Recycling information management method, and recycling information management device

Abstract

To provide a recycling information management method which enables effective utilization of information obtained when a resin container is distributed.SOLUTION: A recycling information management method manages recycling information D1 on a recycled material produced by recovering and recycling a resin container to which an information storage carrier storing container identification information is attached, and a used container, by using a computer. The recycling information management method includes: an information collection step of collecting each of container manufacture information on manufacture of a container, container recovering information on recovering of the container, and container recycling information on recycling of the container to the recycled material, as recycling information D1 including at least information on a time and a place, and container identification information, and registering the collected information in a recycling management database 210; and an information processing step of performing predetermined processing, by referring to the recycling information D1 registered in the recycling management database 210.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a recycling information management method and a recycling information management device. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, with the rise in environmental awareness, the introduction of a system for collecting used resin containers and reusing them as recycled materials has been considered. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses various recycling methods for collecting and reusing used PET bottles. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2007-169056 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The container recycling method disclosed in Patent Document 1 is mainly a method of packaging PET bottles during transportation. However, the amount of PET bottles in circulation is not managed at the distribution stages such as product provision, sorting and collection, recycling, and re-commercialization, and it is considered that there is room for improvement in promoting the reuse of PET bottles.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a recycling information management method and a recycling information management device that make it possible to effectively utilize information obtained when plastic containers are circulated. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, a recycling information management method according to one aspect of the present invention includes: A method for managing recycling information using a computer, the method comprising the steps of: managing recycling information relating to a recyclable material generated by collecting and regenerating a resin container having an information storage carrier attached thereto, the information storage carrier storing container identification information; an information collection process for collecting container manufacturing information relating to the manufacture of the container, container recovery information relating to the recovery of the container, and container regeneration information relating to the regeneration of the container into the recyclable material, as the recycling information including at least information regarding time and place and the container identification information, and registering the collected information in a database; and an information processing step of performing a predetermined process by referring to the recycling information registered in the database. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the recycling information management method of one aspect of the present invention, in the information collection step, container manufacturing information, container recovery information, and container regeneration information are collected as recycling information generated at each distribution stage when a resin container is distributed, and in the information processing step, a predetermined process is performed on the collected recycling information. Therefore, the information obtained when a resin container is distributed can be effectively used.

[0008] Other objects, configurations and effects will become apparent from the detailed description of the invention described below. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an overall view showing an example of a container distribution system 1. [Diagram 2] 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of each distribution stage of a container 11 and a recycled material 14. FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a recycling information management device 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a functional explanatory diagram showing an information collection unit 200 and an example of information flow. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a data configuration diagram showing an example of a recycle management database 210. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a functional explanatory diagram showing an information processing unit 201 and an example of information flow. [Figure 7] FIG. 9 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of a computer 900. [Figure 8] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of an information collecting step performed by an information collecting unit 200. [Figure 9] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of an information processing step performed by the information processing unit 201. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following, the scope necessary for the explanation to achieve the object of the present invention will be shown in a schematic manner, and the scope necessary for the explanation of the relevant part of the present invention will be mainly explained, and the parts that are omitted will be explained as being related to the publicly known technology.

[0011] (Configuration of container distribution system 1) Fig. 1 is an overall view showing an example of a container distribution system 1 according to the present embodiment. Fig. 2 is an explanatory view showing an example of each distribution stage of containers 11 and recycled materials 14.

[0012] The container distribution system 1 includes, as its main component, a recycling information management device 2. The recycling information management device 2 is a device that manages recycling information related to the recycled material 14 generated by collecting and regenerating, after use, resin containers 11 having information storage carriers 110 attached thereto that store container identification information.

[0013] The recycling information management device 2 is a general-purpose or dedicated computer (see FIG. 7 described later), and is configured, for example, as a server-type computer or a cloud-type computer. A container manufacturer terminal device 3A used by a container manufacturer UA, a product manufacturer terminal device 3B used by a product manufacturer UB, a distributor terminal device 3C used by a distributor UC, a consumer terminal device 3D used by a consumer UD, a recovery company terminal device 3E used by a recovery company UE, and a recycling company terminal device 3F used by a recycling company UF are connected to the recycling information management device 2 via a wired or wireless network 4. The number of terminal devices 3A to 3F and the configuration of the network 4 are not limited to the example of FIG. 1.

[0014] Each of the terminal devices 3A to 3F (container manufacturer terminal device 3A, product manufacturer terminal device 3B, distributor terminal device 3C, consumer terminal device 3D, collection company terminal device 3E, and recycling company terminal device 3F) is a general-purpose or dedicated computer (see FIG. 7 described later), and is configured, for example, as a stationary computer or a portable computer. Programs such as browsers and applications are installed in each of the terminal devices 3A to 3F, and the terminal devices 3A to 3F accept various input operations and output various information via a display screen or voice.

[0015] The container 11 may have any shape or size and may be used in various forms. The container 11 may include, for example, a container body, a lid or film that is attached to or detached from the container body, and a label that is wound around or attached to the container body. In this case, the container 11 may correspond to a member or part that constitutes a part of the container 11, and may be, for example, the container body, a lid or film, or a label. Examples of the type (type type) of the container 11 include bottles, cups, trays, packs, and the like. Examples of the type (type of raw material) of the container 11 include polyolefin resins such as polyethylene and polypropylene, and polyester resins such as PET (polyethylene terephthalate). It is preferable that recycled material 14 is used for part or all of the raw material of the container 11. The type of raw material is not limited to the above, and any resin material can be used as long as it is a recyclable material.

