemical production network and represented by data used to calculate environmental impact. For example, relevant production volumes or quantities of 100%, 50%, >=50%, <=50%, 25%, >=25%, or <=25% can be considered. Relevant production volumes can refer to the total amount or quantity of input materials supplied. Combined with the time range covered by the input material production data, the score can indicate a failure or a pass. For example, a score can indicate a failure for any value less than 60%, 50%, 40%, 30%, 25%, or 20% of relevant production volumes or quantities and for a time range less than one year. For other cases, the score can indicate a pass.

[0152] The validity of the input material production data used to generate environmental impact data allows for a scoring of the validity of the environmental impact data. Input material production data can be validated data based on measurements or calculations, validated data partially based on assumptions, unvalidated data based on measurements or calculations, or unvalidated data partially based on assumptions, estimates, or approximations (reliability). Validated data based on measurements or calculations, validated data partially based on assumptions, and unvalidated data based on measurements or calculations can indicate a pass. Unvalidated data partially based on assumptions, estimates, or approximations can indicate a failure.

[0153] The validation and / or certification scheme used to generate environmental impact data may indicate the existence of such a scheme. A score may indicate the presence of a validation and / or certification scheme. One or more references to the environmental impact data may be provided further to score the validity of the provided environmental impact data. A deviation of + / - 20% may indicate a pass.

[0154] The results of the confirmation rules for each confirmation input category can be provided to determine the overall confirmation result based on individual confirmation results or based on the aggregated confirmation results, such as in... Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 or Figure 9 As described in the context. For example, for different input materials, a score can be provided for each validation input category. The score can correspond to a pass or fail for each category. The scores can be aggregated to determine the total score. The validation result can depend on either the aggregated total score or the individual scores.

[0155] Figure 11 An example flow chart is shown for a method of monitoring the environmental impact of chemical production and / or one or more chemical materials produced by said chemical production. The (multiple) chemical materials can be produced from one or more input materials provided to the chemical production.

[0156] Input material data associated with one or more of the input materials (multiple input materials) can be provided. Input material data may include input material identifiers (multiple input materials), environmental impact data, and one or more verification inputs associated with the generation of the environmental impact data. Environmental impact data may include, for example, input environmental characteristics of the input materials, such as input emission characteristics, such as the carbon footprint of the products. Verification inputs (multiple input materials) may include one or more production data characteristics associated with the input material production data used to generate the input environmental characteristics. One or more production data characteristics may relate to the features of the input material production data used to generate the input environmental characteristics. Characteristics associated with the input material production data may relate to one or more quality indicators of the input material production data, representing the relevance of the input material production data to the input materials provided for chemical production used to produce one or more output materials. Characteristics associated with the input material production data may relate to qualitative indicators of the input material production data to the input materials provided for chemical production used to produce one or more output materials. In other words, these characteristics may represent the quality of the input material production data relative to the input materials provided for chemical production used to produce one or more output materials.

[0157] To monitor the environmental impact of chemical production and / or the production of one or more output materials based on (multiple) input materials supplied to the chemical production, input environmental characteristics associated with (multiple) input materials can be provided. Input environmental characteristics can relate to the environmental characteristics generated through the production of the input materials. Input environmental characteristics can be generated from process data collected from the production of the input materials, energy data related to energy use in the production of the input materials, and / or the environmental characteristics of the materials used in the production of the input materials.

[0158] As a supplement to or alternative to the input environment characteristics, production data characteristics associated with the input material production data used to generate the input environment characteristics may be provided. The production data characteristics associated with the input material production data may involve one or more quality indicators of the input material production data, representing the quality of the input material production data relative to the input materials provided for chemical production of one or more output materials. Quality indicators may involve confirming input categories. Confirming input categories may involve technical, geographical, and / or temporal characteristics of the input material production data used to generate the input environment characteristics. Confirming input categories may involve at least: the technical relevance of the input material production data used to generate the input environment characteristics; the geographical relevance of the input material production data used to generate the input environment characteristics; the temporal relevance of the input material production data used to generate the input environment characteristics; the share of the quantity of input materials covered by the input environment characteristics; and / or the share, quantity, or quantity share of input materials to which the input environment characteristics apply; and / or the share, quantity, or quantity share of input materials to which the input environment characteristics are confirmed, to be confirmed, or can be confirmed; and / or the share, quantity, or quantity share of input materials associated with (multiple) confirmed inputs, or any combination or selection thereof. The input categories can include technical, geographical, and / or temporal characteristics of the input material production data used to generate the input environmental characteristics. The input categories can also include characteristics of the generation process used to generate the input environmental characteristics.

