Method and system for monitoring environmental impact associated with use of output products

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to the field of sustainable production of end products, in particular to monitoring of environmental effects associated with use of end products by an end product user. The present disclosure relates to methods, apparatus, signature modules, decentralized network nodes, output products and computer elements for monitoring and / or determining environmental impact associated with an output product user using an output product, particularly an end product.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the sustainable production of end products, and in particular to monitoring the environmental impacts associated with the use of end products by end product users. This disclosure relates to methods, apparatus, signature modules, distributed network nodes, output products, and computer elements for monitoring and / or determining the environmental impacts associated with the use of output products, particularly end products, by output product users. Background Technology

[0002] Various schemes and proposals have been put forward to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, such as CO2 emissions, associated with the production of end products. However, these schemes and proposals currently fail to provide transparency regarding the environmental footprint associated with the production and use of end products. This hinders the monitoring of environmental footprints at the individual level and does not allow for comparisons of end products based on their environmental footprints. Summary of the Invention

[0003] On the one hand, a method is disclosed for monitoring the environmental impact associated with output products produced from one or more input materials, particularly for monitoring the environmental impact associated with final products produced from one or more input materials and used by final product users, especially a computer-implemented method, the method comprising:

[0004] - Collect data related to the production of the output product, wherein the production-related data includes environmental footprint data associated with the output product, wherein the environmental footprint data is determined at least in part based on the measured carbon content of the output product.

[0005] - Transaction data is generated based on this environmental footprint data, so that the environmental footprint data is stored as an entry in the distributed ledger of the distributed ledger network.

[0006] - Provide the generated transaction data to the distributed ledger network so that the environmental footprint data can be accessed via the distributed ledger network.

[0007] On the other hand, an apparatus for monitoring the environmental impact associated with output products produced from one or more input materials is disclosed, particularly for monitoring the environmental impact associated with final products produced from one or more input materials and used by final product users, the apparatus comprising:

[0008] • A data collector configured to collect data related to the production of the output product, wherein the production-related data includes environmental footprint data associated with the output product, wherein the environmental footprint data is determined at least in part based on the measured carbon content of the output product.

[0009] • A transaction data generator, configured to generate transaction data based on the environmental footprint data, to store the environmental footprint data as entries in the distributed ledger of a distributed ledger network.

[0010] • A distributed ledger network interface configured to provide generated transaction data to the distributed ledger network for access to the environmental footprint data via the distributed ledger network.

[0011] On the other hand, a method for monitoring the environmental impact associated with output products produced from one or more input materials is disclosed, particularly for monitoring the environmental impact associated with final products produced from one or more input materials and used by final product users, especially a computer-implemented method, the method comprising:

[0012] - Collect data related to the production of the output product, wherein the production-related data includes environmental footprint data determined at least in part based on the measured carbon content of the output product.

[0013] - Provide one or more distributed identifiers associated with the output product.

[0014] - Generate access data associated with this environmental footprint data.

[0015] - Generate access elements that include one or more distributed identifiers and access data associated with the environmental footprint data.

[0016] - Provide the access element to the distributed network so that the environmental footprint data can be accessed by one or more data consuming network nodes of the distributed network under the control of the data providing network node associated with the producer of the output product.

[0017] On the other hand, an apparatus for monitoring the environmental impact associated with the use of output products produced from one or more input materials is disclosed, particularly for monitoring the environmental impact associated with final products produced from one or more input materials and used by final product users, the apparatus comprising:

[0018] • A data collector configured to collect data related to the production of the output product, wherein the production-related data includes environmental footprint data determined at least in part based on the measured carbon content of the output product.

[0019] • An identifier providing interface, configured to provide one or more distributed identifiers associated with the output product.

[0020] • Access data generator, configured to generate access data associated with the environmental footprint data.

[0021] • Access element generator, configured to generate access elements that include the one or more distributed identifiers and access data associated with the environmental footprint data.

[0022] • A distributed network interface configured to provide the access element to a distributed network for access to the environmental footprint data by one or more data consuming network nodes of the distributed network under the control of a data providing network node associated with the producer of the output product.

[0023] On another front, a method for determining the environmental impact associated with the use of the final product by a final product user is disclosed, particularly a computer-implemented method, which includes:

[0024] • Provide data associated with the final product,

[0025] • Based on the data provided associated with the final product, environmental footprint data related to the environmental impact associated with the final product is collected via a distributed ledger network, wherein the environmental footprint data is stored as entries in the distributed ledger of the distributed ledger network according to the methods disclosed herein or by the apparatus disclosed herein.

[0026] • Provide the collected environmental footprint data.

[0027] On another front, an apparatus for determining the environmental impact associated with the use of the final product by a final product user is disclosed, the method comprising:

[0028] • A data provider interface configured to provide data associated with the final product.

[0029] • A data collector configured to collect environmental footprint data related to the environmental impact associated with the final product via a distributed ledger network, based on provided data associated with the final product, wherein the environmental footprint data is stored as entries in a distributed ledger of the distributed ledger network according to the methods disclosed herein or by the apparatus disclosed herein.

[0030] • Data provider interface, which is configured to provide the collected environmental footprint data.

[0031] On another front, a method for determining the environmental impact associated with the use of the final product by a final product user is disclosed, particularly a computer-implemented method, which includes:

[0032] • Provide data associated with the final product,

[0033] • One or more access elements associated with environmental footprint data related to the environmental impact associated with the final product, collected via a distributed network based on the collected distributed identifiers(s), wherein the one or more access elements are generated and / or provided according to the methods disclosed herein or by the apparatus disclosed herein.

[0034] • Access to the environmental footprint data is requested via the distributed network based on the access data associated with the environmental footprint data included in the collected access elements(multiple) of access elements.

[0035] On another front, an apparatus for determining the environmental impact associated with the use of the final product by a final product user is disclosed, the apparatus comprising:

[0036] • A data provider interface configured to provide data associated with the final product.

[0037] • An access element providing interface configured to collect one or more access elements associated with environmental footprint data related to the environmental impact associated with the final product via a distributed network based on collected distributed identifiers(s), wherein the one or more access elements are generated and / or provided according to the methods disclosed herein or by the apparatus disclosed herein.

[0038] • A distributed network interface configured to request access to the environmental footprint data via the distributed network based on access data associated with the environmental footprint data included in the collected access elements(s).

[0039] On another front, a signature module is disclosed, configured to receive transaction data generated as disclosed herein, sign the received transaction data, and provide the signed transaction data to a distributed ledger network configured to store and provide environmental footprint data associated with the output products.

[0040] On the other hand, a distributed network node is disclosed, which is configured to provide access to elements according to the methods disclosed herein.

[0041] On another front, a distributed network node is disclosed, which is configured to access environmental footprint data according to the method disclosed herein.

[0042] On the other hand, an output product is disclosed that is associated with an access element generated and provided according to the method or apparatus disclosed herein.

[0043] On the other hand, an output product is disclosed that is associated with a distributed ledger entry in a distributed ledger network generated according to the method or apparatus disclosed herein.

[0044] In another aspect, a computer element, particularly a computer program product or computer-readable medium, having instructions is disclosed, which, when executed on one or more computing nodes, is configured to perform the steps of any of the methods disclosed herein.

[0045] In another aspect, this disclosure relates to a computer element having instructions that, when executed on one or more computing nodes, is configured to perform the steps of the methods(s) disclosed herein or to be performed by the means(s) disclosed herein.

[0046] Any disclosures, embodiments, and examples described herein relate to the methods, systems, signature modules, distributed network nodes, output artifacts, 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

[0047] 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.

[0048] Avoiding greenhouse gas emissions is a recognized value, linked to protecting natural resources and addressing climate change. Several existing systems aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions during the production of final products or the provision of services through incentives. These systems (such as CO2 certificates and tax rebates) should incentivize production entities and service providers to reduce emissions. However, these systems fail to provide transparency regarding the environmental impacts or footprints associated with the production and use of the products (such as final products). Therefore, they cannot achieve the goal of using the decisions of final product users to drive reductions in the environmental footprint of final products.

[0049] By determining environmental footprint data, at least in part, based on the measured carbon content of the output product, the environmental footprint associated with the use of such output product (e.g., a final product) can be reliably determined and added to the environmental footprint associated with the production of the output product and the environmental footprint associated with the (multiple) input materials used to produce the output product. Since the climatologically effective residence time of anthropogenic CO2 (e.g., various forms of carbon emissions from human activities) in the atmosphere is far longer than the life cycle of almost all products, the carbon content of the output product can be used as a measure of the amount of carbon dioxide emitted into the atmosphere during the use and disposal of the output product (e.g., a final product) due to the metastability of the carbon contained in the final product in the atmosphere. Therefore, carbon content allows for a reliable measurement of carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere during the use of the output product, avoiding complex calculations of this amount. For example, the sum of range 1, 2, and 3 emissions (e.g., cradle-to-door emissions) associated with the production of a final product (e.g., a home care product containing surfactants) accounts for only about one-third of the total cradle-to-grave emissions of such a final product; for example, about two-thirds corresponds to range 3 emissions associated with the use of such a final product. Therefore, environmental footprint data can be reliably determined based on direct and indirect emissions associated with the production of the output product, all input materials used in the production of the output product, and measured carbon content. Thus, narrowing the gap between cradle-to-gate emissions associated with the output product and cradle-to-grave emissions associated with the output product allows for more reliable environmental footprint data, enabling consumers to base their consumption decisions on this data and allowing the initiation of production of final products with reduced environmental impact.

[0050] By storing the defined environmental footprint data of each produced output in a distributed peer-to-peer network, access to this data can be controlled by the data owner (such as the output producer). This allows for the secure sharing of this data, enabling downstream participants in the product ecosystem to access and use it, for example, to determine additional environmental footprint data associated with other produced outputs or to reduce the environmental footprint associated with consumption. Furthermore, by storing the defined environmental footprint data of each produced output in a distributed ledger network, this data can be stored tamper-proofly, ensuring data integrity while allowing access to it from other downstream participants in the product ecosystem.

[0051] Environmental footprint data can be linked to an associated environmental footprint debit, which can be deducted from the environmental footprint credit held by end-product users. This allows the environmental footprint associated with purchased end-products to be converted into new digital currency, incentivizing end-product users to purchase end-products associated with reduced environmental footprints. Furthermore, this allows for separate disclosure of the currency price and the price associated with the environmental footprint, increasing transparency for end-product users and enabling the reduction of their overall environmental footprint based on their purchasing decisions. Separate accounting avoids the opaque costs associated with the environmental footprint of end-products that would result from including such costs in the currency price.

[0052] Multiple output products can be associated with environmental impacts. Environmental impacts can relate to one or more environmental characteristics of the output product. Environmental impacts can relate to environmental footprint data associated with the output product. Environmental characteristics can indicate the environmental performance of the output product. Environmental characteristics can relate to the characteristics of the production of the output product. Environmental characteristics can relate to the characteristics of the multiple input materials used to produce the output product. Environmental characteristics can relate to the product's 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 the output product. Environmental characteristics can include multiple environmental, technological, recyclability, or circularity characteristics associated with the environmental impact of the output product.

[0053] 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 output product (e.g., made from bio-based or recycled inputs). Technical characteristics may specify or quantify product performance that is at least indirectly related to environmental impact. Technical characteristics may include, for example, output product composition data, bill of materials, product specification data, output product component data, product safety data, application characteristic data, application instructions, or product quality data. Circularity characteristics may specify or quantify the product lifecycle characteristics associated with recycling. Circularity characteristics may include, for example, recycling data, reuse rate, recovery rate, recycling cycles, reuse performance of reused products, quality of reused products, etc. Recyclability characteristics may specify or quantify the product lifecycle characteristics associated with recycling. Recyclability characteristics may include the composition of the output product, which includes components specifically tailored to make the output product suitable for recycling. (Multiple) recyclability characteristics may include, for example, recycling data, recyclable data, etc.

[0054] The output product can be associated with environmental footprint data determined at least in part based on the measured carbon content of the output product. The measured carbon content can involve carbon content determined based on measurement data. Measurement data can be obtained by measuring (multiple) samples of the output product using measuring equipment. Measuring equipment can include infrared spectroscopy (IR) (e.g., non-dispersive infrared spectroscopy (NDIR)), thermal conductivity detection, gravimetric analysis using absorption lamps, near-infrared spectroscopy, coulometric titration, flame ionization detection (FID), ion chromatography (IC), and gas chromatography (GC), CHN elemental analysis equipment, and / or titration equipment. The measured carbon content may be independent of carbon content determined based on production data (e.g., carbon content determined based on formulation data listing (multiple) input materials used to produce the output product). The measurement of carbon content allows for efficient and reliable determination of carbon content without complex calculations considering stoichiometry and reaction rates.

[0055] Output products can be physical products. Output products can be chemical products. Output products can be chemical products packaged within a packaging unit. The packaging unit can contain one or more materials. Output products can be discrete products. Discrete products can exist within a packaging unit. Discrete products can be consumer products. Output products can be provided to product users, such as downstream participants or end-product users. Outputs can include any product containing carbon. Output products can contain at least 0.1% carbon by weight. Output products can contain at least 0.5% carbon by weight. Output products can contain at least 1% carbon by weight. Output products can contain at least 2.5% carbon by weight. Output products can include any product containing at least one organic compound. Output products can be output products containing carbon, output products containing at least one organic compound, output products containing metals (such as precious metals), automotive batteries, automobiles, fabrics, mattresses, tires, or cosmetic products. Physical output products can be produced from one or more input materials. (Multiple) input materials can include any materials used in one or more production steps required to produce the output product. Output products can be services provided by service providers to output product users.

[0056] Output products can be associated with an environmental footprint debit. This debit can relate to the environmental footprint associated with the production and use of the output product. The debit can relate to the carbon footprint associated with the production and use of the output product. The debit can relate to greenhouse gas emissions generated during the production and use of the output product. Environmental footprint debits can be associated with environmental footprint data. Environmental footprint debits can correspond to environmental footprint data. Environmental footprint debits can be determined based on environmental footprint data.

[0057] Output products can be used by output product users. Output product users can include end-product users. Output product users can include downstream participants who use the output products to produce other products (such as end-products). Use of output products can include purchasing output products. Use of output products can include using output products after purchasing them. Use of output products can include the disposal of output products that have reached the end of their lifespan (hereinafter referred to as obsolete products).

[0058] Output product users can use output products. Output product users can purchase output products before using them. Output product users can be consumers. Output product users can be customers. Output product users can be individuals. Output product users can be natural persons. Output can be an entity that operates production and uses output products as (multiple) input materials to produce one or more other output products.

[0059] The output product can be associated with data related to its production. This production-related data can relate to a digital twin of the final output product. The digital twin of the output product can include production-related data. The digital twin can include environmental footprint data.

[0060] Data related to the production of the output product can be collected by the producer of the output product during the production stage of the output product. Data related to the production of the output product can be collected in connection with its production. Data related to the production of the output product can be collected before, during, or after its production. Data related to the production of the output product can be collected at each stage of its production. A production stage can include any production step in the production chain up to the final product. A production chain can include one or more stages necessary to produce the final product from one or more production inputs.

[0061] Identifier elements can be associated with, or linked to, an output product or a portion thereof. At least during the production of the output product, identifier elements can be associated with, or linked to, the output product or a portion thereof. Digital twins of the output products can be accessed via distributed networks through identifier elements. Identifier elements can be uniquely associated with the output product. Identifier elements can be uniquely associated with digital output product identifiers. Identifier elements can encode digital output product identifiers. Digital output product identifiers can be uniquely associated with the output product. In this way, environmental footprint data can be provided for each output product or for each individual output product.

[0062] A digital output product identifier can be associated with one or more distributed identifiers that are uniquely associated with the output product. The output product identifier can include one or more distributed identifiers that are uniquely associated with the output product. The distributed identifiers (multiple) can represent a digital twin of the physical entity of the output product. The distributed identifier can be a digital identifier for a distributed network or a digital identifier used in a distributed network. The distributed identifier can be a digital identifier provided to the distributed network and the participating nodes of the distributed network. Therefore, a distributed identifier can represent the physical entity of the output product in a distributed network, and participating nodes can be able to interpret the relationship between the distributed identifier and the physical entity of the output product in the production chain.

[0063] Decentralized identifiers can include any unique identifier that is uniquely associated with the producer of the output product and the output product itself. Decentralized identifiers can also include any unique identifier that is uniquely associated with the output product data associated with it. Output product data can include environmental footprint data. Therefore, decentralized identifiers can also be associated with the environmental footprint data associated with the output product. Decentralized identifiers can include one or more Universally Unique Identifiers (UUIDs) or one or more Digital Identifiers (DIDs). Decentralized identifiers can be issued by centralized or decentralized identity issuing authorities. Decentralized identifiers can include authentication information. Through the decentralized identifier and its unique association with the producer of the output product and the output product, the producer of the output product can control access to the environmental footprint data associated with the output product. This contrasts with a centralized agency scheme, in which identifiers are provided by such a centralized agency, and access to the data is controlled by such a centralized agency. In this context, decentralized means that the use of the identifier is controlled by the data owner. The data owner can refer to the owner of the environmental footprint data. The data owner can correspond to or be associated with the entity that produces the output product. Environmental footprint data can be stored in dedicated storage devices(s) associated with or accessible to the data owner.

[0064] Distributed identifiers can include one or more identifiers used in a distributed network and allowing data exchange via the distributed network. Data exchange can include distributed identifiers for discovering network nodes in the distributed network, authenticating network nodes in the distributed network, and / or authorizing data transmission via peer-to-peer communication between network nodes in the distributed network. Distributed identifiers can be associated with participants in the product ecosystem, including chemical product producers, intermediate chemical producers, intermediate part producers, component producers, component assembly producers, final product producers, used final product collectors, used final product sorters, used final product recyclers, and / or used final product recyclers. Chemical product producers, intermediate chemical producers, intermediate part producers, component producers, component assembly producers, and / or final product users can be considered final product users. Distributed identifiers can be associated with material entities in the product ecosystem, including (multiple) chemical products, (multiple) intermediate chemical products, (multiple) intermediate parts, (multiple) components, component assemblies, and / or final products.

