Recycling of material residues

Abstract

A method for recycling material residues from materials containing one or more synthetic polymers is disclosed, the method comprising: providing one or more physical material identifiers and material data associated with a material containing a synthetic polymer; providing one or more container identifiers associated with a container for collecting material residue from the synthetic polymer containing material; generating one or more recycling instructions based on the container identifier and the material data; providing the generated recycling instructions for recycling the material residue; Includes. Further methods, apparatus, uses, computer programs and computer readable media are disclosed.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to methods for recycling material residues from materials containing synthetic polymers, including related methods, apparatus, computer programs, and computer-readable media. [Background technology]

[0002] The use of polymeric materials, such as foam scrape materials, often results in waste material. Thus, valuable materials are lost or must be recycled in an expensive manner. In order to recycle such scrape materials, especially polystyrene foams used for building insulation and packaging, it is necessary to simplify the process of collecting the scrape materials.

[0003] WO2013184126 discloses a method, system, and apparatus, including a computer program encoded on a computer-readable medium, for scanning barcodes on items to obtain item recycling information, where a first incentive is received based on scanning the item and a second incentive is received based on verification that the item has been recycled.

[0004] EP 3716174 B1 discloses a method for tracking food packaging to ensure efficient recycling, the method comprising the steps of: establishing a first communication session between the food packaging and a user device, receiving user identification information associated with the user device, receiving packaging identification information from a packaging identification device provided on the food packaging, establishing a second communication session between the food packaging and a packaging collection device, receiving PCD identification information from the packaging collection device, determining packaging material associated with the food packaging using the packaging identification information, determining recyclable material associated with the packaging collection device using the PCD identification information, and registering a recycling confirmation to a user account associated with the user identification information if packaging waste is detected by the packaging collection device if the packaging material and the recyclable material match. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2013184126 [Patent Document 2] European Patent No. 3716174 Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An apparatus for recycling material residue from a material containing one or more synthetic polymers is disclosed, the apparatus comprising: a material provider interface configured to provide a physical material identifier and material data associated with a material containing a synthetic polymer, e.g., a material residue from the material containing a synthetic polymer; a container provider interface configured to provide a container identifier associated with a container for collecting material residue from the material containing the synthetic polymer; a recycling instructions generator configured to generate one or more recycling instructions based on the container identifier and the material data; an output interface configured to provide the generated recycling instructions for recycling the material residue; Includes.

[0007] A method for recycling material residues from materials containing one or more synthetic polymers is disclosed, the method comprising: providing a physical material identifier and material data associated with a material containing a synthetic polymer, e.g., material residue from the material containing a synthetic polymer; providing a container identifier associated with a container for collecting material residue from the synthetic polymer containing material; generating one or more recycling instructions based on the container identifier and the material data; providing the generated recycling instructions for recycling the material residue; Includes.

[0008] An apparatus for recycling material residue from a material containing one or more synthetic polymers is disclosed, the apparatus comprising: a material provider interface configured to provide one or more physical material identifiers and material data associated with a material containing a synthetic polymer, preferably the material data being accessed via the one or more physical material identifiers, preferably the material data relating to a material from which a material residue is generated; and a container provider interface configured to provide one or more container identifiers associated with containers for collecting material residue from the material containing the synthetic polymer; a recycling instructions generator configured to generate one or more recycling instructions based on the one or more container identifiers and the material data; an output interface configured to provide the generated recycling instructions for recycling the material residue; Includes.

[0009] A method for recycling material residues from materials containing one or more synthetic polymers is disclosed, the method comprising: providing one or more physical material identifiers and material data associated with the synthetic polymer containing material, preferably the material data being accessed via the one or more physical material identifiers, preferably the material data relating to the material from which the material residue is generated; providing one or more container identifiers associated with a container for collecting material residue from the synthetic polymer containing material; generating one or more recycling instructions based on the one or more container identifiers and the material data; providing the generated recycling instructions for recycling the material residue; Includes.

[0010] Disclosed is a computer readable medium or computer program having instructions that, when executed on a processor or computing node, perform the steps of the methods disclosed herein.A computer readable medium or computer program having instructions that, when executed on a processor, perform the steps provided by the apparatus disclosed herein.

[0011] Disclosed is the use of recycling instructions generated by any of the methods disclosed herein for recycling material residue from a material containing one or more synthetic polymers. Disclosed is the use of recycling instructions generated by any of the devices disclosed herein for recycling material residue from a material containing one or more synthetic polymers.