[0016] The container 11 is formed by a resin molding method such as direct blow molding, stretch blow molding, injection molding, etc. As the resin molding method, an appropriate resin molding method is selected from the above-mentioned resin molding methods according to, for example, the type of the shape of the container 11 and the type of raw material.

[0017] The container 11 is provided with an information storage medium 110 capable of storing container identification information. The container identification information is information for identifying the container 11 and for associating it with recycling information for the container 11. The container identification information is, for example, a container ID (container identification code) for identifying the container 11 on an individual unit or a lot unit basis. The container identification information may include recycling information and web access information (such as a URL) for accessing information related to the container 11 or the product 13 via a web service.

[0018] The information storage carrier 110 is configured with a code image such as a one-dimensional code or a two-dimensional code. In this case, a label on which the code image is printed may be embedded inside the molded body of the container 11, or may be attached to or wrapped around the container 11. The information storage carrier 110 is also configured with an electronic tag (IC tag) called RFID, or the like. In this case, the electronic tag is embedded inside the molded body of the container 11.

[0019] The contents 12 are liquids, solids, powders, granules, etc. Examples of the types of contents 12 (content types) include beverages such as water, juice, milk, etc., foods such as oil, sauce, meat, fish, etc., daily necessities such as detergent, shampoo, etc., medicines, etc. The contents 12 may be at room temperature, chilled (refrigerated), or frozen. Furthermore, the contents 12 may be either heated or unheated during the manufacturing process, and in the case of beverages and foods, they may be fresh or processed products.

[0020] The product 13 is manufactured by using the container 11 and storing the contents 12. When the container 11 is in the form of a bottle or a cup, the contents 12 are filled into the container 11 and sealed with a lid or the like. When the container 11 is in the form of a tray or a pack, the contents 12 are stored in the container 11 and sealed with a film or the like.

[0021] The recycled material 14 is generated from the container 11 by carrying out a regeneration process such as sorting, crushing, cleaning, deodorization, dehydration, and pelletization on the used container 11. The type of the recycled material 14 (recycled material type) is classified according to the type of raw material of the container 11, for example. In this case, the type of the recycled material 14 is classified into, for example, pure materials such as polyethylene and polypropylene, and composite materials made of a plurality of raw materials. In this case, the classification may be only pure materials and composite materials, or the pure materials may be further subdivided according to the material names, or the composite materials may be further subdivided according to the blending ratio of the material names. The type of the recycled material 14 may be classified according to the type of the contents 12, the collection state of the container 11 (sorted or unsorted), the processing state of the regeneration process of the container 11, a grade based on the blending degree of impurities, or the above classification methods may be appropriately combined.

[0022] The container manufacturer UA manufactures containers 11 from raw materials (including recycled materials 14) using a resin molding device installed in a container factory (container manufacturing stage), and delivers the containers 11 to a product manufacturer UB. The product manufacturer UB then places contents 12 in the containers 11 at the product factory, manufactures products 13 (product manufacturing stage), and ships them to a distributor UC. The distributors UC include, for example, wholesalers, retailers, trading companies, etc.

[0023] The distributor UC transports the product 13 to a store or warehouse, etc., and sells it to the consumer UD (product sales stage). The consumer UD includes not only general consumers, but also businesses, etc. The consumer UD consumes the contents 12 of the purchased product 13 at home, business facilities, etc. (product consumption stage) and disposes of the used product 13. The consumer UD carries the used container 11 to a collection point such as a store, a public facility, etc. The consumer UD may request the collection of the used container 11 from a collection business operator UE.

[0024] The collection company UE collects used containers 11 (container collection stage), and if necessary, performs pre-processing such as sorting and screening, and transports them to a recycling plant. The recycling company UF performs recycling processing on the collected containers 11 at the recycling plant, and recycles the collected containers 11 into recyclable materials 14 (container recycling stage).

[0025] The container 11 is regenerated into the recycled material 14 by passing through each of the above-mentioned distribution stages (container manufacturing stage, product manufacturing stage, product sales stage, product consumption stage, container collection stage, and container regeneration stage). The recycled material 14 is then reused as a raw material for the container 11 in the container manufacturing stage, and the container 11 is manufactured. Therefore, the series of distribution stages is repeated, and the recycled material 14 is repeatedly reused. The container 11 may be regenerated into the recycled material 14 without passing through some of the above-mentioned distribution stages. For example, the container 11 that is discarded as a defective product in the container manufacturing stage or the product manufacturing stage may be regenerated into the recycled material 14 without passing through the subsequent product sales stage or the product consumption stage. In addition, the container 11 that is discarded without being sold in the product sales stage may be regenerated into the recycled material 14 without passing through the subsequent product consumption stage.

[0026] (Configuration of recycling information management device 2) 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a recycling information management device 2 according to the present embodiment. The recycling information management device 2 includes a control unit 20 configured with a processor or the like, a storage unit 21 configured with a HDD, SSD, memory, or the like, a communication unit 22 that is a communication interface with the network 4, an input unit 23 configured with a keyboard, mouse, or the like, and a display unit 24 configured with a display, or the like. Note that the input unit 23 and the display unit 24 may be omitted.

[0027] Storage unit 21 stores a recycle management database 210 and a recycle information management program 211, as well as an operating system, other programs, data, and the like.