[0065] Output products can be associated with access elements via distributed identifiers associated with the output products. Access elements can include access data associated with environmental footprint data and one or more distributed identifiers associated with the output products. Access data can include a digital representation of the environmental footprint data. The digital representation can include access data and one or more distributed identifiers. Access data can be provided to a distributed network. Access data can be provided by distributed network nodes associated with a dedicated storage device of the data owner of the environmental footprint data. The data owner can be the output product producer. Environmental footprint data can be stored in a dedicated storage device for access by data consumers(s). The data owner can control access to such environmental footprint data based on the distributed identifiers associated with the environmental footprint data. Access data can include locators or pointers, such as URLs or URIs, pointing to a dedicated storage device (e.g., a dedicated storage address) associated with the data owner of the environmental footprint data. Access data can include or correspond to a representation used to access the environmental footprint data. Pointers or locators can directly point to dedicated storage devices. Pointers or locators can point to data-providing network nodes associated with dedicated storage devices. This improves data security because the dedicated storage address is not published to other participants in the decentralized network, thus avoiding the risk of direct access to the dedicated storage device without access control via network nodes providing distributed data. Access data can include one or more digital links to environmental footprint data. Access elements can allow recursive access to environmental footprint data for each production stage. Access elements can be linked to other access elements associated with the output products of one or more production stages related to the production of the output products, thus allowing recursive access to this environmental footprint data.

[0066] The access element may further include a representation of the environmental footprint data. The access element may include one or more authentication mechanisms associated with the distributed identifier(s) and the access data. The access element may involve one or more authorization mechanisms associated with at least a portion of the distributed identifier(s) and the digital twin of the output product (e.g., environmental footprint data). One or more authorization mechanisms may include authorization rules for determining whether to grant access to the environmental footprint data. One or more authorization mechanisms may be associated with data-providing network nodes associated with the environmental footprint data. One or more authorization mechanisms may be provided for each production stage or each producer in the production chain.

[0067] Access elements can be provided to a decentralized registry that stores access elements. The decentralized registry can be associated with a data-providing network node. This allows control over access to such a registry and access to the access elements(s) stored in such a registry via the data-providing network node. The decentralized registry can be associated with participants in the production chain of the output product; for example, at least a portion of the participants in the production chain of the output product can operate one or more decentralized registries. The decentralized registry can be part of a decentralized network but may not be associated with a specific participant in the production chain of the output product; for example, it can be considered an infrastructure node of the decentralized network. Queries can be sent to the decentralized registry via a data-consuming network node to determine whether the decentralized registry stores access elements(s) that match the query data. Query data can include decentralized identifiers(s). Query data can include output product identifiers(s) or input material identifiers(s). Query data can include decentralized identifiers(s) and output material identifiers(s) or input material identifiers(s). Queries can be sent to the data-providing network node associated with the registry to ensure that only authenticated data-consuming network nodes(s) can query the data contained in the decentralized registry.

[0068] The output product can be part of a product ecosystem. A product ecosystem can include different phases, including manufacturing, use, and reuse. In these phases, one or more ecosystem participants can be responsible for the manufacturing, use, or reuse of the product. For example, the manufacturing phase can include raw material manufacturers, intermediate material manufacturers, and / or final product manufacturers. Furthermore, the use phase can include final product users, final product maintainers, and / or final product distributors. Further, the reuse phase can include collectors, sorters, dismantlers, recyclers, repairers, and / or refurbishers.

[0069] Participants in a product ecosystem can connect via a distributed network. This distributed network can be a peer-to-peer network. It can include computing nodes associated with participants in the product ecosystem and can be configured to perform data transactions. Data (such as environmental footprint data) can be stored on dedicated storage devices associated with each participant. This allows access to the data to be controlled by the data owner (e.g., a participant producing a product associated with the environmental footprint data). Therefore, instead of storing environmental footprint data on multiple nodes in the distributed network (e.g., in a shared ledger or shared database), the data owner retains ownership, allowing them complete control over access to the data. Computing nodes associated with participants in the product ecosystem can be associated with producers, users, or recyclers of physical products (e.g., chemical product producers, intermediate product producers, final product producers, final product users, users of used products, or product recyclers). Data transactions can be based on transaction protocols that include multiple authentication and / or authorization mechanisms. Peer-to-peer communication between computing nodes associated with participants in the product ecosystem can be established based on these authentication and / or authorization mechanisms. The corresponding nodes associated with participants in the product ecosystem of the distributed network can be configured as (multiple) environmental footprint data consumption services (hereinafter referred to as (multiple) distributed data consumption network nodes) and / or (multiple) environmental footprint data service providers (hereinafter referred to as (multiple) distributed data providing network nodes). Distributed data providing network nodes can be configured to provide or send environmental footprint data to other participant nodes in the distributed network. Distributed data providing network nodes can be associated with or connected to a dedicated storage device storing the corresponding environmental footprint data. Distributed data consumption network nodes can be configured to ingest or receive environmental footprint data from other participant nodes in the distributed network. Providing environmental footprint data to distributed data providing network nodes for access by distributed data consumption network nodes can include indirect or direct access to the environmental footprint data by the distributed data consumption network nodes.

[0070] One or more authentication mechanisms may be associated with or linked to a decentralized identifier that is linked to a physical entity associated with (multiple) input materials (e.g., chemical products, intermediate chemical products, components, parts, component assemblies) and (multiple) output products (e.g., (multiple) final products). One or more authentication mechanisms associated with the decentralized identifier may be provided to (multiple) participating nodes. One or more authentication mechanisms associated with the decentralized identifier may be accessed by data service providers and / or data consumption services. Decentralized configurations allow for more efficient use of computing resources and strengthen the control of data owners in decentralized networks. One or more authorization mechanisms may include at least one authorization rule for controlling access to data controlled by the data owner.

[0071] Participants in the product ecosystem can connect via a distributed ledger network. This network can be a peer-to-peer network with multiple nodes. At least some of the nodes can include peer-to-peer applications in the form of a decentralized or distributed ledger. At least some of the nodes can include peer-to-peer applications in the form of a shared database. At least some of the nodes can include the same peer-to-peer application. The decentralized ledger can be configured to store data, such as environmental footprint data. The data can be stored along with some proof or signature. The decentralized ledger can be further configured to store computer code in the form of an executable tool. Specifically, the executable tool can be invoked by initiating a transaction to the (unique) communication address of the executable tool in a so-called 'smart contract'. This executable tool can be processed on multiple nodes of the peer-to-peer network. The executable tool (e.g., a smart contract) or processing logic can be stored and executed under so-called 'cryptographic conditions' of an inter-ledger protocol (ILP), such that not all the code of the executable tool necessarily needs to be stored in a smart contract such as an Ethereum smart contract or a Solana program. Alternatively, executable tools (smart contracts) can be stored and executed on decentralized computing marketplaces (e.g., Ethereum Compute Marketplace, Trubit, Golem, Cryptolets Microsoft).

[0072] A distributed ledger or shared database can be read by participating entities (participants) of a peer-to-peer network. These participating entities can be any entity in the product ecosystem, including raw material manufacturers, chemical product manufacturers, component manufacturers, assembly manufacturers, final product manufacturers, final product users, end-of-life collectors, and recyclers. The distributed ledger or shared database can be read by at least a portion of the participants in the peer-to-peer network. The distributed ledger or shared database (at least the public portion, i.e., potentially without private contracts) can be read by at least every participant in the peer-to-peer network. Peer-to-peer network nodes can send messages to or write messages to peer-to-peer applications. Messages or transactions sent to an executable tool can initiate the execution of the executable tool's code while using data (transaction rules and / or other data) stored in the executable tool. For example, sending transaction data indicating the generation of new units of previously generated tokens (such as environmental credit tokens) to such an executable tool can result in the generation (e.g., minting) of additional units of such tokens.

[0073] Information between peer nodes can be exchanged via a peer-to-peer messaging system. This means that a peer node can send a message to another peer node to submit information or trigger an action. Messages can be plaintext, signed, hashed, timestamped, and / or encrypted. This means that not all data exchanged between peer nodes needs to be stored on a decentralized registry.

[0074] Peer-to-peer applications can be built on top of the following elements: a peer-to-peer network, including a consensus system / protocol, data structures, Merkle trees, public-key signatures, and / or Byzantine fault tolerance. It can replicate data based on consensus principles. It can be auditable and traceable. Peer-to-peer applications can be decentralized ledgers comprising at least two blocks (e.g., blockchains) coupled to each other. A blockchain can be a decentralized, peer-to-peer registry where environmental footprint data can be stored. A blockchain can be permissionless. A blockchain can be permissioned. A blockchain can be public. A blockchain can be consortium blockchain. A blockchain can be private. Alternatively, peer-to-peer applications can consist of multiple blockchains connected via mechanisms such as sidechains or smart contracts. Peer nodes can run one or more different blockchain clients. The data of peer-to-peer applications can be stored on "decentralized ledger technology". Distributed ledgers can manipulate (encrypted) data that is accessible via the internet, such as in distributed data storage devices, object storage and databases (e.g., the InterPlanetary File System (IPFS) or Storj) or distributed blockchain databases (e.g., BigChainDB). Access to encrypted data by third-party entities can be managed via access tools formed as one or more smart contracts on the blockchain.

[0075] Transaction data can be generated and sent to a distributed ledger network via peer modules. Peer modules can provide interface modules (such as application programming interfaces (APIs)) and decentralized applications for communicating with computer nodes or peer applications (such as blockchains or smart contracts on blockchains) within the peer network. For example, a peer module may not include a peer application and may not be a node on the peer network. This allows for a reduction in the processing power required by the peer module. For example, such a peer module can send plaintext or encrypted messages, or generate secure connections (e.g., tunnels) to a peer gateway (or so-called "remote node") to communicate with the peer network. The decentralized application of the software can include local algorithms configured at least to create data (such as transaction data) and transmit that data to the peer application via the API. The decentralized application (so-called "DApp") is configured at least to generate and transmit said data. For example, a peer module can be a so-called "light node" or a decentralized application (DApp) connected to a remote node. Data and messages can be signed or encrypted. Data and messages can be transmitted to peer nodes running peer applications (such as blockchains) via encrypted secure tunnels or secure internet connections. Trusted execution environments (such as Intel SGX, TPM, or Direct Anonymity Proof Modules) can be integrated with peer modules to securely deploy executable tools and / or data onto devices.

[0076] Alternatively, the peer module can be a peer node that includes at least a portion of a peer application. For example, the peer module can include the total data content of the peer application. The peer module can include decentralized applications, APIs, and peer applications such as blockchains or decentralized ledgers.

[0077] A peer-to-peer network can include one or more confirming peer nodes or (multiple) full nodes. Such confirming nodes can be configured to perform the confirmation process, for example, creating new entries in a distributed ledger or shared database. Peer-to-peer network nodes can further include one or more observer nodes. Observer nodes can be configured to confirm transactions to establish a level of trust, but will not confirm all transactions completed by the confirming peer nodes. A peer-to-peer network can include one or more nodes participating in a consensus algorithm. The consensus algorithm can include one or more protocols through which all nodes in the distributed system can reach a joint agreement on the current state of the decentralized network. Consensus algorithms can include Proof-of-Work consensus algorithms, Proof-of-Stake consensus algorithms, Proof-of-History consensus algorithms, Practical Byzantine Fault Tolerance (PBFT), Delegated Proof-of-Stake, Proof-of-Burning, Proof-of-Capacity, Proof-of-Time, Proof-of-Activity, Proof-of-Weight, Proof-of-Importance, Lease Proof-of-Stake, or combinations thereof. Such nodes can append new blocks to the blockchain or store data in a distributed ledger.

[0078] Data stored on a distributed ledger can be stored in plaintext. Data stored on a distributed ledger can be encrypted, and the keys can be disposed of via the distributed ledger. Environmental footprint data associated with (multiple) output products can be stored in plaintext on the blockchain. Privacy-preserving, secure transactions, or the execution of computer code can be achieved using cryptographic tools such as zero-knowledge (zk) proofs or zk concise non-interactive arguments (zk-SNARK). Transactions or algorithms can be divided into two parts: an executable tool on the distributed ledger (e.g., a smart contract) and another executable tool (e.g., a private contract). Privacy-preserving protocols can ensure data privacy and the correctness of code execution (SNARK verification can be performed via on-chain smart contracts). Private contract computation can be performed by a set of nodes, off-chain computers, or in a measured launch environment or a secure hardware enclave for proof and sealing that cannot be manipulated by other software code running on the device. Alternatively, secure multi-party computation (sMPC) systems can be used for transaction privacy. Examples of privacy-preserving protocols and computations include HAWK and MIT Enigma. Zero-knowledge proofs (ZK proofs) allow verification of whether an algorithm executes correctly within a private contract without disclosing input data to the verifier. ZK proofs can be stored in peer-to-peer applications and / or confirmed by peer-to-peer applications. Furthermore, selective privacy can be achieved by decrypting transactions for reporting and auditing purposes using a shared key.

[0079] In this embodiment, providing the generated transaction data to the distributed ledger network includes providing the generated transaction data to a signing module configured to sign the generated transaction data and provide the signed transaction data to the distributed ledger network. The generated transaction data can be signed by one or more private keys. At least one private key can be associated with the address or account of an output producer in such a decentralized network. The signing module can store the corresponding private key(s). The signing module can access a storage device storing the private key(s). Signing the transaction data ensures the integrity and authenticity of the data. The generated transaction data can be signed by more than one private key. The generated transaction data can be signed by a private key selected from a plurality of private keys that can be used to sign the generated transaction data. This allows for improved security because multiple signatures are required for successful verification of the signed transaction data by the nodes(s) of the distributed ledger network.

[0080] In one embodiment, the distributed ledger is a blockchain. The blockchain may include a genesis block. The blockchain may include at least one additional block. Each block of the blockchain may be linked to a previous block. Each block may include one or more transactions. The transactions(s) may include environmental footprint data associated with the(s) output products(s). The(s) transactions(s) may be(s) valid transactions(s), for example, transactions(s)(s) that have been successfully confirmed before being included in the block(s). In another embodiment, the distributed ledger is a distributed database.

[0081] In an embodiment, the transaction data further includes relational data specifying multiple relationships between the production input(s) used to produce the output and the produced output. The relational data may include one or more identifiers associated with the output and one or more identifiers associated with the input(s) used to produce the output. The identifiers associated with the input(s) can be used to collect environmental footprint data associated with such input(s). Therefore, with this data, environmental footprint data associated with the input(s) can be collected at each stage of production.

[0082] In this embodiment, environmental footprint data includes one or more characteristics of the output product that can assign environmental impacts to the input materials(s) used to produce the output product, the processes(s) used to produce the output product, and the use of the output product. Environmental footprint data that can assign environmental impacts to the use of the output product can be determined based on the measured carbon content of the output product, as described later. Because the climatologically effective residence time of anthropogenic CO2 in the atmosphere is much longer than the duration of use of the output product by its users, additionally considering the environmental impacts of using the output product allows for a more reliable and accurate determination of the true environmental impacts associated with the output product. The environmental impacts of the input materials(s) can include environmental footprint data associated with said input materials(s). Such environmental footprint data can be collected from distributed networks, as described later.

[0083] In this embodiment, the environmental footprint data further includes environmental characteristic data. The environmental characteristic data may include (multiple) environmental, technological, recyclable, and / or circular characteristics associated with the environmental impact of the output products. These (multiple) environmental, technological, recyclable, and / or circular characteristics include those previously described.

[0084] In this embodiment, environmental footprint data is associated with the physical entity of the output product. The physical entity of the output product may refer to packaged output products. The physical entity of the output product may refer to a batch of output products. The physical entity of the output product may refer to a packaging unit containing the output products. The output products contained within the packaging unit may be discrete or non-discrete output products.

[0085] In this embodiment, the environmental footprint data includes carbon footprint data, which is correlated with the amount of CO2 equivalent per defined quantity of output product. The amount of CO2 equivalent can be determined based on environmental footprint data associated with (multiple) input materials used to produce the output product, (multiple) processes used to produce the output product, and the carbon content contained in the output product. The CO2 equivalent can represent an indicator measure used to compare emissions from greenhouse gases (such as carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, ozone, chlorofluorocarbons, hydrofluorocarbons, and perfluorocarbons) based on their global warming potential (GWP), by converting the amounts of other gases into equivalent amounts of carbon dioxide with the same GWP. The defined quantity of output product can correspond to the amount of output product sold to the output product user. This quantity can be given by weight. This quantity can be given by volume. This quantity can be given by time, such as days, hours, and / or minutes. If the output product is packaged, the carbon footprint data of the output product can correspond to the sum of the carbon footprint data of the packaging unit and the carbon footprint data of the output product contained within the packaging unit. For example, the amount of CO2 equivalent per weight of packaging unit can be added to the amount of CO2 equivalent of the output product contained in each weight of packaging unit.

[0086] In this embodiment, carbon content refers to downstream environmental footprint data associated with the use and / or disposal phases of the output product. The output product may be a final product. The climatologically effective residence time of anthropogenic carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is much longer than the use and / or disposal phases of the output product. Therefore, during the use and / or disposal phases of the output product, the carbon content contained in the output product will not degrade in the atmosphere, and thus this carbon content needs to be considered when determining the environmental impact associated with the output product, regardless of how the output product is used.

[0087] In an embodiment, the environmental footprint data associated with the output product is further determined based on production data associated with the production of the output product and environmental footprint data associated with the input materials(s) used to produce the output product. Production data may include process data collected from the production of the output product and energy data related to energy use in the production of the output product. Process data may include bill of materials data defining the input materials(s) used to produce the output product and their corresponding quantities(s). Process data may include data associated with the process equipment(s) used to produce the output product. Process data may include process parameters(s) used to produce the output product. This process data may be used to determine the input materials(s), their corresponding quantities(s), and the corresponding process equipment(s). Process data may be used to determine energy data associated with the determined process equipment(s). Energy data may include data associated with the energy consumed by the process equipment(s). Energy data may further include data associated with the environmental footprint of the energy consumed by the process equipment(s). The determined input materials(s) may be used to collect environmental footprint data associated with the input materials(s). For example, the input material(s) ...(s)(s))(s)(s)(s)(s)(s)(s)(s)(s The identified distributed identifiers can then be used to collect environmental footprint data associated with the input material via a distributed network.

[0088] In this embodiment, data related to the production of the output product is collected in connection with the production of the output product by its producer. The collected data may be stored in one or more databases associated with or accessible to the producer of the output product. The producer of the output product may collect production-related data during the production of the output product. Production-related data may be collected in connection with the production of the output product. Production-related data may be collected before, during, or after the production of the output product. Production-related data may be collected at each stage of the production of the output product. A production stage may include any production step in the production chain of the output product. The production chain may include one or more stages necessary to produce the output product from one or more production inputs.

[0089] In this embodiment, the data related to the production of the output product includes input data associated with one or more production inputs used to produce the output product, and in particular, multiple distributed identifiers and / or multiple output product identifiers associated with one or more production inputs. The multiple output product identifiers may include a name, multiple serial numbers, multiple batch numbers, multiple LOT numbers, or combinations thereof.