[0012] Disclosed are methods for using recycling instructions generated by any of the methods disclosed herein to recycle material residue from a material containing one or more synthetic polymers.Disclosed are methods for using recycling instructions generated by any of the devices disclosed herein to recycle material residue from a material containing one or more synthetic polymers.

[0013] Embodiment Any disclosures and embodiments described herein relate to methods, apparatus, systems, and computer program elements described herein, and vice versa. Advantageously, advantages provided by any of the embodiments and examples apply equally to all other embodiments and examples, and vice versa.

[0014] As used herein, "determining" also includes "initiating or causing to be determined," "querying, accessing, correlating" also includes "initiating or causing to be performed querying, accessing, correlating," and "providing" also includes "initiating or causing to be performed determining, generating, selecting, transmitting, and / or receiving." "Initiating or causing to be performed an action" includes any processing signal that triggers a computing device to perform the respective action.

[0015] The methods, devices, systems, and computer elements disclosed herein provide an efficient, secure, and robust way to share or exchange data between different participants in the material chain, such as material producers, users, and / or recyclers. In particular, by making material data available when material residue or scrape material is collected in a container, recycling can be handled in a more reliable, safe, and cost-effective manner than previously known.

[0016] Recycling of material residues is particularly challenging because the material residues cannot be easily traced to their material composition, manufacturer, etc. In particular, identifier elements associated with the intact material are lost in the material residues. The use of a container identifier associated with a container for collecting the material residues and material data accessed via the physical material identifier to generate one or more recycling instructions makes it possible to overcome such difficulties.

[0017] In one embodiment, material residues include residues generated during the production of a material containing at least one synthetic polymer, residues generated from the use of the material, and / or residues generated from the use of a component based on or manufactured from the material. Material residues can be residues generated during the production of a material containing at least one synthetic polymer, residues generated from the use of the material, or residues generated from the use of a component manufactured from or based on the material. For example, residues can be production residues, e.g., residues of material remaining in equipment used to produce a material containing at least one synthetic polymer. In another example, residues can be generated during the use of a material, e.g., during the production of a component, or during the use of a component manufactured from or based on the material. Residues generated during the production of a component containing a material or during the use of a component can be waste material. Waste material can be generated, for example, during cutting a material or a component containing a material into a required shape and / or size. Material residues can refer to pre- or post-consumer residues. A material containing one or more synthetic polymers can refer to different material types containing one or more synthetic polymers. Materials containing one or more synthetic polymers may include materials made by different material manufacturers.

[0018] In another embodiment, a synthetic polymer may be a chemical compound produced by chemical synthesis from one or more starting materials, e.g., monomers, and comprising at least two monomer units. A monomer unit can be considered a subunit of a polymer. A polymer may be prepared from monomers by commonly known polymerization reactions. A polymer may be produced from a single type of monomer or from different monomers. The monomer units may be randomly distributed or present as blocks within a polymer. A polymer may be a linear polymer. A polymer may be a branched polymer.

[0019] The polymer may be a cross-linked polymer. The synthetic polymer may be used to manufacture a material containing the synthetic polymer. The material may be used to manufacture a component.

[0020] A material may be embodied in a separate component, e.g., packaging of the material. A component may be made from the material. A component may contain the material. A component may be an insulating substrate. A component may be used for a different application, e.g., insulation. A component may be used to make a product. Any reference to a material may include a reference to a component that embodies the material, a component made from the material, or a component that contains the material. A component may refer to a separate unit, e.g., packaging of the material, a component made from or containing the material, a batch of components made from or containing the material, or a combination thereof.

[0021] In one embodiment, the material data is associated with the material from which the material residue is generated. The material data may be accessed or accessible via or through one or more physical material identifiers. The material data associated with one or more physical material identifiers may be provided by the manufacturer of the material, for example, at the time of production of the material. The physical material identifier may be uniquely associated with the manufacturer and / or the material data associated with the material. The physical material identifier may be uniquely associated with the physical entity of the material. The physical material identifier may be uniquely associated with an individual entity of the material. The physical entity or individual entity may contain the material or include one or more components based on or manufactured from the material. Thus, the physical material identifier can enable tracking of the material residue from the material. For example, the material identifier may be uniquely associated with a material entity, such as an insulation panel or packaging material. The physical material identifier may be a digital identifier uniquely associated with the physical entity of the material. Physical in this context refers to the digital identification of the physical entity of the material. The terms material identifier and physical material identifier may be used interchangeably.