[0028] Control unit 20 executes recycling information management program 211 stored in storage unit 21 to function as information collection unit 200 and information processing unit 201.

[0029] (Information Collector 200) 4 is a functional explanatory diagram showing information collection unit 200 and an example of an information flow. Control unit 20 of recycling information management device 2 realizes information collection unit 200 mainly by using recycling management database 210 (see FIG. 5 described later).

[0030] The information collection unit 200 collects recycling information D1 relating to the containers 11 and the recyclable materials 14, and registers the information in the recycling management database 210.

[0031] The recycling information D1 includes at least information on time and place, and container identification information as basic information, and further includes various additional information that is added at each distribution stage.

[0032] The recycling information D1 includes, as information corresponding to each distribution stage, for example, container manufacturing information DA relating to the manufacturing of the container 11, product manufacturing information DB relating to the manufacturing of the product 13 using the container 11, product sales information DC relating to the sale of the product 13, product consumption information DD relating to the consumption of the product 13, container recovery information DE relating to the recovery of the container 11, and information on the process of converting the container 11 into the recyclable material 14. The container regeneration information DF is classified into two categories:

[0033] For example, the information collection unit 200 acquires (receives) recycling information D1 (specifically, container manufacturing information DA, product manufacturing information DB, product sales information DC, product consumption information DD, container collection information DE, and container recycling information DF) from each of the terminal devices 3A to 3F via the network 4, and registers the recycling information D1 in the recycling management database 210.

[0034] The recycling information D1 acquired from each of the terminal devices 3A-3F is obtained by recording, as the recycling information D1, the time, place, and container identification information when the information storage medium 110 attached to the container 11 is read, for example, by a reading device (not shown) as the container 11 passes through each distribution stage, and various additional information added at each distribution stage. Note that the recycling information D1 may be information obtained by recording the input results inputted at each of the terminal devices 3A-3F instead of or in addition to the reading results of the reading device. The recycling information D1 may also be obtained at a distribution stage different from the distribution stages to which the container manufacturing information DA, product manufacturing information DB, product sales information DC, product consumption information DD, container recovery information DE, and container recycling information DF respectively correspond. For example, the product manufacturing information DB may be obtained by the container manufacturer UA inputting the product manufacturing information DB into the container manufacturer terminal device 3A, and the product consumption information DD may be obtained by the distributor UC or the collection company UE inputting the product consumption information DD into the distributor terminal device 3C or the collection company terminal device 3E.

[0035] The container identification information reading device is used at each stage of distribution and is installed at various locations such as container factories, product factories, stores, warehouses, collection points, recycling plants, etc. The reading device is composed of, for example, a code reader, a camera, an electronic tag reader, etc., and may be a fixed or handheld type, or may be an embedded type incorporated in a portable computer (such as a smartphone).

[0036] Information collecting unit 200 may acquire part of information managed by an external system (such as a manufacturing management system, a transportation management system, or a sales management system) from the external system as recycling information D1.

[0037] FIG. 5 is a data configuration diagram showing an example of the recycle management database 210. The recycle management database 210 is composed of a plurality of tables 210A to 210F corresponding to each distribution stage. Each of the tables 210A to 210F has a common field for registering time, place, and container identification information. The time field indicates the date and time, and may register only the date, or may register the hour, minute, and second. The place field indicates the position, and may be coordinates such as latitude and longitude, or a region or area such as an administrative division or mesh division may be registered. In the container identification information field, container identification information for identifying one container 11 may be registered, or multiple container identification information for identifying multiple containers 11 may be registered.

[0038] The container production table 210A has fields for registering additional information specific to the container production information DA, in addition to common fields for registering the container production time, container production location, and container identification information of the container 11. The container production information DA includes, as additional information, information on the raw material type indicating the type of raw material of the container 11, information on the form type indicating the type of form of the container 11, and information on the production amount (weight and number) of the container 11.

[0039] The product manufacturing table 210B has a field for registering additional information specific to the product manufacturing information DB, in addition to common fields for registering the product manufacturing time, product manufacturing location, and container identification information of the product 13. The product manufacturing information DB includes, as additional information, information on the content type indicating the type of the content 12 contained in the container 11, and information on the manufacturing amount (weight and number) of the product 13.

[0040] The product sales table 210C has fields for registering additional information specific to the product sales information DC, in addition to common fields for registering the product sales time, product sales location, and container identification information of the product 13. The product sales information DC includes, as additional information, information on the sales price of the product 13 and information on the sales amount (number) of the product 13.

[0041] The product consumption table 210D has common fields for registering the product consumption time, product consumption place, and container identification information of the product 13, as well as fields for registering additional information specific to the product consumption information DD. The product consumption information DD includes, as additional information, information on consumer characteristics indicating the characteristics of the consumer UD (age, sex, preferences, etc.) and information on coupon distribution. The coupon is distributed to the consumer terminal device 3D of the consumer UD by, for example, accessing a specific website based on web access information included in the container identification information of the product 13 purchased by the consumer UD. This allows an incentive to be given to the consumer UD for collecting the container 11.

[0042] The container collection table 210E has a field for registering additional information specific to the container collection information DE, in addition to common fields for registering the container collection time, container collection location, and container identification information of the used container 11. The container collection information DE includes, as additional information, information on the collection status of the container 11 (sorted or unsorted) and information on the amount of containers 11 collected (weight and number).