[0090] In an embodiment, the access element further includes relational access data associated with relational data specifying the relationships between the production input(s)(s) used to produce the output product and the produced output product(s). The access data may be associated with distributed relational identifiers. Distributed relational identifiers may allow the collection of relational data from associated data-providing network nodes. Relationship access data may include locators or pointers to dedicated storage devices associated with the relational dataset (e.g., digital relations). Relationship access data may include one or more digital links to the relational data. Relationship access data may include locators or pointers to dedicated storage addresses storing the relational data, such as URLs or URIs. The relational data may specify the production input(s) used to produce the output product(s). The relational data may be stored on dedicated storage devices associated with the data owner of the corresponding environmental footprint data (e.g., the output product producer). The relational data may include one or more distributed identifiers associated with the output product(s) and one or more distributed identifiers associated with the production input(s) used to produce the output product(s). The distributed identifiers associated with the production input(s)(s) can be used to collect the access elements(s) and associated environmental footprint data. Therefore, this access to data allows access to environmental footprint data associated with (multiple) production inputs at each stage of production.

[0091] Relational data can involve authorization rules that grant access to the data based on decentralized participant identifiers. Decentralized participant identifiers can be associated with data-consuming network nodes requesting access to multiple relational datasets. Decentralized participant identifiers can also be associated with participants in a decentralized network that are associated with data-consuming network nodes requesting access to multiple relational data. Furthermore, decentralized participant identifiers can be associated with data-consuming network nodes associated with downstream participants in the product ecosystem. In this way, access to sensitive data related to the bill of materials of output products in the production chain can be restricted to specific network nodes associated with access to data such as environmental footprint data. Additionally, data access can help determine the environmental footprint data of output products for production chain participants.

[0092] In an embodiment, the method further includes the step of generating a relational access element based on a plurality of distributed identifiers associated with one or more production inputs for producing the output product. Generating the relational access element may include...

[0093] • Generate a relational dataset based on one or more distributed identifiers associated with one or more production inputs used to produce the final product or its components.

[0094] • Generate relational access data associated with this relational dataset.

[0095] • Provide the distributed relation identifier associated with this relation dataset,

[0096] • Generate a relation access element that includes the distributed relation identifier and the relation access data.

[0097] A relational dataset may include multiple distributed identifiers associated with one or more production inputs used to produce an output product, and multiple distributed identifiers of the output product produced from such production inputs. The relational dataset may include relationships between distributed identifiers representing production relationships. Relationships between the multiple distributed identifiers associated with the output product and the multiple distributed identifiers of the production inputs may be reflected by attributes associated with the distributed identifiers. For example, the multiple distributed identifiers associated with the production inputs may be assigned the attribute "child identifier." The multiple distributed identifiers of the output product may be assigned the attribute "parent identifier." The relational dataset may be generated at each stage of the production of the output product. In other words, the relational dataset may be generated for each producer in the production chain of the output product. The relational dataset may be stored in a dedicated storage device associated with the producer of the output product. Relationship access data may include locators or pointers that locate or point to the dedicated storage device associated with the relational dataset (e.g., a digital relationship). Relationship access data may include one or more digital links pointing to the relational dataset. Relationship access data may include locators or pointers, such as URLs or URIs, pointing to a dedicated storage address where the relational dataset is stored.

[0098] Relationship access elements can involve authorization rules that grant access to (multiple) relationship datasets based on distributed participant identifiers.

[0099] Relationship access elements can be provided for access to the relational dataset by one or more data consuming network nodes under the control of data providing network nodes associated with it. Data providing network nodes can be associated with production participants in a production chain that produces output products. Relationship access elements can be provided to a decentralized registry storing access elements, as previously described. The decentralized registry can be associated with a decentralized participant that owns the relational dataset.

[0100] In this embodiment, the access elements involve authorization rules that grant access to environmental footprint data based on distributed participant identifiers. The access elements may involve authorization rules that grant access to environmental footprint data to selected participants in the product ecosystem, particularly downstream participants of the output product producers.

[0101] In an embodiment, the method further includes the step of aggregating the collected production-related data. Aggregating the collected production-related data, particularly the collected environmental footprint data, may include aggregating carbon footprint data included within the environmental footprint data. Data can be collected at each stage of production. Data collected at each production stage can be aggregated. Aggregation can be performed before generating access data. Access data can be associated with the aggregated data. This allows for the generation of access elements for accessing the aggregated data. Attached Figure Description

[0102] 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.

[0103] Figure 1 This demonstrates an example of the product lifecycle, including the production of the product (final product), the use of the product, and the disposal of obsolete products resulting from the use of the product.

[0104] Figure 2 The system boundary definition according to the GHG protocol is shown.

[0105] Figure 3A Examples of cumulative emissions in Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3 are shown during the production of the final product using (multiple) fossil input materials through multiple production steps.

[0106] Figure 3B Examples of cumulative emissions in Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3 are shown during the production of the final product through multiple production steps using a mixture of (multiple) fossil input materials and recycled input materials.

[0107] Figure 4 This paper presents the first example of a participant network for a product ecosystem associated with a decentralized peer-to-peer network for exchanging environmental footprint data associated with input materials, (multiple) chemical products, (multiple) discrete products and (multiple) final products.

[0108] Figure 5 Another example of a participant network for an ecosystem of products associated with a distributed ledger network is shown, which exchanges environmental footprint data associated with input materials, (multiple) chemical products, (multiple) discrete products and (multiple) final products.

[0109] Figure 6A Examples of methods for generating environmental footprint data associated with chemical products produced by chemical production, generating access elements associated with the environmental footprint data, and providing the generated access elements for accessing the environmental footprint data to a distributed network are presented.

[0110] Figure 6B Examples of methods for generating environmental footprint data associated with the final product using acquired carbon content data, generating access elements associated with the environmental footprint data, and providing the generated access elements for accessing the environmental footprint data to a distributed network are presented.

[0111] Figure 7 This presents a first example of a digital access element that is associated with input materials or the output products produced and includes distributed identifiers and access data.

[0112] Figure 8 A second example is shown, which is associated with the input material or the output product produced and includes a distributed identifier and access data.

[0113] Figure 9 Demonstrated via Figure 4 and Figure 6B The distributed peer-to-peer network exchange and the environmental footprint data associated with the final products are shown in the figure.

[0114] Figure 10 A graphical user interface was demonstrated, which displays information related to the final product and such as... Figure 7 or Figure 10 The environmental footprint data was collected from a distributed network.

[0115] Figure 11A Examples of methods for generating environmental footprint data associated with chemical products produced by chemical production, generating transaction data associated with the environmental footprint data, and providing the generated transaction data to a distributed ledger network to store the transaction data within the distributed ledger of the distributed ledger network are presented.

[0116] Figure 11B Examples of methods are shown for generating environmental footprint data associated with the final product using acquired carbon content data, generating transaction data associated with the environmental footprint data, and providing the generated transaction data to a distributed ledger network to store the transaction data within the distributed ledger of the distributed ledger network.

[0117] Figure 12 Demonstrated via Figure 5 or Figure 9 The distributed ledger network shown in section B exchanges environmental footprint data associated with the final products.

[0118] Figure 13 A flowchart illustrating a first example of a method for monitoring the environmental impact associated with the use of a final product by a user, according to embodiments of this disclosure.

[0119] Figure 14 A flowchart illustrating a second example of a method for monitoring the environmental impact associated with the use of the final product by a user, according to embodiments of this disclosure.

[0120] Figure 15 A flowchart illustrating an embodiment of this disclosure is provided for determining environmental footprint data associated with multiple output products produced from one or more input materials.

[0121] Figure 16 A method for accessing environmental footprint data associated with (multiple) products from a distributed network, according to embodiments of this disclosure, is demonstrated. Detailed Implementation

[0122] Figure 1 The product lifecycle 102 is illustrated, which includes the production of the product (also referred to as the final product below), the use of the product, the disposal of the product, and the recycling of at least a portion of the disposed product, or the incineration of the disposed product, or the accumulation of the disposed product in a landfill. The final product 110 can be produced via one or more production steps. The final product 110 can be produced from one or more chemical products 106. One or more chemical products 106 can further be produced from input material 104 and / or recycled material 118. The chemical products 106 can be used to produce one or more discrete products 108, such as components or parts. The final product 110 can be produced from one or more discrete products 108. The final product 110 can be produced from one or more chemical products 106. The final product 110 can be produced from one or more chemical products 106 and one or more discrete products 108. The final product 110 can be used by the final product user (e.g., a customer or consumer). The final product user can dispose of the old final product (also referred to as the end-of-life product below) at a certain point in time. Waste products can be collected and disposed of. The collected waste products can be sorted. The collected or sorted waste products can be incinerated or stockpiled at landfills. The collected or sorted waste products can be at least partially recycled. The recycled material 118 obtained from this recycling can be used to produce additional chemical products 106. This allows for a circular flow of materials.

[0123] Figure 2 This demonstrates the system boundary definition according to the GHG protocol. A crucial factor in reducing global greenhouse gas emissions, particularly CO2 emissions, is quantitative knowledge about how much of their emissions are associated with products along their life cycle. The life cycle can include the production value chain and the use phase. The life cycle can include the production value chain, the use phase, and the end-of-life phase. This is in contrast to output products (e.g., any product produced by any entity within the product ecosystem—see also...). Figure 4 and Figure 5 The associated environmental footprint data can include product carbon footprint (PCF) data. PCF can involve the climate impact of output products and can summarize the total greenhouse gas emissions generated by output products at different stages of their life cycle.

[0124] Cradle-to-Gate or Partial Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) 216 can refer to the total greenhouse gas emissions from resource extraction to the production of the output product, expressed in CO2 equivalent. In this example, the output product can be a final product purchased by a customer. The output product can be produced by production facility 210. Cradle-to-Gate PCF can include all direct greenhouse gas emissions related to the output product from production processes owned or controlled by the entity operating production facility 210 (also referred to as Scope 1214 emissions). Cradle-to-Gate PCF can further include emissions from the generation of energy (such as electricity and steam) purchased by the entity operating production facility 210 for the production of the output product (also referred to as Scope 2212 emissions). Cradle-to-Gate PCF can further include upstream emissions occurring throughout the lifecycle of the input material until the point of receipt by the entity operating production facility 210 (also referred to as Scope 3 upstream 206).

[0125] Compared to cradle-to-gate PCF, cradle-to-grave PCF 226 considers additional emissions associated with the use of the output product (such as the final product) and / or the end-of-life phase of the output product (e.g., range 3 downstream 224). Within this disclosure, the carbon content within the output product can be considered as the only additional emissions to the range 3 downstream (end-of-life “grave”) emissions; for example, range 3 downstream 224 does not consider all other emissions during the use phase (e.g., transportation and use-related emissions).

[0126] Figure 3A An example of the cumulative Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3 emissions during the production of a final product using (multiple) fossil input materials through multiple production steps is illustrated. (Multiple) fossil input materials (such as naphtha and / or natural gasoline from crude oil) may be used in a first production step, for example, performed by a refinery / cracking plant 304. The fossil input materials may be associated with environmental footprint data. Environmental footprint data may include the product carbon footprint associated with Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions 310 generated from the production of the fossil input materials. This product carbon footprint data may be further associated with Scope 3 emissions 310 generated by employee commutes of the entity producing the fossil input materials. The environmental footprint data associated with the fossil input materials may be accessed by downstream participants (such as the entity operating the PP / PE facility 306) via a distributed network, for example in... Figure 4 A to Figure 5 The context described for B.

[0127] The cracking unit of refinery / cracking plant 304 may include a steam cracking unit that breaks down saturated hydrocarbons into smaller, typically unsaturated hydrocarbons. A steam cracking unit is a facility in which lighter hydrocarbons are produced by thermally cracking fossil feedstocks (such as naphtha, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), ethane, propane, or butane) and / or non-fossil feedstocks using steam in a steam cracking furnace or electric furnace.

[0128] The effluent from the cracking unit may contain light olefins, C4 products, and heavy cracking products (such as C5, C6, C7, C8, C9, C10, C20, C4, C4, C5, C6, C7, C8, C9, C10 ... 10 The effluent (of a product) or mixture. The effluent can be separated in a separator. The effluent can be separated into different fractions. The light olefin fraction may include ethylene and propylene.

[0129] C4 fractions can contain gaseous mixtures including C4 olefins, from which butadiene and isobutylene can be extracted. Their residues (a mixture of butene and butane) can be used as chemical intermediates in other production processes. Butadiene and its derivatives can be used as chemical intermediates in the production of final products such as tires, paper, plastics, rubber, petroleum, lubricants, or perfumes. Isobutylene and its derivatives can be used as chemical intermediates in the production of isobutylene rubber and in the production of polyisobutylene to obtain final products (such as tires, paper, plastics, rubber, petroleum, lubricants, or perfumes).

[0130] The fractions from the heavy cracking unit may contain 5 to 12 hydrocarbon atoms (e.g., C5 non-aromatics, C7 / C8 mixtures, C9). C5 non-aromatics may be chemical intermediates used to produce (multiple) other chemical intermediates (such as mixtures of cyclopentane and n / i pentane) or (multiple) chemical products. Unhydrogenated or hydrogenated C9 fractions, C7 / C8 mixtures, or xylene mixtures may be used to produce (multiple) other chemical intermediates (such as hydrocarbon resins), as blending components for premium gasoline, or as chemical intermediates for the production of benzene.

[0131] Ethylene and / or propylene from the cracking unit effluent can be used as input materials for PP / PE facility 306 to produce polyethylene (PE) and / or polypropylene (PP). Ethylene and propylene can also be associated with the environmental footprint data as described above. The environmental footprint data may include the product carbon footprint associated with Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions 312 generated from the production of ethylene and propylene, respectively. The product carbon footprint data may be further associated with Scope 3 emissions 310 (e.g., upstream of Scope 3, see Scope 3) associated with the production of fossil input materials for refinery / cracking plant 304. Figure 2 The environmental footprint data associated with ethylene and propylene, respectively, can be accessed by downstream participants (such as end-product producers 408) via a distributed network, for example in... Figures 4 to 10 As described in the context of [the above description], polyethylene can be produced within the PP / PE facility 306 via catalytic polymerization. Suitable catalysts may include titanium catalysts (such as titanium chloride (III)) and chromium catalysts (such as chromium oxide (VI) deposited on silica). Polypropylene can be produced within the PP / PE facility 306 via various catalytic polymerization processes. Example processes include gas-phase polymerization, bulk polymerization, and slurry polymerization. In gas-phase and slurry reactors, polypropylene is formed around heterogeneous catalyst particles. Gas-phase polymerization can be carried out in a fluidized bed reactor, where propylene passes through a bed containing a heterogeneous (solid) catalyst. The resulting polypropylene can be separated as a fine powder and converted into granules, while unreacted propylene can be recovered and returned to the reactor. In bulk polymerization, liquid propylene can act as a solvent to prevent the formed polypropylene from precipitating. Pressure can be applied to keep the propylene in a liquid state. In slurry polymerization, propylene can be introduced into C4-C6 alkanes (butane, pentane, or hexane) as an inert diluent to suspend the grown polypropylene particles.

[0132] Polypropylene (PP) produced by PP / PE facility 306 can be used as an input material by end-product producer 408 to produce end products, such as plastic articles made of PP. Polypropylene can also be associated with environmental footprint data as described above. Environmental footprint data can include the product carbon footprint associated with Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3 emissions 314 generated from the production of polypropylene. Product carbon footprint data can be further associated with Scope 3 emissions 310 and 312 associated with input materials used in the production of polypropylene (e.g., fossil input materials and propylene). Environmental footprint data associated with polypropylene can be accessed by downstream participants (such as end-product producer 408) via a distributed network, for example in… Figure 4 A to Figure 5 The final product can be produced from polypropylene via a variety of processes, including rotational molding, vacuum forming, injection molding, extrusion, and blow molding.

[0133] The final product may be purchased by the end-product user (such as a consumer or customer). The final product can also be associated with environmental footprint data as described above. Environmental footprint data may include the product carbon footprint associated with Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3 emissions 316 generated from the production of the final product. The product carbon footprint data may be further associated with Scope 3 upstream emissions 310, 312, and 314 associated with the input materials used in the production of the final product (e.g., fossil input materials, propylene, and polypropylene). The product carbon footprint may be further associated with Scope 3 downstream emissions due to the use of fossil input materials. Therefore, the cradle-to-gate product carbon footprint of the final product can be represented by the sum of Scope 3 upstream emissions (e.g., 310, 312, 314) and Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3 emissions (e.g., 316) associated with the production of the final product.

[0134] For cradle-to-grave PCF 320, downstream emissions in range 3 need to be considered (see [reference]). Figure 2 Given that 99.999% of all matter is converted into CO2 within a timeframe shorter than the climatologically effective residence time of anthropogenic CO2 (e.g., CO2 emissions from human activities) in the atmosphere, the carbon content 308 of the final products produced during their production due to the use of fossil input materials can be used to determine range 3 downstream emissions. Using the carbon content of the final products as a measure of range 3 downstream emissions allows for a reliable and simple consideration of these emissions, regardless of the specific use of the final products, thus making greenhouse gas emissions resulting from the use of final products more transparent. Transparency of range 3 downstream emissions can incentivize the production and consumption of final products associated with reduced range 3 downstream emissions, as will be discussed later, for example, regarding... Figure 13 As described.

[0135] Environmental footprint data associated with the final product can be accessed by downstream participants (such as end-product user 410) via a distributed network, for example in Figure 7 and Figure 10 As described in the context.

[0136] Figure 3B An example of the cumulative emissions of Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3 during the production of the final product using a mixture of (multiple) fossil input materials and recycled input materials through multiple production steps is shown. The production process of the final product and the cumulative emissions of Scope 1, 2, and 3 can be illustrated as follows: Figure 3A Execute as described in the context.

[0137] and Figure 3AIn contrast, a mixture of fossil and recycled input materials can be used in the first production step, for example as feedstock to refinery / cracking plant 304. Examples of recycled materials suitable for use within 304 may include recycled materials such as pyrolysis oil (tar), pyrolysis wax, pyrolysis gas, and / or pyrolysis coke produced from the pyrolysis of the waste stream. For downstream emissions in range 3, the carbon content of the recycled materials can be disregarded, as this carbon content has already been considered with respect to the final products from which the recycled materials are produced (e.g., with respect to the final products forming the waste stream).

[0138] Waste streams can include at least a portion of post-industrial materials, or post-consumer materials, or both. Post-consumer materials can be materials that have been used at least once for their intended application (regardless of wear) over any period of time, or materials that have been sold to end-user customers, or materials discarded by any individual or entity other than the manufacturer or enterprise engaged in the manufacture or sale of the material. Post-industrial materials can be materials that have been manufactured but not yet used for their intended application, or materials that have not been sold to end-user customers, or materials discarded by the manufacturer or any other entity engaged in the sale of the material. Examples of post-industrial materials include reworked, retoughened, scrapped, trimmed, non-conforming materials, and finished materials transferred from the manufacturer to any downstream customer (e.g., manufacturer to wholesaler to distributor) but not yet used or sold to end-user customers. Waste streams can be separated into one type of waste stream with specific waste materials, or they can be mixed waste streams. Waste streams can be mixed plastic waste streams. Waste streams can be waste streams from end-of-life tires.