[0022] The material identifier may be part of a material passport provided to a central or non-centralized network. The material identifier may be provided to a central or non-centralized network and associated with material data. The material identifier may be provided to a central or non-centralized network and associated with a public key for accessing the material data. The material identifier may be provided to a central or non-centralized network and associated with an authentication mechanism, e.g., a public key for accessing the material data. The material identifier may be provided to a central or non-centralized network and associated with a representation of the material data, e.g., a link or pointer to the material data. The material passport may include the material identifier, the representation of or link to the material data, and / or the authentication mechanism for accessing the material data.

[0023] The material identifier may be uniquely associated with material data associated with the manufacturer and / or the material at the time of production of the material. The time of production of the material may include any point leading to the production of the material. The time of production of the material may include the time of production of the material, the time of providing the material for use, or the time of production of the material. By providing a physical material identifier at the time of production, the material may be tracked.

[0024] In another embodiment, the material data is accessed via one or more physical material identifiers. The material data associated with the physical material identifiers may be accessed before or after recycling of the material residue. The material data may be accessed or provided before use of the material leading to the material residue or after use of the material leading to the material residue, for example, when an identifier element providing the physical material identifier is attached to the packaging of the material but the identifier element remains intact. Additionally, a container identifier may be provided. The container identifier may be associated with a container identifier filled with material residue derived from the material for which the material data is provided. In this way, the material data can specify the material residue contents of the container.

[0025] The material data may be accessed based on an authentication mechanism, for example, a public key provided to a central or decentralized network. The material data may be stored in a database of a central computing system and may be accessed via the authentication mechanism by a user device associated with a user of the material and / or a recycling device associated with a recycler of the material. The material data may be stored in a database associated with a manufacturer. The material data may be accessed via the authentication mechanism by a user device associated with a user of the material and / or a recycling device associated with a recycler of the material. The authentication mechanism may be based on a private key and a public key associated with or connected to a physical material identifier.

[0026] Prior to recycling may include any point between providing the material for use and recycling the scrape or residue. Prior to recycling may include any point between providing the material for use and collecting the scrape or residue. Prior to recycling may include any point between providing the material for use and collecting the scrape or residue in a container. During recycling, may include any point at which scrape or residue is generated. By providing physical material identifiers at the time of manufacture, the manufacturer's material data can be securely accessed and used for recycling at the time of recycling. In this way, material data can be efficiently used to operate the recycling process.

[0027] In another embodiment, the material data includes chemical composition data of the material and / or manufacturing data of the material. The material data may include a trade name of the material, a chemical composition of the material, and / or manufacturing specifications of the material. Material data, such as the chemical composition data of the material, the manufacturing data of the material, and / or the application data of the material, may be used to generate recycling instructions for the physical filling of containers with material residues, the physical collection of filled containers, the physical sorting of filled containers, and / or the physical recycling of material residues provided by a recycling plant. Physical recycling refers to any recycling process or plant, e.g., a mechanical or chemical recycling process or plant. For example, the chemical composition may be used to generate recycling instructions for the physical filling of containers with material residues, the physical collection of filled containers, the physical sorting of filled containers, and / or the physical recycling of material residues provided by a recycling plant. In this manner, the recycled composition may be controlled by controlling the flow of material residues to a recycling plant along the material use cycle. Further, for example, manufacturing data, e.g., manufacturer, manufacturing method, or extracts used in manufacturing, can be used to generate recycling instructions for the physical filling of containers with material residue, the physical collection of filled containers, the physical sorting of filled containers, and / or the physical recycling of material residue provided by a recycling plant. Further, for example, application data, e.g., the use of a material in a particular application, can be used to generate recycling instructions for the physical filling of containers with material residue, the physical collection of filled containers, the physical sorting of filled containers, and / or the physical recycling of material residue provided by a recycling plant. In this way, the recycle composition can be controlled by controlling the material residue flow to the recycling plant along the material use cycle.

[0028] In another embodiment, the material identifier element is connected to the material, and at least a physical material identifier is encoded within, on, or on the material identifier element. In another embodiment, the material identifier element is physically connected to the material. The identifier element may be physically attached to the material or component. The identifier element may be physically attached to packaging for multiple materials or components. A physical material identifier in the digital world may be linked to a material entity in the real world. A physical material identifier may be a digital twin associated with the physical entity of the material. In this way, a virtual or digital identifier for a material may be uniquely linked to the physical entity of the material. Such a link may include a physical link of an identifier uniquely associated with the physical entity of the material. To physically link, a tag or code may be physically connected to the material, for example, by printing a QR code or RFID tag, or by using other sensors or methods.