[0159] Input material production data can be associated with one or more production processes used to produce the input material. Input material production data may include process data collected from the production of the input material, energy data related to energy use in the production of the input material, and / or environmental characteristics of the materials used to produce the input material.

[0160] Environmental impact data can be confirmed by at least determining the technological, geographical, and / or temporal relevance of the input material production data used to generate the environmental impact data to the production of the input materials, based on the characteristics of the production data. Based on the confirmed environmental impact data,

[0161] ○ Input materials can be provided for chemical production, and / or

[0162] ○ Validated environmental impact data can be provided to generate environmental impact data associated with (multiple) output materials produced using input materials. Validation may include, for example, in... Figures 2 to 10The methods for verifying environmental impact data described in the context of [the relevant document] can include accepting the provided environmental impact data and assigning the provided environmental impact data as verified environmental impact data to (multiple) input material identifiers. Verification can also include rejecting the provided environmental impact data and assigning predefined environmental impact data as verified environmental impact data. Verification can further include rejecting the provided environmental impact data and rejecting input materials.

[0163] Depending on the validation, input materials associated with validated environmental impact data may be used to produce (multiple) output products. These output products can be produced through chemical processes, such as, for example, in... Figures 1 to 3 As shown and described in the context of.

[0164] Output environmental impact data can be generated, at least in part, based on verified environmental impact data associated with (multiple) input materials. The output environmental impact data can be, for example, in... Figure 2 and Figure 3 The generated output environmental impact data can be assigned to the produced output products as shown and described in the context. The generated output environmental impact data can be assigned to those associated with the output materials and, for example, in... Figure 3 The numeric identifier ID3 is described in the context of this document.

[0165] Figure 12 An example distributed network environment with network nodes is shown, which are configured to provide environmental impact data associated with (multiple) input materials, (multiple) confirmed inputs, or confirmed environmental impact data in association with the provision of (multiple) input materials.

[0166] A distributed network environment may include one or more network nodes associated with upstream production, chemical production, and / or verification engines configured to verify environmental impact data, such as input environmental characteristics associated with input materials. Input materials can be produced through input material production. Network nodes may be associated with data consumption services that include computer-executable instructions for accessing and / or processing data associated with a data owner of the data accessed via the data consumption service. Network nodes may be associated with data service provisioning that includes computer-executable instructions for providing and / or processing data associated with a data owner of the data provided for access to and / or processing by the data consumption service. In this example, the data owner associated with the data service provisioning may be an input material producer. Data owners may include any entity that generates the data. Data generation nodes may be coupled to a data owner or to an entity that owns or produces a physical product from which data is generated. The data may be generated by a third-party entity representing an entity that owns a physical product from which data is generated.

[0167] Environmental impact data may include, for example, input environmental characteristics of the input materials, such as input emission characteristics, such as product carbon footprint. Multiple valid inputs may include one or more production data characteristics related to the input material production data used to generate the input environmental characteristics. Input material production data may include process data collected from the production of the input materials, energy data related to energy use in the production of the input materials, and / or environmental characteristics of the materials used to produce the input materials. Input environmental characteristics may be generated from process data collected from the production of the input materials, energy data related to energy use in the production of the input materials, and / or environmental characteristics of the materials used to produce the input materials.

[0168] Input materials produced through upstream production lines 102 and 104 can be provided in association with digital assets, such as in... Figure 2 and Figure 3As described in the context. Input materials can be associated with physical identifiers linked to the input materials. Physical identifiers can be associated with digital assets associated with the input materials. Digital assets can include input material identifiers. Digital assets can include environmental impact data or a portion thereof, such as one or more input environmental characteristics, such as byproduct carbon footprint, recycled content, or bio-based content. Digital assets can include digital representations of environmental impact data or a portion thereof (such as one or more input environmental characteristics, such as byproduct carbon footprint, recycled content, or bio-based content). Digital representations can include representations used to access digital assets or a portion thereof. This representation can point to a database storing digital assets or a portion thereof. This representation can point directly or indirectly to a database. For example, the representation can point to a data provider node associated with the database. This can enhance security because access to the database is controlled via a data provider node associated with the data owner of the digital assets.