[0139] Examples of plastics that may be included in the waste stream include: high-density polyethylene and its copolymers, low-density polyethylene and its copolymers, polypropylene and its copolymers, other polyolefins, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC), polyesters (including polyethylene terephthalate, copolyesters, and terephthalate copolyesters (e.g., containing residues of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol, CHDM cyclohexanediol, neopentyl glycol monomers, or propylene glycol), polyethylene terephthalate, polyamides, and poly(methyl methacrylate). Polytetrafluoroethylene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyurethane, cellulose and its derivatives (such as cellulose acetate, cellulose diacetate, cellulose triacetate, cellulose propionate, cellulose butyrate); regenerated cellulose products (such as viscose and rayon), epoxy resins, polyamides, phenolic resins, polyacetals, polycarbonates, polyphenylene-based alloys, polypropylene and its copolymers, polystyrene, styrene compounds, vinyl-based compounds, styrene-acrylonitrile, thermoplastic elastomers, urea-based polymers and / or polymers containing melamine.

[0140] Using a mixed input material stream containing both fossil and recycled input materials as feedstock for the refinery / cracking plant 304 reduces range 3 downstream emissions within the cradle-to-grave PCF 320 associated with the final product, since range 3 downstream emissions are determined solely by considering the carbon content resulting from the use of fossil-based input materials. The same logic can be applied to the use of (multiple) renewable input materials, as these renewable input materials capture carbon dioxide during their growth. Therefore, using (multiple) recycled and / or (multiple) renewable input materials during the production of (multiple) final products can reduce range 3 downstream emissions associated with the use of final products, thereby producing final products with reduced environmental impact.

[0141] Figure 4 This paper presents a first example of a participant network in a product ecosystem associated with a decentralized peer-to-peer network for exchanging environmental footprint data associated with input materials, (multiple) chemical products, (multiple) discrete products, and (multiple) end products. The decentralized network environment may include a decentralized participant network 430. The decentralized participant network 430 may include one or more decentralized network participants 402 to 414. The decentralized network participants may be part of a product ecosystem that includes chemical products. The product ecosystem may include a production chain that produces the end product. The product ecosystem may include a recycling chain to recover at least a portion of the end-of-life products generated from the use of the end product. The product ecosystem may include an original input material producer 404, a chemical product producer 402, a discrete product producer 406, an end-of-life product producer 408, an end-of-life product user 410, an EOL product collector 412, and a recycler 414. The decentralized participant network 430 may be a chemical supply chain. The product ecosystem may allow the production of new products, such as chemical products, using materials generated from the recycling of end-of-life products. The product ecosystem may be associated with the production and / or recycling of physical products. Products can be chemical products, intermediate chemical products, components, component assemblies, final products, scrapped products, or recycled products.

[0142] The decentralized participant network 430 may include participants(s) associated with the production and / or recycling of products. Decentralized network participants 402 through 414 may refer to manufacturers of physical products, such as input material producers 404, chemical product producers 402, discrete product producers 406, final product producers 408, users of physical goods (e.g., final product user 410), and / or participants in recycling chains associated with physical products (e.g., EOL product collectors 412 and recyclers 414). Decentralized network participants may be associated with decentralized participant identifiers. These identifiers uniquely identify decentralized network participants within the decentralized participant network 430.

[0143] Multiple participants in a distributed participant network 430 can be connected via material flows 436 and 438. Material flows 436 and 438 can correspond to the flow of product from one participant in the distributed participant network 430 to a downstream participant in the distributed participant network 430. Material flows 436 and 438 can refer to continuous or discontinuous flows of product. The flow of product can include any mode of transport suitable for transporting product from a participant to a downstream participant. The mode of transport can include pipes, containers, barrels, and packages. Material flow 438 can be associated with raw materials 418 (e.g., virgin raw materials) used to produce chemical products. Raw materials can be supplied to chemical product producers 402 for the production of (multiple) chemical products and / or (multiple) intermediate chemical products (not shown). Material flow 436 can be associated with (multiple) chemical products 420. (Multiple) chemical products 420 can be supplied to discrete product producers 406 for the production of (multiple) discrete products. The discrete products produced are different units sold as a single product, as opposed to chemical production. Material flow 436 can be a circular material flow and can be associated with recycled material 416. Recycled material 416 can be provided to chemical product producer 402 for the production of (multiple) chemical products.

[0144] At least some of the participants in the distributed participant network 430 may be associated with distributed participant network nodes 416 to 428. Distributed participant nodes 416 to 428 may be under the control of the corresponding distributed participant associated with the respective distributed participant node. Distributed participant nodes 416 to 428 may form a distributed network 434. Distributed network 434 may be a peer-to-peer communication network. Distributed network 434 may be configured to execute data transactions 432. Data transactions 432 may be based on a transaction protocol including (multiple) authentication and / or authorization mechanisms. Based on (multiple) authentication and / or authorization mechanisms, peer-to-peer communication may be established between distributed network nodes 416 to 428 associated with distributed network participants 402 to 414. One or more authentication mechanisms may be associated with or linked to a distributed identifier, such as in... Figure 9 The context described above. One or more authentication mechanisms associated with the decentralized identifier can be accessed by decentralized participant nodes, as in... Figure 9 As described in the context, distributed configurations allow for more efficient use of computing resources and strengthen the control of data owners in distributed networks.

[0145] Data transactions between participating nodes in a decentralized network can be based on decentralized identifiers associated with the corresponding product data to be accessed, for example, as in... Figures 6A to 7As described in the context of [the document / concept]. A distributed identifier can be uniquely associated with the physical entity of a product and the associated product data. A distributed identifier can uniquely identify a corresponding product within a distributed network. A distributed identifier can be associated with other distributed identifiers, such as distributed identifiers of multiple products used to produce that product. This allows tracking of multiple products used to produce the product (e.g., the final product). Distributed identifiers can be included in the digital access elements associated with the product, for example, as in [the document / concept]. Figures 6A to 9 Described in the context of.

[0146] Data flows 432 (e.g., transactions) between distributed network participant nodes can be directly or indirectly associated with material flows 436, 438 between distributed network participants. For example, if data associated with input materials provided from input material producer 404 to chemical product producer 402 is accessed by a distributed participant node 418 associated with said chemical product producer 402, then data flow 432 can be directly associated with material flows 436, 438. For example, if data associated with chemical products produced by chemical product producer 402 is accessed by a distributed participant node 428 associated with recycler 414, then data flow 432 can be indirectly associated with material flow 436.

[0147] Distributed participant nodes 416 to 428 may be distributed computing nodes. A distributed “computing node” can be any device or system comprising at least one physical tangible processor and physical tangible memory capable of having computer-executable instructions executed by the processor thereon. The memory can take any form and depends on the nature and form of the computing node.

[0148] At least some of the distributed participant nodes 416 to 428 may be distributed data providing network nodes. At least some of the participant nodes 416 to 428 may be distributed data consuming network nodes. Participants in the distributed participant network 430 may be associated with distributed data providing network nodes and / or distributed data consuming network nodes, depending on whether the data is provided to downstream participants or consumed from upstream participants. For example, input material producer 404 may be associated with a distributed data providing network node configured to provide input material data to downstream participants (e.g., chemical product producer 402), for example, as in Figure 6A As described in the context. Alternatively, chemical product producer 402 may be associated with a decentralized data consumption network node configured to access data associated with recycled input materials produced by upstream participants (e.g., recycler 414).

[0149] The distributed network 434 may include additional distributed network nodes. These additional distributed network nodes may be distributed infrastructure service nodes (...). Figure 4 (Not shown in the image). Distributed infrastructure service nodes may not be associated with participants in the product ecosystem. Distributed infrastructure service nodes can provide services to distributed participant nodes 416 to 428, such as verifying the identity of distributed network participant nodes 416 to 428 before performing data exchange. Distributed network participant nodes 416 to 428 may be associated with or include multiple certificates, such as multiple X.509 certificates. Multiple certificates may be associated with multiple distributed infrastructure service nodes, which may include, for example, certificate issuance services and / or dynamic provisioning services that provide dynamic attribute tokens (e.g., OAuth access tokens). Thus, distributed network participant nodes 416 to 428 have a unique identifier embedded in the X.509 certificate that identifies the respective distributed network participant node 416 to 428. The information required to verify the certificate can be provided via a certification registry associated with the certificate issuance service and / or dynamic provisioning service. For example, in the IDSA Reference Architecture Model version 3.0 in April 2019, decentralized data provisioning network nodes associated with data owners, Certificate Authorities (CAs), Dynamic Attribute Provisioning Services (DAPS), and decentralized data consuming network nodes associated with data consumers verify identities (not shown) before performing data exchange.

[0150] Figure 5 Another example of a participant network in a product ecosystem associated with a distributed ledger network is shown, which exchanges environmental footprint data associated with input materials, (multiple) chemical products, (multiple) discrete products, and (multiple) final products. The participant network can be a decentralized participant network 516. The decentralized participant network 516 can include one or more decentralized network participants 404 to 414. The decentralized network participants can be part of a product ecosystem that includes final products, such as in... Figure 4 As described in the context.

[0151] The decentralized participant network 516 comprises (multiple) participants who may be associated with the production and / or recycling of the product. Decentralized network participants 404 to 414 may refer to manufacturers of the physical product, users of the physical goods, and / or participants in the recycling chain associated with the physical product, such as in... Figure 4As described in the context of the distributed ledger network 520, decentralized network participants can have accounts on the distributed ledger network 520. An account can be associated with at least one unique address. The account and therefore the address can uniquely identify a decentralized network participant within the decentralized participant network 516. An account can be associated with multiple credentials of the decentralized participant. Credentials may include certificates and / or public-private key pairs. Multiple credentials can be used to control access to the distributed ledger network 520 and / or data (such as transactions) stored therein. Multiple credentials can be used to control accounts on the distributed ledger network 520.

[0152] Multiple participants in a distributed participant network 516 can be connected via material flows 436 and 438, as shown in... Figure 4 Described in the context of.

[0153] At least some of the participants in participant network 516 may be associated with or have access to distributed network nodes 502 to 514. Distributed network nodes 502 to 514 may form distributed ledger network 520. Distributed ledger network 520 may be a peer-to-peer network. Peer-to-peer network may not include a central instance and / or third-party organizations. Each node 502 to 514 and / or each participant 404 to 414 of peer-to-peer network 520 may be at least connectable to each other node of peer-to-peer network 520 and / or participant of distributed participant network 516. For example, at least one physical standard network (wired and / or wireless) may be used for connectivity. For communication via at least one physical standard network, suitable transceiver modules may be deployed in the respective entities / devices. Nodes 502 to 514 may have equal permissions, which distinguishes them from a server-client architecture.

[0154] Nodes 502 to 514 may include peer-to-peer applications. The same peer-to-peer application can be implemented on each node 502 to 514; for example, each node may include the same content, and the same code (including one or more executable tools) can be executed on each node. The peer-to-peer application can preferably be a distributed ledger, such as a blockchain. The distributed ledger can be inspected by all participants in the product ecosystem (404 to 414). The distributed ledger can also be inspected by other entities that are not part of the product ecosystem, for example, for auditing purposes or to support purchasing decisions. In one example, each of nodes 502 to 514 may store the (entire) distributed ledger, such as a blockchain. In another example, only a portion of the distributed ledger may be provided on a node (a light node).

[0155] Peer applications can be configured to store environmental footprint data associated with (multiple) input materials, (multiple) chemical products, (multiple) intermediate chemical products, (multiple) components, (multiple) parts, part assemblies, and / or final products. Peer applications can be configured to store at least environmental footprint data associated with the final product.

[0156] At least some of participants 404 to 414 may be associated with nodes running peer-to-peer applications. For example, participants 404 to 414 may run peer-to-peer applications on nodes 502 to 514. At least some of participants 404 to 414 may be connected to peer-to-peer network 520 via a peer module. The peer module may be configured to communicate at least with peer-to-peer network 520 (i.e., nodes 502 to 514 of peer-to-peer network 520). Therefore, the peer module may be a participant in peer-to-peer network 520. The peer module may not include the peer-to-peer application. Such a peer module may be configured to provide access to the peer-to-peer application, for example, via an API (Application Programming Interface). Such a peer module (which is also a node or light node) may include a decentralized application and at least an API. Therefore, such a peer module may access or may connect to a "gateway" of nodes (such as nodes 502 to 514) running a peer-to-peer network (so-called remote nodes). The peer module may be configured to generate transaction data, for example, as in Figure 11A and Figure 11B The context is described below. A peer module can be configured to, for example, sign the generated transaction data using a private key associated with the corresponding participant in network 520. A peer module can be configured to provide the generated transaction data to peer network 520 for processing. A peer module can be configured to query peer network 520 to obtain data. For example, a peer module can be configured to retrieve data from peer network 520, such as token units stored in one or more addresses associated with the peer module (e.g., the address of the corresponding participant running the peer module).

[0157] Peer-to-peer network 520 can be configured to execute data transactions 518. Such data transactions 518 can be associated with material flows 436, 438 between participants in a decentralized participant network 516. Data transactions 518 can include data transactions between a peer module and peer-to-peer network 520. For example, a peer module can be configured to generate transaction data and provide the generated transaction data to peer-to-peer network 520. Transaction data can be associated with the storage of environmental footprint data, such as in... Figure 11A and Figure 11BAs described in the context, data transaction 518 may include data transactions between peer nodes 502 to 514. For example, a data transaction received by a node of peer network 520 may be broadcast to at least a portion of the other nodes of peer network 520. Each transaction provided to peer network 520 may contain a signature. For example, the transaction data may be signed using a private key associated with the corresponding participant of network 520. Before processing a transaction, it may be confirmed by checking the signature of the transaction (e.g., by comparing the signature with a valid signature stored, for example, in a peer application). A portion of nodes 502 to 514 may perform the confirmation process. If the transaction is valid, it may be further processed, for example, it may be included in another block of the blockchain. It should be understood that other means besides signatures (e.g., communication addresses, certificates, etc.) may also be used in the confirmation or authentication process, respectively.

[0158] The peer-to-peer network 520 can be configured to execute one or more consensus algorithms. Multiple consensus algorithms can be used to process received transactions. Multiple consensus algorithms can be used to process confirmed transactions. Multiple consensus algorithms can be executed by at least a portion of the nodes of the peer-to-peer network 520. The consensus algorithms can include one or more protocols through which all full nodes in the network 520 can reach a joint agreement on the current state of the network. The consensus algorithms can include Proof-of-Work consensus algorithms, Proof-of-Stake consensus algorithms, Proof-of-History consensus algorithms, Byzantine fault-tolerant algorithms, delegated Proof-of-Stake algorithms, Proof-of-Burning algorithms, Proof-of-Capacity algorithms, Proof-of-Time algorithms, Proof-of-Activity algorithms, Proof-of-Weight algorithms, Proof-of-Importance algorithms, Leased Proof-of-Stake algorithms, or combinations thereof. For example, the consensus algorithm can include a Proof-of-Stake consensus algorithm. In another instance, the consensus algorithm can include a combination of Proof-of-History and Proof-of-Stake consensus algorithms. In yet another instance, the consensus algorithm can be a Byzantine fault-tolerant consensus protocol on a collectively trusted subnet.

[0159] Peer-to-peer applications can be distributed ledgers. Examples include Ripple's XRP Ledger. Peer-to-peer applications can be blockchains. However, the following statement can be easily transferred to other peer-to-peer applications, such as directed acyclic graphs (DAGs). A directed acyclic graph (such as IOTA or Tangle) means that blocks (or nodes in the graph) are coupled to each other via directed edges. Thus, directed means that (all) edges (always) have the same direction, similar to time. In other words, it is impossible to go back a step. Finally, acyclic means that there are no cycles.

[0160] Blockchains can be permissionless or permissioned. They can be public, consortium, or private. Peer-to-peer applications can form using multiple blockchains connected via mechanisms such as sidechains or smart contracts. Interoperability between blockchains can be established. Examples of blockchains include Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana.

[0161] A blockchain can be formed from at least two interconnected blocks. The first block can also be called the genesis block. Each block (except the first block) can reference every previous block. A new block can be created through a computationally intensive process (e.g., so-called "mining") or through another suitable process, such as voting, and specifically, this new block is provided to all nodes 502 to 514 of the peer-to-peer network 520.

[0162] A blockchain can be configured to receive transactions, such as those associated with the storage of environmental footprint data. Transactions can be received from peer modules as previously described. The blockchain can be configured to confirm received transactions. The blockchain can be configured to store transactions (such as confirmed transactions) in new blocks on the blockchain. For example, a new block can be appended to an existing block on the blockchain. The blockchain can be configured at least to manage environmental footprint data, for example, as in... Figure 11A and Figure 12 As described in the context.

[0163] Specifically, newly received transactions can be confirmed, stored, and published in the current block of the blockchain. Published transactions can be prepared by at least some of the participants in the peer-to-peer network. Alternatively or additionally, transaction data can be stored in a registered storage device, such as a decentralized file service controlled by the blockchain or a distributed blockchain database.

[0164] Only a portion of the nodes in peer-to-peer network 520 can be configured to store peer-to-peer applications, and / or only a portion of the nodes in peer-to-peer network 520 can be configured to execute smart contract algorithms. Since confirmation / verification requires a considerable amount of computation, it may be advantageous, for efficiency reasons, if only a portion of nodes 502 to 514 executes the execution of executable tools and / or (multiple) confirmation algorithms and / or (multiple) authentication algorithms.

[0165] Confirmation, analysis, and optimization can be performed on-chain or off-chain, as described above. Off-chain confirmation, analysis, and / or optimization can be managed by peer applications (such as code on the blockchain). Powerful functionality specifically implies high computational power. In other words, if (only) a subset of peers 502 to 514 yields a positive result, it is assumed that a valid entry exists in the peer application (such as the blockchain). It should be understood that only a single, especially a particularly powerful, peer can perform the confirmation, analysis, and / or optimization process, while other nodes can be configured as monitoring nodes.

[0166] Similarly, in another embodiment (not shown), a particularly large peer-to-peer network can be divided into two or more clusters. For example, in a corresponding peer-to-peer network, confirmation can be performed by only members of one cluster (e.g., sharding the blockchain to improve scalability). In another embodiment, multiple blockchains can be used to form peer-to-peer applications. These blockchains are connected via frameworks such as sidechains, smart contracts, or inter-ledger protocols.