[0029] In another embodiment, the container identifier element is connected to the container and at least the container identifier is encoded in, at, or on the container identifier element. In another embodiment, the container identifier element is physically connected to the container.

[0030] A physical container identifier in the digital world may be linked to a container in the real world. The container identifier may be associated with the physical entity of the container. In this way, a virtual identifier for a container may be uniquely linked to the physical container. Such a link may include a physical or virtual link of an identifier uniquely associated with the physical container. To physically link, a tag or code may be physically connected to the container, for example, by printing a QR code or RFID tag, or by using other sensors or methods.

[0031] In another embodiment, providing the container identifier includes generating a container identifier for connection to the container. If the container identifier is not associated with a container at the time of recycling, the container identifier can be generated. This provides for more flexible handling of material residue and dynamic container generation depending on the residue generated.

[0032] In another embodiment, the material identifier element includes a machine-readable code associated with the physical material identifier and / or the container identifier element includes a machine-readable code associated with the container identifier. The machine-readable code may be a one-dimensional or two-dimensional barcode or other code. The machine-readable code may be a code stored on a passive or active electronic tag, such as an RFID tag, or using other sensors or methods.

[0033] In another embodiment, a quantity of material residue, a number of containers and / or a type of material residue is provided. The type of material residue may be provided by the material data.

[0034] The number of containers may be provided by the number of container identifiers provided.

[0035] The amount of material residue may be provided by measurement, e.g., weighing. Recycling instructions may be generated based on or from the amount of material residue, the number of containers, and / or the type of material residue. The amount may be related to the mass, volume, or weight of the material residue. In this manner, the amount of material to be recycled can be tracked and taken into account when operating the recycling process. For example, the amount of material in one or more containers can be tracked. The number of containers may also be used to determine the amount of material residue. Such amount may be used, for example, to determine the total amount of material available at different locations, collection routes for collecting containers at different locations, collection times for collecting containers at different locations, or the expected amount of recyclable material available.

[0036] In another embodiment, a physical material identifier is associated with material residues filled into one or more containers, and a container identifier is associated with each container. The physical material identifier and a container identifier indicating the container into which the associated material residue is filled may be digitally linked to each other. The physical material identifier and the container identifier may be digitally linked. By linking the physical material identifier and the container identifier to each other, recycled or reclaimed material residues can be classified and tracked via the container identifier. In this way, classification can be performed virtually, thereby avoiding complex classification. To classify the container identifier, the linked physical material identifier can be used to access material data associated with the physical material identifier. In particular, classification may be performed by chemical composition provided by the material data.

[0037] In another embodiment, multiple physical material identifiers are linked to at least one container identifier. If more than one material type is present in a material residue, each physical material identifier may be provided and linked to a container identifier associated with the container in which such material residue is collected. In this manner, the contents of a container can be identified via the physical material identifiers and associated material data.

[0038] Based on the respective material data, it can be determined whether the container contents contain a mixture of material types or a single type of material. If a mixture of material types is collected per container, recycling instructions can be generated that include at least one sorting step.

[0039] Recycling instructions can be generated that are associated with at least one sorting step followed by a recycling plant or process, e.g., a mechanical and / or chemical recycling plant or process. If one type of material is present, recycling instructions can be generated that are associated with a recycling plant or process, e.g., a mechanical and / or chemical recycling plant or process. The recycling instructions can connect containers of one material type directly to the recycling plant or process. In other words, the recycling instructions do not have to include a sorting step that precedes the recycling plant process.

[0040] In another embodiment, recycling instructions may be generated for recycling through or with a dedicated container associated with a container identifier, or for recycling through or with a container associated with a container identifier. For a container associated with a container identifier, the container identifier may be provided via a container identifier element. For a container not associated with a container identifier, a container identifier generator may be configured to generate and provide a container identifier. The container identifier generator may be configured to output an identifier element for connection to the container.

[0041] In another embodiment, the physical material identifier and a container identifier indicating a receptacle filled with the associated material residue are digitally linked to one another at the time of providing the material, before using the material, at the time of using the material, at the time of providing the material to a use location, or after using the material.