[0169] Digital assets may further include or involve authentication and / or authorization information linked to the input material identifier. Authentication and / or authorization information may be provided for authenticating and / or authorizing data providers and / or data consumers. The input material identifier may include or involve a decentralized identifier uniquely associated with the plastic additive. The decentralized identifier may be linked to a digital representation of the environmental impact data. The digital representation may include a representation for accessing the environmental impact data or a portion thereof. The decentralized identifier may include one or more Universally Unique Identifiers (UUIDs) or Digital Identifiers (DIDs). The decentralized identifier may include any unique identifier uniquely associated with the data owner and / or the input material. The data owner may be the manufacturer of the input material. Access to the environmental impact data may be controlled by the data owner through the decentralized identifier and its unique association with the data owner and / or the input material.

[0170] Digital assets that include digital representations of environmental impact data can be stored in a decentralized database. This environmental impact data may include one or more environmental characteristics, such as product carbon footprint, recycling content, or bio-based content. The environmental impact data can be stored in a database associated with the data owner, such as the producer of the input materials.

[0171] Environmental impact data (such as input environmental characteristics) can be provided from distributed network nodes associated with the production of input materials to one or more distributed network nodes and / or verification engines associated with the production of output materials. Environmental impact data can be provided under the control of the data owner.

[0172] Input materials can be physically delivered to chemical manufacturers. The input materials can be linked to a QR code that has been encoded with an input material identifier. The chemical manufacturer using the input materials can read the QR code using a QR code reader. The input material identifier can be provided to a database associated with the chemical manufacturer. In other embodiments, the chemical manufacturer using the input materials can retrieve the input material identifier through a distributed infrastructure database. The input material identifier can be used to collect distributed identifiers associated with such input material identifiers from the distributed infrastructure database.

[0173] Based on the received input material identifier, data consumption services associated with (multiple) network nodes of the chemical production process and / or verification engines configured to verify environmental impact data can trigger requests to access environmental impact data associated with the input material identifier. The input material identifier can be provided to the data service of the input material's producer. Alternatively, a distributed identifier can be provided to the data service of the input material's producer. Additionally, authentication and / or authorization information can be provided.

[0174] The request can be authenticated and / or authorized to access environmental impact data associated with the input material identifier and / or distributed identifier. Based on successful authorization and / or authentication, access to environmental impact data, or a portion thereof, associated with the input material identifier and / or distributed identifier can be granted.

[0175] The data service can use received input material identifiers and / or distributed identifiers to retrieve environmental impact data, or a portion thereof, associated with the input material from a database associated with the input material's manufacturer. The environmental impact data, or a portion thereof, associated with the input material retrieved by the data service can be provided to data consumption services associated with multiple network nodes of the chemical production process and / or configured as a verification engine to confirm the environmental impact data. The environmental impact data, or a portion thereof, associated with the input material can be stored in a database and / or verification engine associated with the chemical production process.

[0176] By using input material identifiers and / or decentralized identifiers, environmental impact data, or portions thereof, can be uniquely associated with the input material. Through a decentralized network, environmental impact data, or portions thereof, can be transferred between the input material's producer and chemical producers and / or verification engines. In this way, environmental impact data can be shared directly among value chain participants through a unique association with the input material, without the need for a central intermediary. This achieves transparency of environmental impact data, or portions thereof, across the value chain and allows for the tracking of the positive environmental impacts of output materials from the chemical production network.

[0177] Based on the received input material identifier, the data consumption service associated with (multiple) network nodes of the chemical production and / or the verification engine configured to verify environmental impact data can trigger a request to provide (multiple) verification inputs. This request can be provided to the verification input generator via the data providing node associated with the input material producer. The verification input generator can be configured to generate (multiple) verification inputs, such as in... Figure 4a and Figure 4b As described in the context.