[0167] Figure 6A Examples of methods for generating environmental footprint data associated with chemical products produced by chemical production, generating access elements associated with the environmental footprint data, and providing the generated access elements for accessing the environmental footprint data to a distributed network are presented.

[0168] To produce one or more chemical products 606 (hereinafter also referred to as (multiple) output materials), different input materials 604 can be provided as physical inputs to the chemical production 608. The (multiple) physical input materials 604 and the (multiple) output materials 606 can be associated with environmental footprint data. The production operating system 610 can be configured to ingest such environmental footprint data and use it to determine environmental footprint data associated with the (multiple) output materials produced.

[0169] Input material 604 can be fed into chemical production 608 at any entry point. Input material 604 can be fed into chemical production 608 at the starting point of chemical production 608. For example, input material 604 can constitute a feedstock for a steam cracking unit or a syngas facility. Input material 604 can include non-fossil input materials (such as bio-based or recycled materials) and / or fossil input materials for the manufacture of chemical intermediates and (multiple) chemical output materials 606.

[0170] Chemical production 608 can be a chemical production network. A chemical production network can include multiple interconnected processing steps. A chemical production network can be an integrated chemical production network with interconnected production chains. A chemical production network can include multiple distinct production chains having at least one common intermediate product. A chemical production network can include multiple stages of a chemical value chain. A chemical production network can include the production, refining, processing, and / or purification of gases or crude oil. A chemical production network can include a steam cracking unit or syngas facility connected to multiple production chains that output products from the effluent of such facility. A chemical production network can include multiple production chains that output one or more output materials 606 from one or more input materials. A chemical production network can include a multi-layered chemical value chain. A chemical production network can include a physically interconnected arrangement of production sites. Production sites can be located in the same location or in different locations. In the latter case, production sites can be interconnected via dedicated transportation systems such as pipelines, supply chain vehicles (e.g., trucks), supply chain vessels, or other cargo transport vehicles.

[0171] A chemical production network can chemically transform input material 604 into one or more output materials 606. The chemical production network can also chemically transform input material 604 into one or more output materials 606 via one or more chemical intermediates. The chemical production network can transform input material 604 into one or more output materials 606 through chemical transformation.

[0172] A chemical production network may include multiple production steps. The production steps included in a chemical production network can be defined by the system boundary 602 of the chemical production network. The system boundary can be defined by the location or control of the production processes. The system boundary can be defined by sites within the chemical production network. The system boundary can be defined by production processes jointly controlled by one or more entities. The system boundary can be defined by a value chain with interleaved production processes leading to the final product, which can be separately controlled by multiple entities. A chemical production network may include waste collection and sorting steps, recycling steps (e.g., pyrolysis), cracking steps (e.g., steam cracking), separation steps for separating intermediates from a process step, and further processing steps for converting such intermediates into (multiple) output materials 606 leaving the system boundary of the chemical production network.

[0173] The production operating system 610 for chemical production can be configured to monitor and / or control chemical production based on operating parameters of different processes. One process step monitored and / or controlled may be the feeding of input material 604 or the release of (multiple) output materials 606. Another process step monitored and / or controlled may be collecting environmental footprint data associated with the input material 604 entering the system boundary of chemical production 608. Yet another process step monitored and / or controlled may be determining environmental footprint data of (multiple) output materials 606 produced via chemical production 608. Yet another process step monitored and / or controlled may be assigning the determined environmental footprint data to (multiple) output materials 606 of chemical production 608.

[0174] The production operating system 610 can be configured to access environmental footprint data associated with input material 604, data associated with the processes used in chemical production 608, and / or (multiple) output materials 606. The production operating system 610 can be configured to generate environmental footprint data associated with (multiple) output materials based on the accessed data. The production operating system 610 can be configured to generate access elements associated with the generated environmental footprint data of (multiple) output materials (see, for example...). Figure 7 , Figure 8 (and Figure 11). The production operating system 610 can be configured to provide the generated access elements to the distributed network 434 for accessing the generated environmental footprint data associated with (multiple) output materials.

[0175] When input material 604 enters, input material data 612 can be provided to the computing interface of the production operating system 610 via a communication network. A data provider (such as a QR code reader) can be configured to provide input material data 612 associated with one or more input materials 604 to the computing interface, which is configured to generate environmental footprint data associated with (multiple) output materials 606. Input material data 612 can be collected from input material producers 404 via a distributed network 434, such as... Figure 4 and Figure 9 As described in the context of [the previous sentence]. Input material data 612 may include an input material identifier and environmental footprint data associated with input material 604. Input material data 612 may further include carbon content data related to the carbon content of (multiple) input materials. The input material identifier may be associated with the physical entity of input material 604 entering chemical production 608. Input material data may be provided at, before, or after one or more input materials are provided at the entry point of chemical production 608. The provided input material data may be stored in operating system 610 or in database 614 associated with that operating system.

[0176] Process data provider 616 can be configured to collect process data associated with the chemical processing of (multiple) input materials 604 for the production of (multiple) output materials 420. Process data provider 616 can be configured to collect energy data associated with energy consumption during the chemical processing. Process data provider 616 can be configured to collect environmental footprint data associated with the sources of the consumed energy. Process data provider 616 can be configured to provide process data, energy data, and environmental footprint data associated with the sources of the consumed energy to EF generator 618.

[0177] EF generator 618 can be configured to determine environmental footprint data associated with the (multiple) output materials produced by chemical production 608, for example, as in Figure 13 The environmental footprint data of the (multiple) output materials can be determined based on process data, energy data, environmental footprint data associated with the source of the energy consumed, and environmental footprint data of the (multiple) input materials 604 used to produce the (multiple) output materials. The EF generator 618 can be configured to store the generated environmental footprint data together with the output product identifier in a database 624.

[0178] Identifier provider 620 can be configured to provide multiple distributed identifiers (IDs) associated with the output products produced by chemical production 608 and provided at the exit point of chemical production 608. Multiple distributed identifiers can be provided for each produced output product. Distributed identifiers may include one or more Universally Unique Identifiers (UUIDs) or Digital Identifiers (DIDs). Identifier provider 620 can be configured to provide distributed identifiers associated with the output products and distributed identifiers associated with environmental footprint data. Identifier provider 620 can be configured to provide at least one distributed identifier associated with the environmental footprint data. Distributed identifiers can be issued by a centralized or distributed identity issuing authority. Distributed identifiers can be linked to authentication and / or authorization information. Through the distributed identifiers and their unique association with chemical product producers and chemical product data (such as environmental footprint data), access to chemical product data can be controlled by the chemical product producer. This contrasts with a centralized agency scheme, in which identifiers are provided by such a centralized agency, and access to the data is controlled by such a centralized agency. In this context, decentralized refers to the use of identifiers controlled by the data owner (e.g., a chemical product producer) at implementation. Decentralized identifiers can be unique for output product data (e.g., a digital twin of the output product). Decentralized identifiers can be assigned or linked to output materials or physical entities of output materials, such as those packaged for shipment to consumers of the output materials (e.g., discrete product producer 406). Thus, a virtual identifier for the output material can be uniquely linked to the physical output material. This link can include physical or virtual links to decentralized identifiers uniquely associated with the physical output material. For physical links, labels or codes can be physically attached to the output material, for example, by printing QR codes on packaging or by embossing codes into the output product. Such labels or codes can encode the decentralized identifier. For virtual links, different identifiers can be linked to the physical output material. For example, the order number, batch number, LOT number, or a combination thereof of the output material can be linked to the decentralized identifier of the output material.

[0179] Access element generator 622 can be configured to generate access elements associated with the environmental footprint data generated by EF generator 618. An example of such access elements generated by access element generator 622 is shown in... Figure 7 and Figure 8The access element generator 622 can be configured to generate access data associated with environmental footprint data stored in database 624. The access data can point to the environmental footprint data. The access data can relate to a dedicated storage device 624 storing the environmental footprint data. The access data can include a locator or pointer to the dedicated storage device 624. The access data can include one or more digital links to the environmental footprint data. The access data can include a locator or pointer, such as a URL or URI, to a dedicated storage address associated with and storing the environmental footprint data in chemical production 608. The access data can include at least one interface to a data providing network node. The access data can include at least one interface to a data consuming network node. The access data can include an endpoint (resource endpoint) for data exchange or sharing, or an endpoint (service endpoint) for service interaction, which can be uniquely identified via a data transaction protocol. The service endpoint can include a network address running a service on behalf of the environmental footprint data owner. In particular, the service endpoint can refer to a service that provides access to the environmental footprint data owner, such as (multiple) distributed data providing network nodes. Such a service can include a service for reading or analyzing data contained in the environmental footprint data. Access data pointing to environmental footprint data can be uniquely associated with a distributed identifier. The distributed identifier can be linked to access data of the collected data or a portion thereof.

[0180] Access element generator 622 can be configured to generate access elements that include access data and distributed identifiers (IDs) provided by identifier provider 620. Access elements can be associated with output products via a link between the distributed identifier and the output product. Access elements can further include one or more authentication mechanisms associated with the distributed identifier(s) and access data. One or more authentication mechanisms can be associated with or linked to the distributed identifier(s), such as distributed producer identifiers, distributed final product identifiers, distributed component identifiers, and distributed input material identifiers. The one or more authentication mechanisms associated with the distributed identifier(s) can be accessed by distributed participant network nodes. Digital access elements can further involve authorization information linked to the distributed identifier(s). Authorization information can be associated with the distributed identifier(s) and access data. Authorization information can include access rules depending on the dataset to be accessed and the role of the access data consuming network node. Access elements can further include one or more output product identifiers associated with the output product. The output material identifiers can include the order number, batch number, LOT number, or a combination thereof for the output material. The access element may further include a distributed identifier associated with the digital twin of the output product. The digital twin of the output product may include environmental footprint data. The digital twin of the output product may further include data related to the production of the output product and / or data related to the chemical and / or physical properties of the output product.

[0181] Access element generator 622 can be configured to provide the generated access elements to a distributed network 434 for access to the environmental footprint data by one or more data consuming network nodes under the control of data providing network nodes associated with the producers of the output products associated with the environmental footprint data (see, for example...). Figure 9 Access elements can be made by other participants in the decentralized network (such as discrete product producer 406 and / or final product producer 408) via associated decentralized data consumer network nodes (such as via nodes 420 or 422 respectively), for example, as... Figure 9The access element can be stored in a decentralized registry (such as decentralized registry 626). The decentralized registry can be associated with the data owner of the environmental footprint data. The decentralized registry can act as a directory listing data offers owned by decentralized network participants operating the decentralized registry. Access elements can be retrieved from such a decentralized registry via a decentralized data providing network node (e.g., one with access to such a decentralized registry) associated with it, and can be provided to such data consuming network nodes (see [link to data consuming network node]) upon request. Figure 9 ).

[0182] Access elements can correspond to digital assets associated with the physical entity of the output product and can be used to provide access to a digital twin of the output material or a portion thereof (such as environmental footprint data). For example, a discrete product producer 406 or a final product producer 408 receiving the produced output product 606 can use the generated access elements to collect environmental footprint data associated with the output product via an ID-based schema, such as... Figure 9 As described in the context.

[0183] Figure 6B Examples of methods for generating environmental footprint data associated with the final product using acquired carbon content data, generating access elements associated with the environmental footprint data, and providing the generated access elements for accessing the environmental footprint data to a distributed network are presented.

[0184] As in Figure 6A As described in the context, the final product production 632 and its operations can be monitored and / or controlled by the production operating system 634. Input material 606 (e.g., (multiple) chemical products produced by chemical product producer 402) (see...) Figure 6A The input material 606 can be provided to the final product production 632. The input material 606 can be used in the final product production 632 to produce one or more final products 630. The final products can be contained in packaging to allow for the storage and transportation of the final products and / or to avoid damage to the final products.

[0185] When input material 606 enters, the input material data 636 can be provided to the computing interface of the production operating system 634 via a communication network, such as in Figure 6AThe input material data 636 provided may be stored in an operating system 634 or a database 638 associated with that operating system. The input material data 636 may include an input material identifier and environmental footprint data associated with the input material 606. The input material data 636 may further include carbon content data related to the carbon content of (multiple) input materials 606. The input material identifier may be associated with the physical entity of the input material 606 that enters the final product production 632.

[0186] Process data provider 640 can be configured to collect process data associated with the processing of (multiple) input materials 606 for the production of (multiple) final products 630, for example, as in Figure 6A As described in the context.

[0187] The final product production 632 may include one or more measuring devices 642 configured to measure data associated with the carbon content of the produced (multiple) final products 630. Carbon content may refer to total carbon content (TOC). Total carbon content (TOC) may refer to the sum of inorganic and organic carbon content. Carbon content may refer to either inorganic or organic carbon content. Inorganic carbon content may refer to the carbon content derived from inorganic carbon-containing materials (such as minerals). Organic carbon content may refer to the carbon content derived from organic compounds. Organic carbon content may include element C. Inorganic and / or organic carbon content may be measured via carbon oxides produced from the oxidation or decomposition of a sample (e.g., a sample of output material). Carbon oxides may be measured using infrared spectroscopy (IR) methods (such as nondispersive infrared spectroscopy (NDIR)), thermal conductivity detection, gravimetric analysis using an absorption lamp, near-infrared spectroscopy, coulometric titration, flame ionization detection (FID), ion chromatography (IC), and gas chromatography (GC). Organic carbon content can be determined based on the concentration of the oxidant obtained after the chemical oxidation of the sample. The oxidant concentration can be determined by titration. Total carbon content can be determined using commonly known CHN elemental analysis methods. Alternatively, carbon content can refer to the C of (multiple) final products. 14 Content. C 14 Content can indicate the age of the various input materials used to produce the various final products. Fossil input materials have a higher age and therefore their C content is higher. 14 The content is negligible, while (multiple) bio-based input materials have relatively low ages and therefore measurable C. 14 Content. Therefore, measuring C 14 The content allows for the derivation of the amount of (multiple) bio-based input materials used during the production of the final product. C 14Carbon content can be measured using gas proportional counting, liquid scintillation counting, and accelerator mass spectrometry. Carbon content can be measured for a batch of final products, and the carbon content of each individual entity of the final product can be determined based on the fraction present in that batch within the final product.

[0188] The carbon content can correspond to measurement data acquired by (multiple) devices 642. The data acquired by (multiple) measuring devices 642 can be used to determine the carbon content of the final product. The carbon content can be obtained based on the measurement data acquired by (multiple) devices 642. The data acquired by (multiple) measuring devices 642 can be stored in a database 644. The carbon content determined by (multiple) measuring devices 642 can be stored in the database 644. The operating system 634 can be configured to determine the carbon content of each final product based on the data acquired by (multiple) measuring devices 642. The operating system 634 can be configured to determine the carbon content of each final product based on the data stored in the database 644. The operating system 634 can be configured to store the determined carbon content of each final product in the database 644.

[0189] EF generator 618 can be configured to determine environmental footprint data associated with (multiple) final products produced through final product production 632, for example, as in Figure 13 As described in the context of [the previous sentence]. EF generator 618 can be configured to convert carbon content data stored in database 644 into CO2 equivalent. This conversion can be achieved by dividing the carbon content by 3.67 (molecular weight of CO2 = 44 g / mol vs. molecular weight of C = 12 g / mol). EF generator 618 can be configured to consider the recycled, renewable, and / or bio-based content present in the final product when determining environmental footprint data. This recycled, renewable, and / or bio-based content may stem from the use of recycled, renewable, and / or bio-based input materials during the production of the final product. The recycled, renewable, and / or bio-based content can be determined based on environmental footprint data included in data 636 associated with the input materials. This environmental footprint data can be collected by operating system 634 via a distributed network, for example, as in [the previous sentence]. Figure 4 and Figure 9 As described in the context. When determining environmental footprint data, the carbon content of the final product can be subtracted from the recycled content, renewable content, and / or bio-based content.

[0190] The environmental footprint data of the (multiple) output material 630 can be determined based on process data, energy data, environmental footprint data associated with the source of the energy consumed, environmental footprint data of the (multiple) input materials 606 used to produce the (multiple) output material 630, and carbon content data. The EF generator 618 can be configured to store the generated environmental footprint data together with the output product identifier in a database 646.

[0191] Therefore, environmental footprint data can include not only environmental footprint data associated with the production of the final product, but also environmental footprint data associated with the use of the final product by its users, allowing for more reliable and transparent comparisons of the final product's environmental footprint. This enables the use of such environmental footprint data as an environmental footprint debit, which can be displayed to consumers as an additional "emissions price" alongside the monetary price of the final product. Displaying this environmental footprint data as an environmental footprint debit allows consumers to reliably and transparently compare the final product not only in terms of monetary price but also in terms of environmental footprint, thereby enabling consumers to reduce their environmental footprint based on this environmental footprint data.

[0192] Identifier provider 620 can be configured to provide a distributed identifier (ID) associated with the output product 630 produced by final product production 632 and provided at the exit point of final product production 632, for example, as in Figure 6A As described in the context. Distributed identifiers can be unique for environmental footprint data associated with the output product. Distributed identifiers can be uniquely associated with the output material or the physical entity of the output material, for example, a consumer packaged for transport to the output material (e.g., end-product user 410). Thus, a virtual identifier for the output material can be uniquely linked to the physical output material, as described in... Figure 6A As described in the context.

[0193] Access element generator 622 can be configured to generate access elements associated with the environmental footprint data generated by EF generator 618, such as in Figure 6A As described in the context of [the previous sentence]. Access element generator 618 can be configured to provide generated access elements to a distributed network 434 for access to the environmental footprint data by one or more data consuming network nodes under the control of data-providing network nodes associated with producers of the final products associated with the environmental footprint data (see, for example...). Figure 9 Access elements can be obtained by other participants in the decentralized network (such as end-product user 410) via associated decentralized data consumption network nodes (such as node 424), for example, as... Figure 9As described in the context. Access elements can be stored in a distributed registry (such as...). Figure 6A In the context of the distributed registry 648 described above, access elements can be retrieved from such a distributed registry via a distributed data providing network node (e.g., having access to such a distributed registry) associated with it, and access elements can be provided to such data consuming network node(s) upon request from such data consuming network node(s) (see [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 9 ).

[0194] Access elements can correspond to digital assets associated with the physical entity of the final product and can be used to provide access to a digital twin of the final product or a portion thereof (such as environmental footprint data). For example, a final product user 410 who purchases or intends to purchase the produced final product 630 can use the generated access element to collect environmental footprint data associated with the final product via an ID-based schema, such as... Figure 9 As described in the context.