[0042] In another embodiment, the recycling instructions relate to physical collection, physical sorting, and / or physical recycling of material residues, for example, by a recycling process, e.g., mechanical and / or chemical recycling. The recycling instructions may be determined based on material data. The material data may be accessed via a material identifier. The recycling instructions may be determined based on chemical composition. The chemical composition may be accessed via a material identifier.

[0043] In another embodiment, the material is a polystyrene-containing material, a polystyrene-based foam material, or a polystyrene-based insulation or packaging material. The material residue can be from a material containing a synthetic polymer, such as a polystyrene-containing material, a polystyrene-based foam material, or a polystyrene-based insulation or packaging material.

[0044] In another embodiment, the material provider interface is configured to provide access to a material passport associated with the material, the material passport relating to a physical material identifier and material data associated with the material, the material passport may include a decentralized identifier and / or a digital representation of the material data or may be linked to the material data.

[0045] The digital representation may include one or more representations for accessing the material data or a portion or subset thereof. The digital representation may include one or more representations of the material data or a portion or subset thereof. The material passport may include data related to the material data, cryptographic information, such as a public key and / or a non-centralized identifier. The data related to the material data may include a digital representation of the material data. A digital representation pointing to or linking to the material data or a portion thereof may comprise at least one interface to a data providing service. It may further include at least one interface to a data consuming service. It may include an endpoint for data exchange or sharing (resource endpoint) or an endpoint for service interaction (service endpoint) that is uniquely identified via a communication protocol. A digital representation pointing to the material data or a portion thereof may be uniquely associated with a non-centralized identifier.

[0046] The physical material identifier and / or container identifier may be or include a non-centralized identifier. The non-centralized identifier may relate to any identifier uniquely associated with the material or container. The non-centralized identifier may include an identifier associated with the material. The non-centralized identifier may include two or more identifiers associated with the material and / or container. The non-centralized identifier may include any unique identifier uniquely associated with a data owner and material data associated with the material.

[0047] The non-centralized identifier may include a universally unique identifier (UUID) or a digital identifier (DID). The non-centralized identifier may be issued by a central or non-centralized identity issuer. Through the non-centralized identifier and its unique association with the data owner and the material, data access to the material data may be controlled by the data owner. The data owner may be the manufacturer of the material. This is in contrast to a centralized approach in which identifiers are provided by a central authority and access to the data is controlled by such central authority. Non-centralized in this context refers to the use of an identifier controlled by the data owner. The non-centralized identifier may be connected to a digital representation of the material data. The digital representation may include a representation for accessing the material data or a portion thereof. The non-centralized identifier may be connected to authentication and / or authorization information. The non-centralized identifier may comprise any unique identifier uniquely associated with the data owner and the material data. The non-centralized identifier may include a universally unique identifier (UUID) or a digital identifier (DID). The non-centralized identifier may be issued by a central or non-centralized identity issuer. The non-centralized identifier may include authentication information. Through the decentralized identifier and its unique association with the physical entity and material data, access to the material data can be controlled by the data owner, e.g., the manufacturer of the material. This is in contrast to a centralized approach where the identifier is provided by such a centralized authority and access to the data is controlled by such a centralized authority. Decentralized in this context refers to the use of the identifier in an implementation controlled by the data owner.

[0048] The present disclosure will now be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0049] [Figure 1] 1 shows a schematic example of recycling material residues from insulation or packaging materials. [Figure 2] 1 shows an example of an apparatus for recycling material residues from insulation or packaging materials. [Figure 3] 1 shows an example of a method for recycling material residues from insulation or packaging materials. [Figure 4] 1 shows an example of a recycling operation system for recycling material residue from insulation or packaging materials. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0050] 1 shows a schematic example for recycling material residues from insulation or packaging materials. The insulation or packaging materials serve only as illustrative examples here and should not be considered limiting. The same principles, method and apparatus embodiments also apply to other polymeric material streams, where material residues arise, for example, during the manufacture or use of the materials.