[0178] Environmental impact data, such as input environmental characteristics, can be identified by determining at least the technological, geographical, and / or temporal relevance of the input material production data used to generate the input environmental characteristics, based on the characteristics of the production data. Based on the identified input environmental characteristics,

[0179] ○ Input materials can be supplied to chemical production networks, and / or

[0180] ○ Verified input environment characteristics can be provided to generate output environment characteristics associated with the output material produced using the input material. Verification may include, for example, in... Figures 2 to 10 The methods for verifying environmental impact data are described in the context of [the relevant context]. Verification may include accepting provided input environmental characteristics and assigning the provided environmental characteristics as verified environmental characteristics to input material identifiers(multiple). Verification may include rejecting provided input environmental characteristics and assigning predefined environmental characteristics as verified environmental characteristics. Verification may include rejecting provided input environmental characteristics and rejecting input materials.

[0181] The validation engine can be configured to validate input environment characteristics. The validation engine can be part of a network node associated with a chemical producer and / or a validater. In the latter case, the input environment characteristics can be provided from a distributed network node associated with the production of the input material to a validation instruction configured to validate the input environment characteristics, and provided by a distributed network node associated with the validater. The validated input environment characteristics can be provided from a distributed network node associated with the validater to a distributed network node associated with the production of the chemical product.

[0182] A decentralized setup allows for more efficient monitoring of the environmental impacts of chemical production and / or the output materials(s) provided for production of multiple output materials. Specifically, when multiple input materials are to be provided to a chemical production network, environmental impact data for each input material, such as input environmental characteristics, can be provided. Based on the verified input environmental characteristics of each input material, the corresponding input material can be provided to the chemical production network, and / or output environmental characteristics associated with output materials produced based on one or more of the provided input materials can be generated, such as in... Figure 10 As described in the context, the output environmental characteristics associated with the output materials can be generated based on the input materials provided to the chemical production network, the corresponding quantity of each input material, and the corresponding verified environmental characteristics associated with the input materials used to produce the chemical product.

[0183] This disclosure has also been described in conjunction with various preferred embodiments and examples. However, by studying the accompanying drawings, this disclosure, and the claims, those skilled in the art, as well as those who practice the claimed invention, will understand and implement other variations.

[0184] Any steps presented in this document can be performed in any order. The methods disclosed herein are not limited to a specific order of these steps. Nor is it required that different steps be performed in a particular place or on a particular computing node in a distributed system; that is, each step can be performed on different computing nodes using different devices / data processing.

[0185] As used herein, "determine" also includes "initiating or causing determination," "generate" also includes "initiating and / or causing generation," and "provide" also includes "initiating or causing determination, generation, selection, sending, and / or receiving." "Initiating or causing an action" includes any processing signal that triggers a computing node or device to perform a corresponding action.

[0186] In the claims and specification, the word "comprising" or "including" or similar wording does not exclude other elements or steps and should not be construed as limiting oneself to the listed elements or steps. The indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude multiple. A single element or other unit may perform the function of several entities or items recited in the claims. The fact that certain measures are recited only in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used in advantageous implementations or that additional elements may be included.

[0187] Within the scope of this disclosure, provision may include any interface configured to provide data. This may include application programming interfaces, human-machine interfaces (such as displays), and / or software module interfaces. Provision may include transmitting or submitting data to the interface, particularly displaying data to a user or having data used by a receiving entity.

[0188] Any disclosures and embodiments described herein relate to the methods, systems, devices, apparatuses, chemicals, materials, services, uses, and computer program elements listed above, and vice versa. Advantageously, the benefits provided by any embodiments and examples also apply to all other embodiments and examples, and vice versa.

[0189] All terms and definitions used in this article are to be understood in a broad sense and have their general meaning.

Claims

1. A method for identifying environmental impact data associated with input materials intended for use in the production of one or more output materials, wherein, The environmental impact data pertains to one or more environmental properties of the input material, and the method includes the following steps: • Provide at least one identifier associated with the input material, environmental impact data associated with the input material, and one or more confirmation inputs associated with the generation of the environmental impact data; • Provide a set of validation rules, which includes one or more validation rules configured to validate the environmental impact data based on the generation of the environmental impact data associated with the input material; • Select at least one confirmation rule from the set of confirmation rules for at least one of these confirmation inputs, and generate at least one confirmation score by applying the selected at least one confirmation rule to the provided at least one confirmation input; • Depending on the confirmation score, the confirmed environmental impact data is assigned to at least one identifier associated with the input material.