[0195] Figure 7 This demonstrates a first example of a digital access element associated with input materials or produced outputs and including a decentralized identifier and access data. The digital access element can be stored within a decentralized identity infrastructure, such as... Figure 6A and Figure 6B The distributed registry 626 or 648 shown in the diagram. The distributed identity infrastructure allows the use of distributed identifiers to retrieve access elements. Access elements can be retrieved via associated data-providing network nodes, ensuring that only (multiple) authenticated data-consuming network nodes can query the distributed registry for the corresponding access element and access the desired access element.

[0196] Distributed identifiers may include Distributed Identifiers (DIDs). In this case, the digital access element based on the distributed identifier can be a DID document 704 associated with the DID. In addition to the DID document 704 used as a digital access element, Figure 7Also shown is a DID owner data element 702 including owner data based on a decentralized identifier. Typically, owner data based on a decentralized identifier can include a decentralized identifier associated with a subject (such as input materials or produced output products) and can include one or more authentication mechanisms. Owner data 702 based on a decentralized identifier can include owner data electronically owned and controlled by the DID owner. In this context, electronic ownership can refer to data stored in an owner's repository or wallet. This data can be securely stored and / or managed on an organization's server or client device. Owner data 702 based on a decentralized identifier can include a DID, a private key, and a public key. The DID owner can own and control the DID representing the identity associated with the DID subject, and the private and public key pair associated with the DID. A DID can be understood as an identifier and authentication information associated with or uniquely linked to that identifier.

[0197] A DID entity can be an output product or an input material. A DID entity can be a raw material, base substance, chemical product, component, final product, or recycled material. A DID entity can be a machine, system, or equipment used to produce raw materials, base substances, chemical products, components, final products, or recycled materials, or a collection of such machines, equipment, and / or systems. A DID owner can be a supply chain participant or manufacturer, such as a chemical manufacturer that produces chemicals. A DID owner can be an upstream participant of chemical product producer 402, such as a supplier supplying production inputs 604. A DID owner can be a downstream participant of chemical product producer 402, such as discrete product producer 406 and / or final product producer 408. A DID owner can be any participant in the product ecosystem, including raw material chemical product suppliers, intermediate chemical product manufacturers, intermediate component manufacturers, component manufacturers, final product manufacturers, final product users, EOL collectors and / or sorters or recyclers.

[0198] A DID can be any identifier associated with the DID subject and / or the DID owner. Preferably, the identifier is unique to the DID subject and / or the DID owner. The identifier can be unique at least within the scope of the intended use of the DID. The identifier can be a locally or globally unique identifier for raw materials, base substances, chemical products, components, final products, recycled materials, or a collection thereof; a machine, system, or equipment, or a collection of such machines, equipment, and / or systems, used to produce raw materials, base substances, chemical products, components, final products, or recycled materials; a chemical manufacturer, upstream participant of a chemical manufacturer, downstream participant of a chemical manufacturer, or a collection thereof; any participant in the materials ecosystem, including raw material chemical product suppliers, intermediate chemical product manufacturers, intermediate part manufacturers, component manufacturers, component assembly manufacturers, final product manufacturers, final product users, EOL collectors, recyclers, or a collection thereof.

[0199] A DID can be any identifier associated with a DID subject and a DID owner. Preferably, a DID is unique to both the DID subject and / or the DID owner. A DID can be unique at least within the scope of its intended use. A DID can be a locally or globally unique identifier for any of the aforementioned possible DID subjects. A DID can also be a Uniform Resource Identifier (URI), such as a Uniform Resource Locator (URL). Furthermore, a DID can be an Internationalized Resource Identifier (IRI). A DID can be a random string of numbers and letters to improve security. In one embodiment, a DID can be a 128-letter string of letters and numbers, for example, according to the scheme `did:methodName:methodSpecificDID`, such as `did:example:ebfeb1f712ebc6f1c276e12ec21`. A DID can be a decentralized ID independent of a centralized third-party management system and under the control of the DID owner.

[0200] The digital access element, which is part of DID document data 704, can be associated with a DID (i.e., the DID included in the decentralized identifier-based owner data 702). Therefore, the digital access element can include a reference to a DID associated with the DID subject described by DID document 704. DID document 704 can also include authentication information such as a public key. The public key can be used by a third-party entity granted access to information and data owned by the DID owner / subject. The public key can also be used to verify whether the DID owner actually owns or controls the DID. The DID document can include authentication information and authorization information, for example, to authorize a third-party entity to read the DID document or certain portions of the DID document, without granting the third party the right to prove ownership of the DID.

[0201] Digital access element 704 may include access data, such as data included in a digital twin of the input material or output product associated with the digital access element, digitally linked via a service endpoint. The service endpoint may include a network address running a service on behalf of the DID owner. Specifically, the service endpoint may refer to a service granted by the DID owner to access data (such as environmental footprint data) associated with the input material or output product, such as multiple distributed data provision network nodes. This service may include services for reading or analyzing data contained within the data.

[0202] Digital access element 704 may include a distributed identifier associated with the environmental footprint data. This distributed identifier can be generated by ID generator 620 (see [link to ID generator]). Figure 6A and Figure 6B Distributed identifiers may include one or more DIDs and / or one or more UUIDs as described above.

[0203] Numeric access element 404 may include additional identifiers, such as input material identifiers or output material identifiers. Such identifiers may include lot numbers, LOT numbers, order numbers, or combinations thereof.

[0204] Numeric access element 404 may include various other information, such as metadata specifying the creation time of the numeric access element, the last modification time of the numeric access element, and / or the expiration time of the numeric access element.

[0205] DID and digital access element 704 can be associated with data registration nodes, such as a centralized data service system or a decentralized data service system 706 (e.g., a distributed ledger, blockchain, or decentralized file system). The distributed ledger or blockchain can be used to store a representation pointing to the DID of digital access element 704. The representation of the DID can be stored on distributed computing nodes of the distributed ledger or blockchain 706. For example, a DID hash can be stored on multiple computing nodes of the distributed ledger and point to the location of digital access element 704. In some embodiments, digital access element 704 can be stored on the distributed ledger 706. Each of the computing nodes can store a copy of the distributed ledger 706. In this way, each DID hash can be stored redundantly, thereby allowing for improved data security. DIDs associated with multiple different digital access elements 704 can be included in the distributed ledger 706.

[0206] In some embodiments, the digital access element 704 may be stored on the distributed ledger 706, i.e., as a supplement to or alternative to storing the associated DID representation on the distributed ledger 706. In other embodiments, the digital access element 704 may be stored in a data storage device (not shown) associated with the distributed ledger, blockchain, or decentralized file system.

[0207] A distributed ledger or blockchain 706 can be any decentralized, distributed network comprising various computing nodes that communicate with each other. For example, a distributed ledger 706 may include a first distributed computing node, a second distributed computing node, a third distributed computing node, and any number of additional distributed computing nodes (not shown). A distributed ledger or blockchain 706 may include known technology stacks such as Bitcoin (see, for example, the Bitcoin documentation published November 11, 2022, https: / / en.bitcoin.it / wiki / Protocol_documentation), Ethereum (see, for example, the Ethereum documentation published August 15, 2022, at https: / / ethereum.org / en / developers / docs / ), Solana (see, for example, the Solana documentation published November 11, 2022, at https: / / spl.solana.com / ), Polygon (see, for example, the Polygon documentation published November 11, 2022, at https: / / wiki.polygon.technology / ), or other implementations that perform data transactions to varying degrees on the distributed ledger. The description of the example framework is for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered limiting.

[0208] Figure 8A second example is shown, illustrating a digital access element associated with input materials or produced outputs and including a decentralized identifier and access data. This digital access element can be stored within a decentralized identity infrastructure, such as... Figure 6A and Figure 6B The distributed registry 626 or 648 shown in the diagram. The distributed identity infrastructure allows the use of distributed identifiers to retrieve access elements. Access elements can be retrieved via associated data-providing network nodes, ensuring that only (multiple) authenticated data-consuming network nodes can query the distributed registry for the corresponding access element and access the desired access element.

[0209] The decentralized identifiers associated with input materials or output products may include one or more Universally Unique Identifiers (UUIDs). A UUID may be unique at least within the scope of its intended use. A UUID may be a locally or globally unique identifier for the input material or output product. Input materials or output products may include raw materials, base substances, chemical products, components, final products, or recycled materials. In one embodiment, a UUID may be a 128-letter string of letters and numbers, for example, according to the scheme [0-9a-fA-F]{8}-[0-9a-fA-F]{4}-[0-9a-fA-F]{4}-[0-9a-fA-F]{4}-[0-9a-fA-F]{12}. A UUID may be a decentralized ID independent of a centralized third-party management system and under the control of a data owner who possesses the environmental footprint data associated with the UUID.

[0210] Digital access element 802 may include access data, which, for example, is accessed via... Figure 7 The service endpoints described in the context are digitally linked to data (such as environmental footprint data) included in the digital twins of the input materials or output products associated with the digital access elements.

[0211] Digital access element 802 may include a distributed identifier associated with environmental footprint data. This distributed identifier can be generated by ID generator 620 (see [link to ID generator]). Figure 6A and Figure 6B Distributed identifiers may include one or more DIDs and / or one or more UUIDs as described above.

[0212] The digital access element 802 may include additional identifiers, such as input material identifiers or output material identifiers. Such identifiers may include lot numbers, LOT numbers, order numbers, or combinations thereof.

[0213] The digital access element 802 may include various other information, such as metadata specifying the creation time of the digital access element, the last modification time of the digital access element, and / or the expiration time of the digital access element. Figure 4 (Not shown in B).

[0214] Digital access element 802 can be stored at a data registry node, such as a distributed registry (not shown, see example). Figure 6A and Figure 6B Examples of distributed registries (626, 648) are shown in the examples. A distributed registry can be a distributed database. A distributed database can be associated with the data owner of the environmental footprint data. A distributed registry can be configured to store digital access elements, such as digital access element 802. A distributed registry can be configured to provide digital access elements upon request.

[0215] Figure 9 Demonstrated via Figure 4 and Figure 6B The distributed peer-to-peer network exchange and the environmental footprint data associated with the final products are shown in the figure.

[0216] Access to environmental footprint data can be made through decentralized data consumption service requests associated with participants in decentralized network 434 (see [link to data]). Figure 4 Participants can be end-product users 410 who purchase the end-product from end-product producer 408 (see end-product user 410). Figure 4 The final product can be purchased by the final product user 410 through a retailer or at a place of sale. The retailer or place of sale may have the final product supplied by the final product producer 408. Participants may be potential final product users, such as customers or consumers who decide to purchase the final product.

[0217] The final product 630 can be associated with a digital twin that includes environmental footprint data. This digital twin may include a distributed identifier and environmental footprint data. The environmental footprint data may include one or more characteristics of the final product that can assign environmental impacts to the input materials used to produce the final product, the processes used to produce the final product, and the use of the final product, such as... Figure 6B This is outlined in more detail below. Environmental footprint data can include carbon footprint data. Carbon footprint data can be determined at least in part based on the carbon content of the final product. Carbon footprint data can be determined based on emissions associated with (multiple) input materials used to produce the final product and emissions associated with the use of the final product. Emissions associated with the use of the final product can be determined based on the carbon content of the final product. For example, as in... Figure 13 To determine environmental footprint data as described in the context.

[0218] Environmental footprint data can be associated with digital access elements generated during or after the production of the final product, such as... Figure 6B As described in the context, a digital access element can be associated with a digital twin of the final product or a portion thereof. A digital access element can contain a decentralized identifier and access data. The digital access element can be stored in a decentralized registry 648.

[0219] Final product 630, produced by final product producer 408, can be provided to final product user 410 in association with a digital access element. Final product user 410 can use the final product and dispose of older final products upon reaching the end of their lifespan. Final product 630 can be linked to a code, such as a barcode or QR code, that has been encoded with a distributed identifier associated with the final product. The final product identifier can be linked to a distributed identifier associated with the final product. Final product user 410 can read the code via a code reader 918. Code reader 918 can be a smartphone running a code reading application (such as a QR code reader app). Data obtained from the code reading application can be used to determine the distributed identifier associated with the final product. Data obtained from the code reading application can be used to determine the final product identifier. Data obtained from the code reading application can be used to determine the distributed data providing network node associated with a distributed registry 648 storing access elements including the distributed identifier. The distributed identifier and distributed data providing network node can be determined by code reader 918. For example, the distributed pass identifier determined by code reader 918 can be a DID, and code reader 918 can be configured to, for example, use a DID resolver to retrieve an associated DID document containing the distributed identifier and access data. In another instance, the final product identifier is determined by code reader 918 and used, for example, to retrieve the distributed identifier and associated access element from a database (e.g., distributed registry 648). Code reader 918 can be configured to provide the distributed identifier and access data or final product identifier to a server (e.g., server 906). Server 906 can connect to a distributed data consuming network node 424 configured to collect environmental footprint data from a distributed network.

[0220] Code reader 918 can be configured to display the identified / retrieved data on a user interface as shown by reference numeral 904. The user interface can display the identified Distributed Identifier (DT Identifier) ​​associated with the final product. The user interface can display the identified Final Product Identifier (EP Identifier). The user interface can further display, for example, access data collected from DID documents. The user interface can also allow initiation of a retrieval of environmental footprint data. This process can be initiated via a button labeled “Access DT.” When the button is pressed, code reader 918 can send a request to server 908 to access the environmental footprint data. Code reader 918 can act as a front-end, and server 908 can act as a back-end and can provide connectivity to distributed network 434. Server 908 can forward this request to distributed data consuming network node 424.

[0221] The distributed data consumption network node 424 can generate a request for accessing environmental footprint data. The distributed data consumption network node 424 can generate this request based on data received from server 908. For example, the distributed data consumption network node 424 can generate the request based on a distributed identifier received from server 908 and an identifier for the accessed data or final product. The distributed data consumption network node 424 can generate the request based on the received data. The request generated by the distributed data consumption network node 424 may include a distributed identifier and a distributed participant identifier associated with the distributed data consumption network node 424. The request generated by the distributed data consumption network node 424 may include a final product identifier and a distributed participant identifier associated with the distributed data consumption network node 424. The distributed participant identifier may be associated with the final product user 410. The distributed participant identifier may be associated with an entity (not shown) operating the distributed data consumption network node 424. The entity may be different from the end-product user 410, and node 424 may operate as a service node to allow the end-product user to access environmental footprint data stored in the distributed network 4434 via such a service node.

[0222] The request may include one or more actions to be performed on the environmental footprint data. The distributed data consuming network node 424 may be configured to determine the distributed data providing network node 422 associated with the environmental footprint data based on access data or based on the final product identifier provided by server 908. The distributed data providing network node 422 may be determined based on the final product identifier via infrastructure nodes (not shown), thereby allowing the distributed data providing network node to be determined using input materials or the final product identifier via the associated distributed participant identifier.

[0223] The distributed data consuming network node 424 can send requests for access to environmental footprint data to the identified distributed data providing network node 422, as indicated by arrow 908. The distributed data providing network node 422 can be associated with the final product producer 408. The distributed data providing network node 422 can be associated with the production of the final product. The distributed data providing network node 422 can be associated with the data owner of the environmental footprint data. In addition to the request, the distributed data consuming network node 424 can also provide authentication and / or authorization information.

[0224] The request can be authenticated. Access to the environmental footprint data can be authorized based on access policy data associated with it. This allows filtering of the network nodes based on the decentralized participant(s) identifier(s) associated with the decentralized data consuming network node requesting access and the requested action to be performed on the accessed data. If the request is not authorized, for example, if decentralized data consuming network node 424 is not authorized to access the environmental footprint data, decentralized data providing network node 422 will terminate the peer-to-peer communication channel and will not provide the environmental footprint data.

[0225] If the request is authorized, the distributed data providing network node 422 can initiate contract negotiation with the distributed data consuming network node 424 before providing environmental footprint data. The distributed data providing network node 422 can provide an electronic contract to the distributed data consuming network node 424. The electronic contract may include one or more authorization rules associated with a distributed identifier. The electronic contract can be provided to device 918 via server 908, and device 918 can display the electronic contract on a user interface and prompt the user to accept the contract. The consuming network node 424 can automatically accept the electronic contract without user interaction. Using electronic contracts allows data consumers to determine the access and usage conditions associated with the desired data. The distributed data providing network node 422 and the distributed data consuming network node 424 can be configured to negotiate and sign the negotiated electronic contract. The use of electronic contracts ensures that the distributed data consuming network node and other systems processing environmental footprint data comply with one or more authorization rules associated with the environmental footprint data. Environmental footprint data can be collected upon signing the electronic contract, and access permissions can be applied to the collected data, as indicated by arrows 910 and 912. The environmental footprint data generated by applying access permissions to the collected environmental footprint data can be provided by distributed data providing network node 422 to distributed data consuming network node 424, as indicated by arrow 914.

[0226] Environmental footprint data provided by distributed data provider network node 422 can be provided to server 908 based on access data, as indicated by arrow 916. The final output user 410 can access the environmental footprint data from server 908 via code reader 918. The accessed environmental footprint data can be displayed by code reader 918 in a graphical user interface (e.g., as shown in the image). Figure 10 (As shown) is displayed inside.

[0227] refer to Figure 10 The code reader 918 can display a graphical user interface 1002. The graphical user interface 1002 can display data received from the server 908, such as environmental footprint data 1006 collected via the distributed network 434 as previously described. The graphical user interface 1002 can further display a final product identifier. As previously described, the final product identifier can be determined by the code reader 918. The final product identifier can be included in the data collected from the distributed network as previously described. The graphical user interface 1002 can further display a final product name. The final product name can be included in the data collected from the distributed network as previously described. The graphical user interface 1002 can further include a button 1004 that allows initiation of... Figure 6B and Figure 9 The process described in the context of [the context].

[0228] Through decentralized identifiers, environmental footprint data can be uniquely associated with input materials or output products (such as final products). Through decentralized networks, environmental footprint data can be transferred in a standardized and secure manner among participants in the product ecosystem, allowing data owners (such as final product producers) to control access to the data from multiple decentralized data-consuming network nodes within the decentralized network. In this way, environmental footprint data can be shared directly among participants in the product ecosystem through a unique association with input materials or output products (such as final products) without a central intermediary. This enables transparency regarding the environmental impact of final product users, thereby reducing their environmental footprint by adjusting their consumption behavior.

[0229] Figure 11A Examples of methods for generating environmental footprint data associated with chemical products produced by chemical production, generating transaction data associated with the environmental footprint data, and providing the generated transaction data to a distributed ledger network to store the transaction data within the distributed ledger of the distributed ledger network are presented.

[0230] like Figure 6AAs described in the context, chemical production 608 and its operation can be monitored and / or controlled by production operating system 610. Input materials 604 (such as fossil input materials and non-fossil input materials) can be provided to chemical production 608. Input materials 604 can be used in chemical production 608 to produce one or more output products 606.