[0051] The insulating or packaging material 102 is shown as an example in FIG. 1 and may include, among other things, a thermoplastic foam. The thermoplastic foam may be an extruded foam or an expandable foam. The extruded or expandable foam may contain polystyrene, a copolymer made from styrene, or a mixture of polymers of this type. For example, the extruded foam may be extruded polystyrene (XPS), which is commercially available, for example, from BASF under the trademark Styrodur®. The extruded foam may be produced by continuous extrusion of a thermoplastic polymer. For example, the basic steps in the production of extruded polystyrene foam (XPS) are disclosed in "Polystyrol, Kunststoffhandbuch 4" [Polystyrene, Plastics Handbook 4] [H. Gausepohl and R. Gellert, Hanser-Verlag, Munich (1996)], Chapter 13.2.3 (pp. 591-598). Extruded thermoplastic foam-based materials with uniform properties can be obtained by homogenizing the melt within the extruder, for example using a static or dynamic mixer upstream of the die.

[0052] The insulation or packaging material 102 can be manufactured in the form of an insulation board or panel or a packaging board or panel 102. The manufacturing line 100 can include an extruder configured to extrude a thermoplastic foam in the form of an insulation board or panel or packaging material 102. During manufacturing, material residues can be generated, which can be recycled according to the methods disclosed herein. A material identifier can refer to the stream of polymer material fed to the extruder. The insulation board or panel 102 can be used for sealing buildings, insulating floors, roofs, and walls. The packaging material can be used to protect or store goods. The manufactured insulation and / or packaging material 102 can be tagged with an identifier element 103. A single material panel 102 and / or packaging can be tagged with an identifier element 103. Alternatively, a group of multiple material panels 102 can be packaged together and tagged with an identifier element 103.

[0053] The identifier element 103 may include a machine-readable code for storing a physical material identifier of one or more insulation or packaging materials 102. For example, the identifier element 103 may include a printed one-dimensional or two-dimensional code, such as a barcode, QR code, or other code. The identifier element 103 may include an array of black and white squares that stores the physical material identifier of at least one or more insulation or packaging materials 102. Further, for example, the identifier element 103 may include an electronic tag, such as an RFID tag, for storing the physical material identifier of one or more insulation or packaging materials 102. The physical material identifier and any information attached to such identifier may be accessed via a code reader, such as a cell phone or other device with a camera for scanning a QR code, or an RFID reader for reading an RFID tag.

[0054] Insulation panels 102 may be used for sealing, floor, roof, and wall insulation in buildings. In such applications, the panels 102 are typically cut to fit cavities. During cutting or trimming, material residue or waste material 104 can be generated, which can be recycled. At construction sites, such materials may be discarded and mixed with other residue or waste. This hinders the possibility of recycling such residue or waste material 104. Also, the contents of mixed residue or waste material may be unclear. In the operation of a recycling process, material residues are mixed and may require complex sorting. This makes recycling material residues from materials such as insulation material 102 expensive and inefficient.

[0055] Packaging materials may be used to protect or store goods and may be recycled after use. In operating a recycling process, material residues may become mixed and require complex sorting. This makes recycling material residues from materials such as packaging material 102 expensive and inefficient.

[0056] To support and increase recycling rates, for example, at construction sites, stores, building material dealers, or other locations, the material residue 104 may be collected in a container 106 intended for such purposes. Suitable containers 106 may include bags or containers. Such containers 106 may include an identifier element 107. The identifier element 107 of a container 106 may include a machine-readable code for storing the container identifier of the container 106. For example, the identifier element 107 may include a printed one-dimensional or two-dimensional code, such as a barcode, QR code, or other code. The identifier element 107 may include an array of black and white squares that stores at least the container identifier of the container 106. Further, for example, the identifier element 107 may include an electronic tag, such as an RFID tag, for storing the container identifier of the container 107. The container identifier and any information attached to such an identifier may be accessed via a code reader, such as a mobile phone or other device with a camera for scanning a QR code, or an RFID reader for reading an RFID tag. A container may be provided with the material for collecting material residue or scrapes. The container identifier may be linked to a material identifier associated with the material for which the container is provided. In this way, a collection container may be provided with the material to collect material scrapes and simplify recycling.

[0057] To provide a more reliable and efficient recycling process, an apparatus and method for recycling material residue 104 via container 106 is proposed.

[0058] Figure 2 shows an example of an apparatus for recycling material residue 104 from, for example, insulation or packaging material. As in the context of Figure 1, insulation or packaging material is used as an example of a material containing one or more synthetic polymers.