[0043] The container recycling table 210F has fields for registering additional information specific to the container recycling information DF, in addition to common fields for registering the container recycling time, container recycling location, and container identification information of the collected containers 11. The container recycling information DF includes, as additional information, information on the type of recycled material indicating the type of recycled material 14, and information on the recycled amount (weight) of the recycled material 14.

[0044] The data configuration of the recycle management database 210 is not limited to the above example and may be changed as appropriate. Some of the above data (for example, additional information of each of the tables 210A-210F) may be omitted, or data other than the above may be added. Among the tables 210A-210F, some or all of the product manufacturing table 210B, the product sales table 210C, and the product consumption table 210D may be omitted. In that case, the information collecting unit 200 may omit the process of collecting some or all of the product manufacturing information DB, the product sales information DC, and the product consumption information DD. Furthermore, some or all of the recycle management database 210 may be stored in an external device (or devices) connectable to the network 6. In that case, the control unit 20 may access the external device via the communication unit 22.

[0045] (Information processing unit 201) 6 is a functional explanatory diagram showing information processing section 201 and an example of an information flow. Control section 20 of recycling information management device 2 realizes information processing section 201 by using recycling management database 210 (see FIG. 5).

[0046] The information processing unit 201 performs a predetermined process by referring to the recycling information D1 registered in the recycling management database 210. As the predetermined process, the information processing unit 201 performs, for example, a recycling amount prediction process for predicting the recycling amount of the recycled material 14 and a supply plan creation process for creating a supply plan for the recycled material 14.

[0047] When the information processing unit 201 receives container production amount information D2 indicating the production amount of the container 11 to be predicted, the information processing unit 201 performs the following calculation based on the recycle information D1 registered in the recycle management database 210: Then, a recycle amount prediction process is performed to predict the recycle amount of the recyclable material 14 that will be generated by collecting and regenerating the container 11 that is the prediction target.

[0048] For example, when a container manufacturer UA updates the manufacturing plan for a container factory and creates a manufacturing plan for a new container 11, container production volume information D2 based on the manufacturing plan for the new container 11 is sent from the container manufacturer terminal device 3A to the recycling information management device 2, and the information processing unit 201 accepts the container production volume information D2.

[0049] Then, when the information processing unit 201 receives the container production amount information D2, for example, by using the container identification information registered in the fields of each of the tables 210A to 210F to associate additional information with which the same container identification information is registered, the information processing unit 201 acquires basic information and additional information for each container 11 as the container 11 passes through each distribution stage (container manufacturing stage, product manufacturing stage, product sales stage, product consumption stage, container collection stage, container recycling stage). Next, the information processing unit 201 performs an aggregation process on the basic information and additional information at each distribution stage acquired for each container 11, thereby calculating, for example, the recycled amount of the recycled material 14 per unit weight of the container 11 as the recycling rate of the recycled material 14. Furthermore, the information processing unit 201 predicts the recycled amount of the recycled material 14 generated from the container 11 to be predicted based on the manufacturing amount of the container 11 to be predicted and the recycling rate of the recycled material 14 indicated by the container production amount information D2.

[0050] The information processing unit 201 may predict in detail the amount of recyclable material 14 recycled from the container 11 that is the prediction target.

[0051] As a first example, when the container manufacturing information DA includes information on the type of raw material of the container 11, the information processing unit 201 may predict the amount of recycled material 14 to be recycled by raw material type by calculating the recycling rate of the recycled material 14 by raw material type. In this case, the recycling information D1 referred to by the information processing unit 201 includes at least the container manufacturing information DA, container collection information DE, and container recycling information DF. This makes it possible to predict how much recycled material 14 the collected container 11 will be recycled into, depending on the type and amount of raw material containers 11 manufactured.

[0052] As a second example, when the container manufacturing information DA includes information on the form type of the container 11, the information processing unit 201 may predict the amount of recycled material 14 to be recycled by form type by calculating the recycling rate of the recycled material 14 by form type. In this case, the recycling information D1 referred to by the information processing unit 201 includes at least the container manufacturing information DA, the container collection information DE, and the container recycling information DF. This makes it possible to predict how much recycled material 14 the collected containers 11 will be recycled into, depending on the form type and the amount of containers 11 manufactured.

[0053] As a third example, when the product manufacturing information DB includes information on the content type of the contents 12, the information processing unit 201 may predict the amount of recycled material 14 to be recycled by content type by calculating the recycling rate of the recycled material 14 by content type. In this case, the recycling information D1 referred to by the information processing unit 201 includes at least the container manufacturing information DA, the product manufacturing information DB, the container collection information DE, and the container recycling information DF. This makes it possible to predict how much recycled material 14 the collected container 11 will be recycled into, depending on the type and amount of the product 13 that was manufactured.

[0054] Furthermore, when detailed information on the production volume of containers 11 is included as the container production volume information D2, the regenerated volume of recyclable material 14 for the container 11 being the prediction target may be predicted in detail.