[0231] When input material 604 enters, the input material data 612 can be provided to the computing interface of the production operating system 610 via a communication network, such as in... Figure 6A The provided input material data 612 may be stored in the operating system 610 or in a database 614 associated with that operating system.

[0232] Process data provider 616 can be configured to collect process data associated with the chemical processing of (multiple) input materials 604 for the production of (multiple) output products 606, such as in Figure 6A As described in the context.

[0233] EF generator 618 can be configured to determine environmental footprint data associated with the (multiple) output products 606 produced by chemical production 608, for example, as in Figure 6A , Figure 6B and Figure 13 As described in the context. The environmental footprint data of (multiple) output products 606 can be determined based on process data, energy data, environmental footprint data associated with the sources of energy consumed, and environmental footprint data of (multiple) input materials 604 used to produce (multiple) output products (see also...). Figure 3A and Figure 3B The EF generator 618 can be configured to store the generated environmental footprint data along with the output product identifiers in a database (not shown, see example...). Figure 6A Database 624).

[0234] The generated environmental footprint data can be provided to the transaction data generator 1102. The transaction data generator 1102 can be configured to generate transaction data, for example, as in... Figure 14As described in the context of [the previous sentence]. Transaction data generator 1102 can be configured to sign the generated transaction data with a private key associated with the corresponding decentralized network participant (in this example, the private key of chemical product producer 402). Transaction data generator 1102 can be configured to provide the generated or signed transaction data to distributed ledger network 520. For example, transaction data generator 1102 can send the generated or signed transaction data to node 504 of distributed ledger network 520. Node 504 can broadcast the received transaction data to other nodes of distributed ledger network 520, such as [the following is a separate, unrelated sentence]. Figure 5 As described in the context of [the above]. Transaction data can be confirmed by one or more nodes of the distributed ledger network 520. Transaction data can be added to blocks, and said blocks can be appended to the distributed ledger of the distributed ledger network 520, for example, as in [the above context]. Figure 5 As described in the context of [the previous sentence]. Transaction data can be stored within a distributed ledger network 520, for example, as in [the previous sentence]. Figure 5 As described in the context above. Transaction data generator 1102 can be configured to collect or receive transaction IDs from distributed ledger network 520. Transaction data generator 1102 can be configured to assign transaction IDs to output product 606 or the physical entity of output product 606, such as a consumer packaged for shipment to the output product (e.g., discrete product producer 406 and / or final product producer 408). In this way, a virtual identifier for output product 606 can be uniquely linked to the physical output product. Such a link can include a physical or virtual link to a transaction ID uniquely associated with the physical output product. For a physical link, a label or code can be physically attached to the output product, for example, by printing a QR code on packaging or by embossing a code into the output product. The label or code may already be encoded with the transaction ID. For a virtual link, different identifiers associated with the physical output product can be linked. For example, an order number, batch number, LOT number, or a combination thereof can be linked to a transaction ID.

[0235] Transaction data can correspond to digital assets associated with the physical entity of the output product and can be used to provide access to environmental footprint data. For example, a discrete product producer 406 or a final product producer 408 receiving the produced output product 606 can collect environmental footprint data associated with the output product via an ID-based schema, such as... Figure 13 As described in the context.

[0236] Figure 11BExamples of methods are shown for generating environmental footprint data associated with the final product using acquired carbon content data, generating transaction data associated with the environmental footprint data, and providing the generated transaction data to a distributed ledger network to store the transaction data within the distributed ledger of the distributed ledger network.

[0237] As in Figure 6B As described in the context, the final product production 632 and its operations can be monitored and / or controlled by the production operating system 610. Input material 606 (e.g., (multiple) chemical products produced by chemical product producer 402) (see...) Figure 6A , Figure 11A The input material 606 can be provided to the final product production 632. The input material 606 can be used in the final product production 632 to produce one or more final products 630.

[0238] When input material 606 enters, the input material data 636 can be provided to the computing interface of the production operating system 610 via a communication network, such as in Figure 6A and Figure 6B The input material data 636 provided may be stored in the operating system 610 or a database 638 associated with that operating system. The input material data 636 may include an input material identifier and environmental footprint data associated with the input material 604. The input material data 636 may further include carbon content data related to the carbon content of (multiple) input materials 604. The input material identifier may be associated with the physical entity of the input material 604 that enters the final product production 632.

[0239] Process data provider 640 can be configured to collect process data associated with the processing of (multiple) input materials 604 for the production of (multiple) final products 630, for example, as in Figure 6A and Figure 6B As described in the context.

[0240] The final product production 632 may include one or more measuring devices 642 configured to measure data associated with the carbon content of the produced (multiple) final products 630, for example, as in Figure 6B As described in the context. Operating system 610 can be configured to determine the carbon content of each final product, as in... Figure 6B As described in the context. Operating system 610 can be configured to store the determined carbon content of each final product in database 644.

[0241] EF generator 618 can be configured to determine environmental footprint data associated with (multiple) final products produced through final product production 632, for example, as in Figure 6B and Figure 13 As described in the context of [the previous sentence]. EF generator 618 can be configured to transform carbon content data stored in database 644, as in [the previous sentence]. Figure 6B As described in the context of [the previous sentence]. The EF generator 618 can be configured to consider the recycled content, renewable content, and / or bio-based content contained in (multiple) end products 630 when determining environmental footprint data, such as [the following]. Figure 6B As described in the context of [the previous sentence]. EF generator 618 can be configured to store the generated environmental footprint data along with output product identifiers in a database (not shown, see example [example]). Figure 6B Database 646 in the database.

[0242] Therefore, environmental footprint data can be viewed as an environmental footprint debit associated with the production of the final product and its use by the end-product user, such as in Figure 6B As described in the context.

[0243] The generated environmental footprint data can be provided to the transaction data generator 1102. The transaction data generator 1102 can be configured to generate transaction data, for example, as in... Figure 14 As described in the context of [the previous sentence]. Transaction data generator 1102 can be configured to sign the generated transaction data with a private key associated with the corresponding decentralized network participant (in this example, the private key of the final product producer 408). Transaction data generator 1102 can be configured to provide the generated or signed transaction data to the distributed ledger network 520, as described in [the previous sentence]. Figure 11A As described in the context, node 508 can broadcast received transaction data to other nodes in the distributed ledger network 520, as in... Figure 5 As described in the context of [the above]. Transaction data can be confirmed by one or more nodes of the distributed ledger network 520. Transaction data can be added to blocks, and said blocks can be appended to the distributed ledger of the distributed ledger network 520, as described in [the above]. Figure 5 As described in the context of [the previous sentence]. Transaction data can be stored within a distributed ledger network 520, for example, as in [the previous sentence]. Figure 5 As described in the context of [the previous sentence]. Transaction data generator 1102 can be configured to collect or receive transaction IDs from distributed ledger network 520. Transaction data generator 1102 can be configured to assign transaction IDs to final product 630 or the physical entity of the final product, as described in [the previous sentence]. Figure 11AAs described in the context of [the previous sentence]. In this way, the virtual identifier of the final product can be uniquely linked to the physical final product. This link can include a physical or virtual link to a transaction ID uniquely associated with the physical final product, as in [the previous sentence]. Figure 11A As described in the context.

[0244] Transaction data can correspond to digital assets associated with the physical entity of the output product and can be used to provide access to environmental footprint data. For example, the final product user 410, who receives the produced final product 630, can collect environmental footprint data associated with the output product via an ID-based schema, such as... Figure 13 As described in the context.

[0245] Figure 12 Demonstrated via Figure 5 The distributed ledger network shown in the paper exchanges environmental footprint data associated with the final products.

[0246] Final product producer 408 can produce final product 630 from one or more input materials, such as discrete products produced by discrete product producer 406 and / or (multiple) chemical products produced by chemical product producer 402. Environmental footprint data of (multiple) input materials can be provided through data services connected to a distributed network, such as in... Figure 4 and Figure 6B As described in the context. Environmental footprint data of input materials can be collected via distributed ledger networks, such as in Figure 5 and Figure 11B As described in the context.

[0247] Final product producer 408 can produce final product 630 from (multiple) input materials provided to the final product production associated with final product producer 408. Final product producer 408 can determine environmental footprint data associated with the final product, for example, as in... Figure 6B , Figure 11B and Figure 13 As described in the context of [the previous sentence]. The final product producer 408 can generate transaction data 1204, which includes a final product identifier 1206 and determined environmental footprint data 1208, for example, as in [the previous sentence]. Figure 11B and Figure 14 As described in the context. Transaction data can be generated by TX generator 1102 (see...). Figure 11BTransaction data 1204 may further include the address associated with the final product producer 408 and / or the address of the recipient. The recipient's address may be associated with an account controlled by executable code (such as a smart contract). The smart contract may be configured to store the received transaction data. The smart contract may be configured to generate token units representing environmental footprint debit amounts associated with the environmental footprint data. The smart contract may be further configured to transfer the created token units to the address associated with the final product producer. The recipient's address may be associated with a defined portion of the distributed ledger network 520. Transaction data 1204 may further include additional environmental attributes (such as recyclable, renewable, and / or biodegradable) 1210. Transaction data 1204 may further include content 1212 associated with the additional environmental attributes. Content may refer to the recyclable, renewable, and / or biodegradable content present in the final product. Transaction data 1204 may be signed with the private key associated with the final product producer 408 and may be sent to the distributed ledger network 520, as shown in [the original text]. Figure 5 and Figure 11B As described in the context. Transaction data 1204 can be confirmed by the distributed ledger network 520, for example, as in... Figure 5 and Figure 11B As described in the context, transaction data 1204 or confirmed transaction data 1204 can be included in a block and appended to an existing blockchain, for example, as in... Figure 5 and Figure 11B As described in the context of [the previous sentence]. Transaction data can be stored within a distributed ledger network 520, for example, as in [the previous sentence]. Figure 5 and Figure 11B As described in the context above. When adding transaction data 1204 to the distributed ledger, a unique transaction ID can be assigned to the transaction. The transaction ID can be generated by applying a hash function to transaction data 1204. The transaction ID can be collected by the application used by the final product producer 408 (such as TX generator 1102) (see [link to documentation]). Figure 11B The transaction ID can be viewed as a decentralized identifier that uniquely links to the final product 630 and the associated environmental footprint data. The transaction ID can be encoded in a code such as a barcode or QR code, and this code can be applied to the final product or a portion thereof, for example, as in... Figure 11B As described in the context.

[0248] For example, the final product 630 produced by the final product producer 408 can be provided to the final product user 410 in association with digital assets (e.g., transaction data 1204 stored within the distributed ledger network 520). When the final product user 410 purchases the final product 630, the final product user 410 can collect, for example, the transaction data 1204 stored within the distributed ledger network 520 and associated with the final product via a final product identifier and / or via a decentralized identifier (e.g., a transaction ID) through an application 1202 (e.g., a decentralized application or DApp). Before collecting the transaction data 1204 from the distributed ledger network 520, the final product user 410 can provide authentication data to the security layer of the distributed ledger network 520. After successful authentication, the final product user 410 can be allowed to collect the transaction data 1204 via the application 1202. This application may include a code reader configured to read code on the final product or a portion thereof (e.g., the packaging of the final product). Figure 9 The code reader 918 is described in the context of the code reader. The data included in the code can be used to determine the final product identifier and / or distributed identifier, for example, as in... Figure 9 As described in the context of [the previous sentence]. The final product identifier and / or distributed identifier can be used by application 1202 to collect transaction data 1204 including the final product identifier and / or associated with the distributed identifier. Application 1202 can display at least a portion of the collected transaction data 1204, such as environmental footprint data. The application can be displayed in a graphical user interface (such as [the previous sentence]). Figure 10 The collected and / or determined data is displayed in the graphical user interface 1002 shown in the image.

[0249] This makes environmental footprint data associated with end products transparent to end-product users (e.g., customers or consumers), allowing them to compare end products based on their environmental footprint. Because the environmental footprint data also includes data on the carbon content of the end product and its association with its use, more reliable environmental footprint data is provided, allowing end-product users to make purchasing decisions based not only on monetary cost but also on the environmental footprint associated with the production and use of the end product. Providing reliable environmental footprint data for each end product encourages more sustainable behavior from end-product users and triggers the production of end products that reduce the amount of fossil-based input materials, thereby promoting a circular economy.

[0250] Figure 13A flowchart illustrating a first example of a method for monitoring the environmental impact associated with the use of a final product by a user, according to embodiments of this disclosure. The method can be used to produce (multiple) output products from one or more input materials (see, for example...). Figure 6A and Figure 6B The associated operating system executes.

[0251] Output products can be any output product produced within the product ecosystem, including final products, such as those produced in... Figure 4 and Figure 5 As described in the context. The output product can be produced from one or more input materials using methods such as chemical production or discrete production (see, for example...). Figure 6A , Figure 6B , Figure 11A and Figure 11B ).

[0252] Data associated with the production of the output product can be collected (see box 1302). Data can be collected at least in part based on an output product identifier associated with the output product. The output product identifier may include an order number, batch number, LOT number, or a combination thereof. The output product identifier may be provided before, during, or after the production of the output product. Data associated with the production of the output product may include environmental footprint data associated with the output product and determined at least in part based on the measured carbon content of the output product. Measured carbon content may refer to the carbon content determined based on measurement data obtained when analyzing one or more samples of the output product using appropriate measuring equipment, such as in… Figure 6B The carbon content is described in the context of [the text]. It can refer to total carbon content, such as the sum of inorganic and organic carbon content.

[0253] Environmental footprint data associated with the output product can be further determined based on data associated with the (multiple) input materials used to produce the output product and production data associated with the production of the output product, for example, Figure 15 As shown in the image. Reference Figure 15 Production data related to the production of output products can be collected (see box 1502). This production data can be stored in a production-related database (see, for example...). Figure 6A , Figure 6B , Figure 11A and Figure 11BDatabase 616). Production data can be collected based on output product identifiers. For example, output product identifiers can be used to determine production unit identifiers associated with the production units involved in producing the output product. Production data can then be collected based on the production unit identifier(s). Production data may include data associated with input materials and intermediate or multiple output products produced in each production step. Production data may include data related to the production steps associated with the production of the output product. Production data may include energy data. Energy data may include data associated with energy consumption during processing. Production data may include environmental footprint data associated with the operation of the entity (including the production of the output product), such as environmental footprint data associated with business travel and environmental footprint data associated with employee commuting. Production data may include energy data and environmental footprint data associated with the operation of the entity.

[0254] Continue to refer to Figure 15 Data associated with (multiple) input materials used to produce the output product can be collected (see box 1504). The (multiple) input materials used to produce the output product can refer to (multiple) input materials transformed in one or more production steps of the output product production. Transformation can occur via intermediate chemical products. Transformation can be a chemical reaction or any other processing step, such as physical processing. This data can be collected based on collected production data. For example, production data can be used to determine (multiple) input material identifiers associated with the (multiple) input materials used to produce the output product. The (multiple) input material identifiers can then be used to collect data associated with such (multiple) input materials. Input material data can be collected for each input material. Data associated with such (multiple) input materials can be collected from input material producers via a distributed network based on the input material identifiers, for example, such as... Figure 6A , Figure 6B , Figure 11A and Figure 11B The context described above. Data associated with such (multiple) input materials can be collected from a database associated with the system executing the method (e.g., a database associated with the operating system executing the method) (see, for example...). Figure 6A and Figure 6BDatabase 614 in [reference needed]. Data associated with the (multiple) input materials used to produce the output product may include input material identifiers and environmental footprint data associated with such input materials. Environmental footprint data may include carbon footprint data. Carbon footprint data may include Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions associated with the production of the input materials. Carbon footprint data may further include Scope 3 emissions associated with the (multiple) materials used to produce the input materials. Data associated with the input materials may further include carbon content data associated with the respective input materials. The collected input material data may be stored in a database (see [reference needed]). Figure 6A , Figure 6B , Figure 11A and Figure 11B ).

[0255] Continue to refer to Figure 15 Data can be collected that correlates with the carbon content of the output products (Box 1506). Considering this carbon content allows for the inclusion of the environmental footprint associated with the use of the produced output products (e.g., downstream emissions in Scope 3 – see...). Figure 2 This allows for more reliable overall environmental footprint data for the produced outputs. Considering the environmental footprint associated with the use of the produced outputs allows for greater transparency of the total environmental footprint associated with the outputs, enabling consumers of the outputs (such as end-product users) to better compare the environmental impact of various outputs of the same type, thus enabling them to reduce the environmental impact associated with their consumption behavior and trigger the production of end products with reduced environmental impact.

[0256] Data associated with carbon content can include the carbon content per given quantity of output product. A given quantity of output product may correspond to a batch size. Data associated with carbon content can include the CO2 equivalent per defined quantity of output product. Data associated with carbon content can be collected based on a provided output product identifier. It can be collected from one or more databases (e.g., in...). Figure 6B and Figure 11B The database 644, described in the context of this study, collects data related to carbon content. This data can be collected using one or more measuring devices (e.g., in...). Figure 6B and Figure 11B The device 642 described in the context of this study determines data associated with carbon content. Data associated with carbon content may include the carbon content of the physical entity of the output product.

[0257] Continue to refer to Figure 15This step, which can typically be optional, involves determining data associated with the carbon content of each defined quantity of output product (see box 1508). The defined quantity of output product can refer to the amount of a physical entity of the output product, such as weight. For example, the defined quantity can refer to the amount of a discrete physical entity of the output product (such as a final product). The collected carbon content-associated data can be converted into data associated with the carbon content of each physical entity of the output product. The collected carbon content-associated data can be converted into CO2 equivalents of each physical entity of the output product. Determining the carbon content of each defined quantity of output product may include considering the recycled, renewable, and / or bio-based content of the final product, such as... Figure 6B As described in the context. If the output product is a final product, this step can be performed to allow determination of the environmental footprint data of the output product for each physical entity.

[0258] Continue to refer to Figure 15 Environmental footprint data associated with the physical entity of the output product can be determined (see box 1510). Environmental footprint data can be determined based on collected production data, collected data associated with (multiple) input materials (e.g., environmental footprint data associated with (multiple) input materials), and collected data associated with carbon content or carbon content data per defined quantity of output product. Environmental footprint data can be determined by summing environmental footprint data associated with the amount of (multiple) input materials used to produce the output material, environmental footprint data associated with the production process of the output material, and collected data associated with carbon content or carbon content data per defined quantity of output product. The obtained environmental footprint data can be assigned to the produced output product. Environmental footprint data can be determined for each physical entity of the output material (e.g., each packaging unit configured for transport to a user of the output product). The determined environmental footprint data can be associated with an output product identifier. The determined environmental footprint data can be stored in a database (see, for example...). Figure 6A Database 624 or Figure 6B (Database 646). The determined environmental footprint data can form part of a digital twin of the output products stored in one or more databases.