2. The method as described in claim 1, wherein, The one or more confirming inputs involve one or more characteristics associated with the input material production data used to generate the environmental impact data.

3. The method as described in any of the preceding claims, wherein, The one or more confirming inputs relate to the technical relevance between the production used to generate the environmental impact data and the production used to produce the input material.

4. The method as described in any of the preceding claims, wherein, The one or more confirming inputs relate to the geographic correlation between the production used to generate the environmental impact data and the production used to produce the input material.

5. The method as described in any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The one or more confirming inputs relate to the temporal relevance of the input material production data used to generate the environmental impact data, wherein the temporal relevance of the input material production data includes the duration of existence of the input material production data used to generate the environmental impact data and / or the time range of the input material production data used to generate the environmental impact data.

6. The method as described in any of the preceding claims, wherein, The one or more confirmation inputs relate to the share, quantity, or quantity share of input materials associated with the confirmation input(s).

7. The method as described in any of the preceding claims, wherein, The at least one confirmation rule is selected based on the type of environmental impact data associated with the provided environmental impact data and / or the type of confirmation input associated with the provided confirmation input(s).

8. The method as described in any of the preceding claims, wherein, The at least one confirmation rule is configured to generate a confirmation score based on one or more characteristics associated with the input material production data used to generate the environmental impact data.

9. The method as described in any of the preceding claims, wherein, The at least one confirmation rule is configured to generate a confirmation score based on the technical, geographical, and / or temporal relevance of the input material production data used to generate the environmental impact data and the input materials provided to the production.

10. The method as described in any of the preceding claims, wherein, If the confirmation score indicates that the provided environmental impact data is at least partially valid environmental impact data, then the provided environmental impact data is confirmed, wherein at least the confirmed portion of the environmental impact data is assigned to the at least one identifier associated with the input material. or Wherein, if the confirmation score indicates that the provided environmental impact data is at least partially unconfirmed, then the provided environmental impact data is not confirmed, wherein the unconfirmed portion of the environmental impact data is replaced by reference environmental impact data, wherein the reference environmental impact data is assigned as confirmed environmental impact data to the at least one identifier associated with the input material. or If the confirmation score indicates that the provided environmental impact data is at least partially unconfirmed, then the provided environmental impact data is not confirmed, and the input material is not provided to the production.

11. The method as described in any of the preceding claims, wherein, The confirmation scores for each confirmed input are aggregated, and the confirmed environmental impact data are assigned to at least one identifier associated with the input material based on the aggregated scores.

12. The method as described in any of the preceding claims, further comprising the step of providing verified environmental impact data to monitor the environmental impact of the production of the one or more output materials from the input material.

13. An apparatus for verifying environmental impact data associated with input materials intended for use in the production of one or more output materials, wherein, The environmental impact data pertains to one or more environmental properties of the input material, and the device includes: • A data providing interface configured to provide at least one identifier associated with the input material, environmental impact data associated with the input material, and configured to provide one or more confirmation inputs associated with the generation of the environmental impact data; • A rule-providing interface is configured to provide a set of validation rules, which includes one or more validation rules configured to validate the environmental impact data based on the generation of the environmental impact data associated with the input material; • A verification engine configured to select at least one verification rule from the set of verification rules for at least one verification input, the verification engine being configured to generate at least one verification score by applying the at least one verification rule to the provided at least one verification input, and, depending on the verification score, the verification engine being configured to assign verified environmental impact data to the at least one identifier associated with the input material.

14. The use of environmental impact data confirmed by any one of the methods of claims 1 to 12 or by the apparatus of claim 13 for monitoring the environmental impact of producing one or more output materials from one or more input materials associated with the confirmed environmental impact data and / or for generating environmental impact data associated with one or more output materials produced based on one or more input materials associated with the confirmed environmental impact data.

15. An input material associated with environmental impact data and one or more confirming inputs for verifying the environmental impact data according to any one of claims 1 to 12 or by the apparatus of claim 13, or an output material associated with environmental impact data, wherein, The environmental impact data is generated based on environmental impact data associated with one or more input materials used to produce the output material, and the environmental impact data associated with the one or more input materials is confirmed according to the method of any one of claims 1 to 12 or by the apparatus of claim 13.

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