[0055] As a fourth example, in the case where the container manufacturing information DA includes information on the type of raw material of the container 11 and the container recycling information DF includes information on the type of recycled material of the recycled material 14, the information processing unit 201 may predict the amount of recycled material 14 by type of recycled material based on the recycling information D1 when it receives the container manufacturing amount information D2 indicating the manufacturing amount by raw material type of the container 11 to be predicted. In this case, it is preferable that the recycling information D1 referred to by the information processing unit 201 includes at least the container manufacturing information DA, the container collection information DE, and the container recycling information DF. This makes it possible to predict how much of the collected container 11 will be recycled into what type of recycled material 14, depending on how much of the container 11 of what raw material type was manufactured. For example, in the case where the recycled material type is classified into pure material and composite material, it is possible to predict how much of the pure material and composite material will be obtained and in what distribution they will be obtained.

[0056] As a fifth example, in the case where the container manufacturing information DA includes information on the form type of the container 11 and the container recycling information DF includes information on the type of the recycled material 14, the information processing unit 201 may predict the amount of recycled material 14 by type of recycled material based on the recycling information D1 when it receives the container manufacturing amount information D2 indicating the manufacturing amount by type of the container 11 to be predicted. In this case, it is preferable that the recycling information D1 referred to by the information processing unit 201 includes at least the container manufacturing information DA, the container collection information DE, and the container recycling information DF. This makes it possible to predict how much of the collected container 11 will be recycled into what type of recycled material 14, depending on the amount of containers 11 of what type and what type have been manufactured. For example, in the case where the type of recycled material is classified into pure material and composite material, it is possible to predict how much of the pure material and composite material will be obtained and in what distribution they will be obtained.

[0057] Furthermore, the above first to fifth examples may be appropriately combined. For example, the information processing unit 201 may predict the recycled amount of the recyclable material 14 by type of recyclable material and by type of content. When predicting the recycled amount of the recyclable material 14, the information processing unit 201 may predict information related to time and place. That is, the information processing unit 201 can predict when, where, how much, and what type of recyclable material 14 will be recycled when the container 11 to be predicted is manufactured. In addition, in the above first to fifth examples, the recycling information D1 referred to by the information processing unit 201 may include product sales information DC and product consumption information DD.

[0058] The information processing unit 201 performs a supply plan creation process that creates a supply plan for the recycled material 14 based on the prediction results of the recycled amount of the recycled material 14 for the container production amount information D2. For example, the information processing unit 201 receives a plurality of container production amount information D2 from the container manufacturer terminal device 3A, predicts each of the recycled amounts of the recycled material 14 for the container production amount information D2, and accumulates each prediction result of the recycled amount of the recycled material 14. Then, the information processing unit 201 creates a supply plan for the recycled material 14 by performing an aggregation process on each prediction result of the recycled amount of the recycled material 14.

[0059] When the predicted result of the recycled amount of the recyclable material 14 includes information on time, place, and type of recyclable material, the information processing unit 201 may perform an aggregation process based on the information on the time, place, and type of recyclable material to create a supply plan for the recyclable material 14 that takes into account the time, place, and type of recyclable material. In this case, the supply plan for the recyclable material 14 indicates the predicted inventory amount of the recyclable material 14 to be generated in the future by time, place, and type of recyclable material. In other words, the information processing unit 201 can create a supply plan that indicates when, where, how much, and what type of recyclable material 14 can be supplied when the container 11 to be predicted is manufactured.

[0060] In addition, when the information processing unit 201 receives recycled material demand information D3 indicating the demand for recycled material 14, the information processing unit 201 may secure future inventory of recycled material 14 in advance based on a supply plan for recycled material 14.

[0061] For example, container maker UA updates the manufacturing plan for the container factory and identifies raw materials required for manufacturing a new container 11, and recycled material demand information D3 indicating the demand for recycled material 14, which is the necessary raw material, is transmitted from container maker terminal device 3A to recycling information management device 2, whereby information processing unit 201 accepts the recycled material demand information D3. Then, upon accepting recycled material demand information D3, information processing unit 201 refers to the already created supply plan for recycled material 14, and if there is a predicted inventory amount of recycled material 14 that satisfies the demand amount of recycled material 14 indicated by recycled material demand information D3, secures future inventory of recycled material 14 in advance.

[0062] The information processor 201 may receive the recyclable material demand information D3 from the product manufacturer UB and other businesses in addition to the container manufacturer UA. This allows the range of use of the recyclable material 14 to be expanded.

[0063] Furthermore, the information processing unit 201 may perform a settlement process when it secures a future inventory of the recyclable material 14. Furthermore, the information processing unit 201 may arrange in advance for transportation of the recyclable material 14 when it secures a future inventory of the recyclable material 14. In this case, the future inventory of the recyclable material 14 may be arranged to be directly transported from the recycle factory to a shipping destination (such as a container factory), or may be arranged to be transported from the recycle factory to the shipping destination (such as a container factory) via a warehouse managed by the administrator of the recycle information management device 2.

[0064] 7 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of a computer 900 constituting each device. The recycling information management device 2 and each of the terminal devices 3A to 3F in the container circulation system 1 are each constituted by a general-purpose or dedicated computer 900.

[0065] 7, the computer 900 includes, as its main components, a bus 910, a processor 912, a memory 914, an input device 916, an output device 917, a display device 918, a storage device 920, a communication I / F (interface) unit 922, an external device I / F unit 924, an I / O (input / output) device I / F unit 926, and a media input / output unit 928. Note that the above components may be omitted as appropriate depending on the application of the computer 900.

[0066] The processor 912 is composed of one or more arithmetic processing devices (such as a central processing unit (CPU), a micro-processing unit (MPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), or a graphics processing unit (GPU)) and operates as a control unit that controls the entire computer 900. The memory 914 stores various data and programs 930, and is composed of, for example, a volatile memory (DRAM, SRAM, etc.) that functions as a main memory, a non-volatile memory (ROM), a flash memory, etc.