[0259] Return to Figure 13 It can provide at least one decentralized identifier associated with the output product (see box 1308). This can be provided by a decentralized ID provider (e.g., in...). Figure 6A and Figure 6BThe ID provider 620, as described in the context, provides multiple distributed identifiers. The distributed ID provider can generate one or more distributed identifiers. The multiple distributed identifiers can be associated with a batch of produced output products. The multiple distributed identifiers can be further associated with generated environmental footprint data. For example, distributed identifiers associated with a digital twin of the output product and distributed identifiers associated with generated environmental footprint data representing a portion of the digital twin can be generated. A request to provide multiple distributed identifiers can be triggered when the ID requester detects packaged output products. The ID requester can send a request to the distributed ID provider to provide multiple distributed identifiers. The distributed ID provider can generate multiple distributed identifiers and can provide the generated multiple distributed identifiers to an ID assigner. The ID assigner can be configured to assign the multiple distributed identifiers provided by the ID provider to the physical entity of the output product. The ID assigner can be part of a tagging machine and can be configured to generate tags (such as codes) that can be applied to or imprinted on a portion of the output product or its packaging unit. The distributed ID provider can be configured to provide distributed identifiers (multiple) to the access element generator (see [link]). Figure 6A and Figure 6B The access element generator is configured to generate access elements, as described later.

[0260] Access data associated with the generated environmental footprint data can be generated (see box 1310). Access data can be generated by an access data generator. Access element generators (see, for example) can also generate access data. Figure 6A and Figure 6BThe process generates access data. Access data may include a representation of environmental footprint data. Access data may include a locator or pointer to a dedicated storage address where the generated environmental footprint data is stored. The dedicated storage address may be associated with an output product producer. The dedicated storage address may be associated with an environmental footprint data owner. The pointer or locator may directly point to the dedicated storage address. The pointer or locator may point to a data-providing network node associated with the dedicated storage device. This improves data security because the dedicated storage address is not published to other participants in the decentralized network, thus avoiding the risk of direct access to the dedicated storage device without access control via the decentralized data-providing network node. Access data may include one or more digital links to the environmental footprint data. The digital representation may include a locator or pointer, such as a URL or URI, to a dedicated storage address associated with the output product producer and storing the environmental footprint data. Access data may include at least one interface to a data-providing network node. Access data may include at least one interface to a data-consuming network node. Access data may include endpoints (resource endpoints) for data exchange or sharing, or endpoints (service endpoints) for service interaction, which may be uniquely identified via a data transaction protocol. Access data pointing to environmental footprint data can be uniquely associated with distributed identifiers. Distributed identifiers can be linked to access data related to environmental footprint data.

[0261] Access elements associated with environmental footprint data can be generated (see box 1312). These can be generated by an access element generator (see, for example...). Figure 6A and Figure 6B The system generates access elements. Access elements may include distributed identifiers (multiple) and access data. Access elements may involve authorization rules that grant access to environmental footprint data based on distributed participant identifiers associated with participants in the distributed network. Thus, access to environmental footprint data can be restricted to specific network nodes associated with the data access, such as users of output products. Authorization rules may further involve defining at least one usage policy for the use of environmental footprint data by data consuming applications or distributed data consuming network nodes. Access elements may further include one or more authentication mechanisms associated with the distributed identifiers (multiple) and access data. One or more authentication mechanisms may be associated with or linked to the distributed identifiers (multiple). One or more authentication mechanisms associated with the distributed identifiers (multiple) can be accessed by the distributed participant network nodes (multiple).

[0262] Access elements can be provided for one or more data consuming network nodes to access environmental footprint data under the control of data providing network nodes associated with the producers of the output materials (see also...) Figure 9Access elements can be made by other participants in the decentralized network (such as users of output products) via associated decentralized data consumption network nodes, for example, such as... Figure 9 As described in the context. Access elements can be stored in a distributed registry (such as...). Figure 6A and Figure 6B In the context of the distributed registries 626, 648 described above, access elements can be retrieved from such a distributed registry by a distributed data providing network node (e.g., having access to such a distributed registry) associated with it, and access elements can be provided to such data consuming network node(s) upon request from such data consuming network node(s) (see [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 9 ).

[0263] Environmental footprint data can be uniquely associated with output products through decentralized identifiers. Decentralized networks enable the transfer of environmental footprint data between producers and users of output products. This allows environmental footprint data to be shared directly among participants in the product ecosystem through its unique association with the output product, without the need for a central intermediary. This achieves transparency of the environmental footprint within the product ecosystem and makes the positive environmental impacts of the output product transparent to end-product users, enabling them to make purchasing decisions based at least in part on the environmental impact associated with the end product they wish to buy.

[0264] Figure 14 A flowchart illustrating a second example of a method for monitoring the environmental impact associated with the use of the final product by a user, according to embodiments of this disclosure.

[0265] Output products can be any output product produced within the product ecosystem, including final products, such as those produced in... Figure 4 and Figure 5 The method is described in the context of [the previous sentence]. It can be executed by the operating system that generates the environmental footprint data (see, for example...). Figure 11A and Figure 11B The method may include... Figure 13 Boxes 1302 to 1306. Additionally, the method may include further steps as described below.

[0266] Transaction data can be generated (see box 1402). Transaction data can be generated as follows: Figure 11A , Figure 11B and Figure 12The transaction data may be generated as described in the context described in box 1306. The transaction data may further include output product identifiers. This allows for querying distributed ledger entries based on the output product identifier. For example, an output product may be associated with an output product identifier, for instance, by using a code that encodes the output product identifier or by using a label that includes the output product identifier. The transaction data may be generated by a transaction data generator, such as TX generator 1102 (see...). Figure 11A and Figure 11B ).

[0267] Transaction data can be signed (see box 1404). Transaction data can be signed by a transaction data generator. Transaction data can be signed by another application that acts as a wallet storing (multiple) private-key pairs. Transaction data can be signed using the private key of the entity that produces the output (e.g., the output producer).

[0268] Signed transaction data can be provided to a distributed ledger network (e.g., network 520) for storing transaction data, including EF data, within the distributed ledger (see box 1406). Signed transactions can be provided to the distributed ledger network by a transaction data generator. Signed transaction data can also be provided to the distributed ledger network by another application. Signed transactions can be provided to the distributed ledger network by sending the signed transaction data to the API of a distributed ledger network node. A node receiving the signed transaction data can broadcast the received data to other network nodes (see...). Figure 5 , Figure 11A , Figure 11B Signed transaction data can be confirmed by at least a subset of the nodes in a distributed ledger network. Confirmed transactions can be stored within the distributed ledger, such as... Figure 5 As described in the context. This can include generating blocks that include confirmed transactions and appending the generated blocks to an existing blockchain, such as... Figure 5 The context described above. Stored transactions can be assigned transaction IDs, such as... Figure 5 and Figure 11A As described in the context.

[0269] Confirmations of transactions can be collected, which is usually optional (see box 1408). Confirmations can be collected by a transaction data generator. Confirmations can be collected by other applications. Confirmations may include the transaction ID assigned to the transaction. Confirmations can be collected by collecting block data associated with new blocks appended to the blockchain. Block data can be collected via an API or by generating events and subscribing to these events. New block data can be repeatedly queried from the API. Subscriptions allow new block data to be automatically pushed to predefined locations. Block data can be used to determine whether submitted signed transaction data has been added to a block and can therefore be considered confirmed.

[0270] The confirmation obtained in box 1408 can be provided for display (see box 1410). Providing confirmation for display may include displaying the transaction ID. Alternatively, providing confirmation for display may include displaying a message indicating confirmation.

[0271] Figure 15 A method for accessing environmental footprint data associated with (multiple) products from a distributed network, according to embodiments of this disclosure, is illustrated. This method can be configured to be executed by a runtime system. Figure 15 The steps shown are implemented by the user device of the application. The method can be executed when purchasing (multiple) final products. The method can be executed after purchasing (multiple) final products. The method can be executed before purchasing the final products (e.g., before paying the monetary price of (multiple) final products). The method can be initiated by paying the monetary price of the final products or afterward.

[0272] The end-product user can be a customer who purchases one or more end-products. Multiple end-products can include multiple physical goods. Multiple end-products can include multiple chemical products. Multiple chemical products can be packaged in a packaging unit. Multiple end-products can be multiple discrete products. Discrete products can be present within a packaging unit. Multiple end-products can include any product containing carbon. Multiple end-products can include any product containing at least one organic compound. Multiple end-products can be multiple end-products containing carbon, multiple end-products containing at least one organic compound, multiple end-products containing metals (such as precious metals), car batteries, automobiles, fabrics, mattresses, tires, or cosmetic products. Multiple end-products can include multiple services. Multiple end-products can include multiple physical goods and / or multiple services. Use of multiple end-products can include the purchase and use of the purchased multiple end-products by the end-product user. Use of end-products can include the disposal of the end-products upon reaching the end of their lifespan.

[0273] Multiple end products can be associated with environmental impacts. Environmental impacts can relate to one or more environmental characteristics of the end product. Environmental characteristics can relate to the characteristics of the production of the end product. Environmental characteristics can relate to the characteristics of the multiple input materials used to produce the end product. Environmental characteristics can relate to the product's carbon footprint, bio-based content, recycled content, bio-derived carbon content, or other suitable measures of environmental impact, or any combination thereof. Environmental characteristics can relate to one or more features that can confer environmental impact on the end product. Environmental characteristics can include multiple environmental, technological, recyclability, or circular characteristics associated with the environmental impact of the end product. For example, multiple environmental characteristics can include carbon footprint, greenhouse gas emissions, resource use, air emissions, ozone depletion potential, water pollution, noise pollution, or eutrophication potential.

[0274] The final product can be correlated with environmental footprint data. Environmental footprint data can be correlated with environmental impacts. Environmental footprint data can include carbon footprint data, which is correlated with the amount of CO2 equivalent per defined quantity of the final product. Environmental footprint data can be determined at least in part based on measured carbon content. This can be as follows: Figure 6B and Figure 11B The carbon content is measured in the context described above. Environmental footprint data can be determined based on this measured carbon content, such as in... Figure 6B , Figure 11B and Figure 13 As described in the context. Environmental footprint data associated with the final product can be further determined based on production data associated with the production of the final product and environmental footprint data associated with the (multiple) input materials used to produce the final product, as described in... Figure 13 As described in the context.

[0275] The final product can be associated with a digital twin of the final product. The digital twin can include final product data. The digital twin can include environmental footprint data associated with the final product. The environmental footprint data can be a portion of the final product data. The environmental footprint data can be associated with a distributed identifier. The distributed identifier can represent a digital twin of the physical entity of the final product. The distributed identifier can include one or more Universally Unique Identifiers (UUIDs) or multiple Digital Identifiers (DIDs). For example, the distributed identifier can include a distributed digital twin identifier and a distributed environmental footprint data identifier.

[0276] A distributed identifier associated with the final product can be provided (see open loop box 1504). The distributed identifier can be provided by a sensor that reads identifier elements physically connected to the final product or a portion thereof, for example, as in... Figure 9 and Figure 12As described in the context of [the document / concept]. At least during the production of the final product or a portion thereof, identifier elements may be associated with or linked to the final product or a portion thereof, respectively. Identifier elements may encode distributed identifiers. Identifier elements may encode or include a final product identifier, and such a final product identifier may be used to determine the associated distributed identifier, for example, as in [the document / concept]. Figure 9 and Figure 12 As described in the context, the digital twin of the final product, and therefore the environmental footprint data contained therein, can be accessed via a distributed network through identifier elements.

[0277] Environmental footprint data (also referred to as EF data) can be collected via a distributed network based on a provided distributed identifier (see box 1504). The distributed network can be a distributed peer-to-peer network, where the environmental footprint data is stored on a dedicated storage device associated with multiple network nodes of the respective environmental footprint data owner (see box 1504). Figure 4 and Figure 6A , Figure 6B , Figure 9 Distributed networks can be distributed ledger networks, where environmental footprint data is stored in a distributed ledger shared among at least a portion of the nodes in the distributed ledger network (see [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 5 and Figure 11A , Figure 11B , Figure 12 Environmental footprint data can be collected from distributed network nodes that are associated with the environmental footprint data of the final product and with the producers of the final product, such as in... Figure 9 As described in the context of [the previous sentence]. Environmental footprint data can be collected by providing decentralized identifiers associated with the final product to decentralized network nodes. Decentralized network nodes can be decentralized data-providing network nodes associated with the final product producer. Decentralized data-providing network nodes can be associated with dedicated storage devices storing the environmental footprint data. Dedicated storage devices can be associated with the data owner of the environmental footprint data (such as the final product producer). Environmental footprint data can be collected from distributed ledger networks, for example, as in [the previous sentence]. Figure 12 As described in the context.

[0278] The collected EF data can be summed or aggregated (see box 1506). If EF data was collected for more than one end product, for example, if boxes 1502 and 1504 are repeated at least once, the EF data can be summed or aggregated. Summing the collected EF data allows determination of the total environmental footprint associated with all end products to be purchased or already purchased.

[0279] When determining whether or not to purchase additional final products, boxes 1502 and 1504 can be repeated. This determination can be made using scan data generated by a code scanner that scans the final product to be purchased (see also...). Figure 9 and Figure 10 ).

[0280] At least a portion of the collected EF data may be made available for display (see box 1510). For example, carbon footprint data included in the collected environmental footprint data may be made available for display. Making at least a portion of the collected EF data available for display may allow end-product users to determine the emissions price associated with the purchase of (multiple) end products in addition to the monetary price.

[0281] This method allows greenhouse gas emissions associated with the production and use of end products to be transparent to end product users. This transparency allows end product users to reduce the environmental impact associated with their consumption behavior and triggers the production of end products with reduced environmental impact.

[0282] 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.

[0283] 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.

[0284] 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.

[0285] 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.

[0286] 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.

[0287] Any disclosures and embodiments described herein relate to the methods, systems, apparatuses, devices, 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.

Claims

1. A method for monitoring the environmental impact associated with the use of output products produced from one or more input materials, the method comprising: - Collect data related to the production of the output product, wherein the production-related data includes environmental footprint data associated with the output product, wherein the environmental footprint data is determined at least in part based on the measured carbon content of the output product. - Transaction data is generated based on this environmental footprint data, so that the environmental footprint data is stored as an entry in the distributed ledger of the distributed ledger network. - Provide the generated transaction data to the distributed ledger network so that the environmental footprint data can be accessed via the distributed ledger network.

2. The method as described in claim 1, wherein, Providing the generated transaction data to the distributed ledger network includes providing the generated transaction data to a signature module configured to sign the generated transaction data and provide the signed transaction data to the distributed ledger network.

3. The method as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein, This distributed ledger is a blockchain.

4. The method as described in any of the preceding claims, wherein, The transaction data further includes relational data specifying the relationships between the production inputs(s) used to produce the output and the output produced.

5. A method for monitoring the environmental impact associated with an output product produced from one or more input materials, the method comprising: - Collect data related to the production of the output product, wherein the production-related data includes environmental footprint data associated with the output product and determined at least in part based on the measured carbon content of the output product. - Provide one or more distributed identifiers associated with the output product. - Generate access data associated with this environmental footprint data. - Generate access elements that include one or more distributed identifiers and access data associated with the environmental footprint data. - Provide the access element to the distributed network so that the environmental footprint data can be accessed by one or more data consuming network nodes of the distributed network under the control of the data providing network node associated with the producer of the output product.

6. The method as described in any of the preceding claims, wherein, The environmental footprint data is associated with the physical entities of the output product.

7. The method as described in any of the preceding claims, wherein, The environmental footprint data includes carbon footprint data, which is correlated with a specified amount of CO2 equivalent for each specified amount of output product.

8. The method as described in any of the preceding claims, wherein, The measured carbon content of the output product is determined based on measurement data obtained from the measuring device.

9. The method as described in any of the preceding claims, wherein, The environmental footprint data associated with the output product is further determined based on production data associated with the production of the output product and environmental footprint data associated with the (multiple) input materials used to produce the output product.

10. The method as described in any of the preceding claims, wherein, Data related to the production of the output product is collected in connection with the production of the output product by its producer.

11. An apparatus for monitoring the environmental impact associated with the production of output products from one or more input materials, the apparatus comprising: • A data collector configured to collect data related to the production of the output product, wherein the production-related data includes environmental footprint data associated with the output product, wherein the environmental footprint data is determined at least in part based on the measured carbon content of the output product. • A transaction data generator, configured to generate transaction data based on the environmental footprint data, to store the environmental footprint data as entries in the distributed ledger of a distributed ledger network. • A distributed ledger network interface configured to provide generated transaction data to the distributed ledger network for access to the environmental footprint data via the distributed ledger network.

12. An apparatus for monitoring the environmental impact associated with the use of an output product produced from one or more input materials, the apparatus comprising: • A data collector configured to collect data related to the production of the output product, wherein the production-related data includes environmental footprint data determined at least in part based on the measured carbon content of the output product. • An identifier providing interface, configured to provide one or more distributed identifiers associated with the output product. • Access data generator, configured to generate access data associated with the environmental footprint data. • Access element generator, configured to generate access elements that include the one or more distributed identifiers and access data associated with the environmental footprint data. • A distributed network interface configured to provide the access element to a distributed network for access to the environmental footprint data by one or more data consuming network nodes of the distributed network under the control of a data providing network node associated with the producer of the output product.

13. A method for determining the environmental impact associated with the use of a final product by a final product user, the method comprising: • Provide data associated with the final product, • Based on the provided data associated with the final product, environmental footprint data related to the environmental impact associated with the final product is collected via a distributed ledger network, wherein the environmental footprint data is stored as an entry in the distributed ledger of the distributed ledger network by the method of any one of claims 1 to 4 and 6 to 10 or by the apparatus of claim 11. • Provide the collected environmental footprint data.

14. A method for determining the environmental impact associated with the use of a final product by a final product user, the method comprising: • Provide data associated with the final product, • One or more access elements associated with environmental footprint data related to the environmental impact associated with the final product, collected via a distributed network based on the collected distributed identifiers(s), wherein the one or more access elements are generated and / or provided by the method of any one of claims 5 to 10 or by the apparatus of claim 12. • Access to the environmental footprint data is requested via the distributed network based on the access data associated with the environmental footprint data included in the collected access elements(multiple) of access elements.

15. An output product associated with an access element generated and provided by the method of any one of claims 5 to 10 or by the apparatus of claim 12, or associated with a distributed ledger entry in a distributed ledger of a distributed ledger network generated by the method of any one of claims 1 to 4 and 6 to 10 or by the apparatus of claim 11.

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