[0067] The input device 916 is, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a numeric keypad, an electronic pen, etc., and functions as an input unit. The output device 917 is, for example, a sound (audio) output device, a vibration device, etc., and functions as an output unit. The display device 918 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, electronic paper, a projector, etc., and functions as an output unit. The input device 916 and the display device 918 may be integrally configured, such as a touch panel display. The storage device 920 is, for example, The storage device 920 is configured, for example, by a HDD, SSD, etc., and functions as a storage unit. The storage device 920 stores various data required for the execution of the operating system and the program 930.

[0068] The communication I / F unit 922 is connected to a network 940 (which may be the same as the network 5 in FIG. 1) such as the Internet or an intranet by wire or wirelessly, and functions as a communication unit that transmits and receives data to and from other computers according to a predetermined communication standard. The external device I / F unit 924 is connected to an external device 950 such as a camera, a printer, a scanner, a reader / writer by wire or wirelessly, and functions as a communication unit that transmits and receives data to and from the external device 950 according to a predetermined communication standard. The I / O device I / F unit 926 is connected to an I / O device 960 such as various sensors and actuators, and functions as a communication unit that transmits and receives various signals and data, such as detection signals from sensors and control signals to actuators, between the I / O device 960. The media input / output unit 928 is composed of a drive device such as a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) drive or a CD (Compact Disc) drive, a memory card slot, and a USB connector, and reads and writes data from and to a medium (non-temporary storage medium) 970 such as a DVD, a CD, a memory card, or a USB memory.

[0069] In the computer 900 having the above configuration, the processor 912 calls up the program 930 stored in the storage device 920 into the memory 914, executes the program, and controls each unit of the computer 900 via the bus 910. The program 930 may be stored in the memory 914 instead of the storage device 920. The program 930 may be recorded in the medium 970 in an installable file format or an executable file format, and provided to the computer 900 via the media input / output unit 928. The program 930 may be provided to the computer 900 by downloading it via the network 940 via the communication I / F unit 922. In addition, the computer 900 may realize various functions realized by the processor 912 executing the program 930, for example, with hardware such as a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0070] The computer 900 is, for example, a desktop computer or a portable computer, and is an electronic device of any type. The computer 900 may be a client computer, a server computer, or a cloud computer, or may be, for example, an embedded computer called a control panel, a controller (including a microcomputer, a programmable logic controller, and a sequencer), etc.

[0071] (Operation of container distribution system 1) Hereinafter, as the operation of container distribution system 1, an information gathering step and an information processing step included in the recycling information management method performed by recycling information management device 2 will be described.

[0072] (Information gathering process) Fig. 8 is a flow chart showing an example of an information collection process by information collection unit 200. Recycle information management device 2 repeatedly performs a series of information collection processes shown in Fig. 8 between terminal devices 3A to 3F, but the following description will focus on the case of product manufacturer terminal device 3B.

[0073] First, in step S100, each of the terminal devices 3A to 3F acquires recycling information D1 based on the result of reading the information storage medium 110 attached to the container 11 by a reading device and additional information specific to each of the terminal devices 3A to 3F. In the case of the product manufacturer terminal device 3B, the basic information includes the product manufacturing time, product manufacturing place, and container identification information of the product 13. At the same time, a product manufacturing information DB including the type of contents and the manufacturing amount of the product 13 as additional information is acquired. Then, in step S110, each of the terminal devices 3A to 3F transmits the recycle information D1 to the recycle information management device 2.

[0074] Next, in step S120, information collection unit 200 of recycling information management device 2 receives recycling information D1 transmitted in step S110. Then, in step S130, information collection unit 200 registers the recycling information D1 in recycling management database 210. When information collection unit 200 receives product manufacturing information DB from product manufacturer terminal device 3B as recycling information D1, it registers it in product manufacturing table 210B of recycling management database 210.

[0075] As described above, steps S100 to S130 are repeatedly performed between each of terminal devices 3A to 3F and recycling information management device 2, whereby information collection unit 200 collects recycling information D1 from each of terminal devices 3A to 3F and accumulates it in recycling management database 210.

[0076] (Information Processing) FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of an information processing step performed by the information processing unit 201.

[0077] First, in step S200, the container manufacturer UA creates a manufacturing plan for a new container 11, and the container manufacturer terminal device 3A acquires container production volume information D2 indicating the production volume of the container 11 to be predicted based on the manufacturing plan for the new container 11. Then, in step S210, the container manufacturer terminal device 3A transmits the container production volume information D2 to the recycling information management device 2.

[0078] Next, in step S220, the information processing unit 201 of the recycling information management device 2 receives the container production volume information D2 transmitted in step S220, thereby accepting the container production volume information D2. Then, in step S230, the information processing unit 201 predicts the recycled volume of the recycled material 14 to be generated by collecting and recycling the container 11 that is the prediction target, based on the recycling information D1 registered in the recycling management database 210.

[0079] As described above, steps S200 to S230 are repeatedly performed between the container manufacturer terminal device 3A and the recycling information management device 2, and the information processing unit 201 accumulates the prediction results of the recycled amount of the recycled material 14 predicted for each of the multiple container production volume information D2.

[0080] Then, in step S300, the information processing unit 201 of the recycling information management device 2 performs a compilation process on each prediction result of the regenerated amount of the recycling material 14, thereby creating a supply plan for the recycling material 14. The supply plan for the recycling material 14 may be transmitted to the container manufacturer terminal device 3A, or may be provided to an external system.

[0081] Next, in step S310, the container manufacturer terminal device 3A identifies the demand amount of recyclable material 14 required for manufacturing the container 11 based on the manufacturing plan (which may be the same as in step S200) of the container 11. Then, in step S320, the container manufacturer terminal device 3A transmits recyclable material demand information D3 indicating the demand amount of the recyclable material 14 to the recycle information management device 2.

[0082] Next, in step S330, the information processing unit 201 receives the recycled material demand information D3 transmitted in step S320, and accepts the recycled material demand information D3. Then, in step S340, the information processing unit 201 By referring to the completed supply plan for recycled material 14, if there is a predicted inventory amount of recycled material 14 that satisfies the demand amount of recycled material 14 indicated by recycled material demand amount information D3, future inventory of recycled material 14 is secured in advance. Next, in step S350, information processing unit 201 transmits an inventory securing notification to container manufacturer terminal device 3A indicating that future inventory of recycled material 14 has been secured in step S340.

[0083] Then, in step S360, the container manufacturer terminal device 3A receives the inventory securing notification, and thereafter, when the recycled material 14 is delivered, the container 11 is manufactured using the recycled material 14 based on the container 11 manufacturing plan.

[0084] As described above, according to the recycling information management device 2 of this embodiment and the information processing step (information processing method) performed by the recycling information management device 2, in the information collection step, container manufacturing information DA, product manufacturing information DB, product sales information DC, product consumption information DD, container recovery information DE, and container regeneration information DF are collected as recycling information D1 obtained at each distribution stage when container 11 is distributed, and in the information processing step, predetermined processing is performed on the collected recycling information D1. Therefore, the information obtained when container 11 is distributed can be effectively used.

[0085] In addition, a recycled amount prediction process is performed as a predetermined process in the information processing step, so that the recycled amount of the recycled material 14 relative to the manufacturing amount of the container 11 to be predicted is predicted. This makes it possible to grasp the recycled amount of the recycled material 14 at the container manufacturing stage where the container 11 is manufactured.

[0086] Furthermore, a supply plan creation process is performed as a predetermined process in the information processing step, and a supply plan for recycled material 14 is created based on the predicted results of the reproduction amount of recycled material 14. As a result, a supply plan for recycled material 14 is created in advance, making it possible to match the demand for recycled material 14, thereby realizing a stable supply of recycled material 14.

[0087] (Other embodiments) The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. All such modifications are included in the technical concept of the present invention.

[0088] In the above embodiment, the information collecting unit 200 and the information processing unit 201 included in the recycling information management device 2 are described as being realized by one device, but the information collecting unit 200 and the information processing unit 201 may be distributed among a plurality of devices (computers) and realized by a plurality of devices. In this case, each of the information collecting unit 200 and the information processing unit 201 may be realized by a single device, or at least one of the information collecting unit 200 and the information processing unit 201 may be realized by a plurality of devices.

[0089] In the above embodiment, the recycling information management device 2 operates according to the flowcharts shown in Fig. 8 and Fig. 9, but some of the steps (parts) may be omitted, or other steps may be added. In that case, the omitted steps (parts) may be executed by an external system (such as a manufacturing management system, a transportation management system, a sales management system, or a data analysis system).

[0090] Various aspects of the present disclosure are summarized below as appendices.

[0091] (Appendix 1) A method for managing recycling information using a computer, the method comprising the steps of: managing recycling information relating to a recyclable material generated by collecting and regenerating a resin container having an information storage carrier attached thereto, the information storage carrier storing container identification information; an information collection process for collecting container manufacturing information relating to the manufacture of the container, container recovery information relating to the recovery of the container, and container regeneration information relating to the regeneration of the container into the recyclable material, as the recycling information including at least information regarding time and place and the container identification information, and registering the collected information in a database; and an information processing step of performing a predetermined process by referring to the recycling information registered in the database. Recycling information management method.

[0092] (Appendix 2) The information collecting step includes: product manufacturing information relating to the manufacture of a product using the container is further collected as the recycling information and registered in the database; Recycling information management method described in Appendix 1.

[0093] (Appendix 3) The information collecting step includes: product sales information regarding sales of products using the container is further collected as the recycling information and registered in the database. A recycling information management method according to appendix 1 or appendix 2.

[0094] (Appendix 4) The information processing step includes: When container production volume information indicating the production volume of the container to be predicted is received, a regeneration volume of the recycled material to be generated by collecting and regenerating the container to be predicted is predicted based on the recycling information. A recycling information management method according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

[0095] (Appendix 5) The container manufacturing information information about the type of ingredient indicating the type of ingredient of the container; The container recycling information is information about the type of recycled material indicating the type of the recycled material; The information processing step includes: When container production volume information indicating the production volume of the container to be predicted by the raw material type is received, the recycling amount of the recycled material generated by collecting and recycling the container to be predicted is predicted by the recycled material type based on the recycling information. 5. A recycling information management method according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

[0096] (Appendix 6) The container manufacturing information information on a form type indicating a type of the form of the container; The container recycling information is information about the type of recycled material indicating the type of the recycled material; The information processing step includes: When container production amount information indicating the production amount by the shape type of the container to be predicted is received, the recycling amount of the recycled material generated by collecting and recycling the container to be predicted is predicted by the type of the recycled material based on the recycling information. A recycling information management method according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

[0097] (Appendix 7) The container manufacturing information information about the type of ingredient indicating the type of ingredient of the container; The information processing step includes: When container production volume information indicating the production volume of the container to be predicted is received, a regeneration volume of the recycled material generated by collecting and regenerating the container to be predicted is predicted for each raw material type based on the recycling information. 7. A recycling information management method according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

[0098] (Appendix 8) The container manufacturing information information on a form type indicating a type of the form of the container; The information processing step includes: When container production volume information indicating the production volume of the container to be predicted is received, a recycle volume of the recycled material generated by collecting and regenerating the container to be predicted is predicted by the form type based on the recycling information. A recycling information management method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

[0099] (Appendix 9) The product manufacturing information is The container includes information about a type of content that indicates a type of content contained therein, The information processing step includes: When container production volume information indicating the production volume of the container to be predicted is received, a recycle volume of the recycled material generated by collecting and regenerating the container to be predicted is predicted for each content type based on the recycling information. A recycling information management method according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

[0100] (Appendix 10) The information processing step includes: creating a supply plan for the recycled material based on the predicted result of the recycled amount for the container manufacturing amount information; A recycling information management method according to any one of claims 1 to 9. [Explanation of symbols]

[0101] 1... container distribution system, 2... recycling information management device, 3A... container manufacturer terminal device, 3B... product manufacturer terminal device, 3C... distributor terminal device, 3D... consumer terminal device, 3E: Terminal device for recycling companies; 3F: Terminal device for recycling companies; 11...container, 12...contents, 13...product, 14...recycled material, 20: control unit, 21: memory unit, 22: communication unit, 23: input unit, 24: display unit, 200: information collection unit, 201: information processing unit, 210: recycling management database, 211…Recycling Information Management Program

Claims

1. A method for managing recycling information using a computer, the method comprising the steps of: managing recycling information relating to a recyclable material generated by collecting and regenerating a resin container having an information storage carrier attached thereto, the information storage carrier storing container identification information; an information collection process for collecting container manufacturing information relating to the manufacture of the container, container recovery information relating to the recovery of the container, and container regeneration information relating to the regeneration of the container into the recyclable material, as the recycling information including at least information regarding time and place and the container identification information, and registering the collected information in a database; and an information processing step of performing a predetermined process by referring to the recycling information registered in the database. Recycling information management method.

2. The information collecting step includes: product manufacturing information relating to the manufacture of a product using the container is further collected as the recycling information and registered in the database; The recycling information management method according to claim 1 .

3. The information collecting step includes: product sales information regarding sales of products using the container is further collected as the recycling information and registered in the database. The recycling information management method according to claim 1 .

4. The information processing step includes: When container production volume information indicating the production volume of the container to be predicted is received, a regeneration volume of the recycled material to be generated by collecting and regenerating the container to be predicted is predicted based on the recycling information. The recycling information management method according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The container manufacturing information information about the type of ingredient indicating the type of ingredient of the container; The container recycling information is information about the type of recycled material indicating the type of the recycled material; The information processing step includes: When container production volume information indicating the production volume of the container to be predicted by the raw material type is received, the recycling amount of the recycled material generated by collecting and recycling the container to be predicted is predicted by the recycled material type based on the recycling information. The recycling information management method according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. The container manufacturing information information on a form type indicating a type of the form of the container; The container recycling information is information about the type of recycled material indicating the type of the recycled material; The information processing step includes: When container production amount information indicating the production amount by the shape type of the container to be predicted is received, the recycling amount of the recycled material generated by collecting and recycling the container to be predicted is predicted by the type of the recycled material based on the recycling information. The recycling information management method according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

7. The container manufacturing information information about the type of ingredient indicating the type of ingredient of the container; The information processing step includes: When container production volume information indicating the production volume of the container to be predicted is received, a regeneration volume of the recycled material generated by collecting and regenerating the container to be predicted is predicted for each raw material type based on the recycling information. The recycling information management method according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

8. The container manufacturing information information on a form type indicating a type of the form of the container; The information processing step includes: When container production volume information indicating the production volume of the container to be predicted is received, a recycle volume of the recycled material generated by collecting and regenerating the container to be predicted is predicted by the form type based on the recycling information. The recycling information management method according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

9. The product manufacturing information is The container includes information about a type of content that indicates a type of content contained therein, The information processing step includes: When container production volume information indicating the production volume of the container to be predicted is received, a recycle volume of the recycled material generated by collecting and regenerating the container to be predicted is predicted for each content type based on the recycling information. The recycling information management method according to claim 2 .

10. The information processing step includes: creating a supply plan for the recycled material based on the predicted result of the recycled amount for the container manufacturing amount information; The recycling information management method according to claim 4.

11. A recycling information management device that manages recycling information related to a recyclable material generated by collecting and regenerating a resin container having an information storage carrier that stores container identification information, the device comprising: an information collection unit that collects, as the recycling information including at least information regarding time and place and the container identification information, container manufacturing information regarding the manufacture of the container, container recovery information regarding the recovery of the container, and container recycling information regarding the recycling of the container into the recycled material, and registers the collected information in a database; and an information processing unit that refers to the recycling information registered in the database and performs a predetermined process. Recycling information management device.

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