[0059] The apparatus may include a provider interface 204 configured to provide a physical material identifier and material data associated with a material, e.g., having insulation or packaging material. The provider interface 202, e.g., a material provider interface, may be configured to access a material passport associated with a material, e.g., having insulation or packaging material. The material passport may be stored in a computing system including central or decentralized network storage 200. The material passport may provide access to material data for a material, e.g., an insulation or packaging material, at the time of manufacture via a physical material identifier for the material, e.g., an insulation or packaging material, at the time of manufacture. For example, an identifier element associated with the material, e.g., an insulation or packaging material, after manufacture may be read to provide the physical material identifier. The physical material identifier for the material, e.g., an insulation or packaging material, may be provided by an ID reader 202. The physical material identifier associated with the material, e.g., an insulation or packaging material, may be provided to the computing system 200, which accesses a central or decentralized database that stores the material passport. The database may store the physical material identifier in association with material data provided by a manufacturer of the material, e.g., an insulation or packaging material, at the time of manufacture of the material.

[0060] The database may be centralized, decentralized, or distributed. Based on the physical material identifier, material data may be accessed or retrieved. Such material data may be output to a user, for example, on a display.

[0061] The material data may include the trade name of the material, such as an insulating or packaging material, the chemical composition of the material, such as an insulating or packaging material, and / or production data of the material, such as the manufacturer, production method, or extracts used in production.

[0062] The provider interface 204, e.g., a container provider interface, may be configured to provide a container identifier associated with a container for collecting material residue. For example, an identifier element 107 connected to a container 106 for collecting material residue may be read. The container identifier associated with the container may be provided. The container identifier associated with the container may be provided to a computing system including the central or decentralized network 200 for linking with a physical material identifier associated with the material residue 104 loaded into the container 106.

[0063] To identify the material residue 104 collected inside the container 106 upon collection, a container identifier and a physical material identifier of the material, such as insulation or packaging material, from which the material residue is formed can be provided. The container identifier may be stored in association with or linked to the physical material identifier of the material, such as insulation or packaging material. A container may be provided with the material for collecting the material residue or scrape. The container identifier may be linked to a material identifier associated with the material when the container is provided with the material or at the time the material is provided. In this manner, a collection container may be provided with the material to collect the material scrape and simplify recycling. Based on such a connection or link, material data for the material residue, such as the insulation or packaging material residue 104, can be accessed or obtained. The material data may be provided via a material passport for the material, such as insulation or packaging material, as provided during the manufacture of the material. In this manner, materials, such as insulation or packaging material, can be reliably tracked and accounted for, simplifying the recycling process.

[0064] The apparatus can include an input interface 206 configured to receive a request for recycling of a material residue, for example, by a user of the material or a recycler of the material residue. The input interface can be configured to receive a request for recycling of a material, such as insulation or packaging material. The request can include recycling data associated with the material residue 104, such as the insulation or packaging material residue. The recycling data can include a trigger signal to initiate the recycling process.

[0065] The apparatus may include a recycling instructions generator 208 configured to generate recycling instructions based on the container identifier and the material identifier. The material identifier and container identifier may be provided via the ID reader 202 before or upon collection of the material residue 104 in the container 106. For example, the material identifier and container identifier may be provided by reading a QR code via a mobile phone or other device. The material identifier and container identifier may be linked to the collection, for example, by creating a virtual link between the material identifier and the container identifier and / or storing such a link in central or non-central network storage. Because the material residue may contain multiple materials, two or more physical material identifiers may be provided. Multiple physical material identifiers may be linked to a single container identifier. By linking the container identifier with the physical material identifier associated with the material residue collected inside the container, the contents of the container can be made digitally accessible and unambiguous.

[0066] Based on the respective material data, it can be determined whether the container contents contain a mixture of material types or a single type of material. If a mixture of material types is collected per container, recycling instructions can be generated that include at least one sorting step.

[0067] The recycling instructions can connect containers with multiple material types to a sorting process, followed by a recycling process, such as mechanical and / or chemical recycling. If one type of material is present, recycling instructions can be generated that relate to the recycling process, such as mechanical and / or chemical recycling. The recycling instructions can directly connect containers of one material type to a recycling process, such as mechanical and / or chemical recycling. In other words, the recycling instructions do not have to include a sorting step that precedes a recycling process, such as mechanical and / or chemical recycling.

[0068] The recycling instruction generator may be configured to provide the user with different options for recycling, for example, recycling via a dedicated container associated with a container identifier or recycling via a container not associated with a container identifier.

[0069] In the case of a container identifier associated with a container identifier, the recycling instructions generator or input interface may be configured to prompt the user to provide the container identifier.

[0070] The input interface may be configured to receive a request to provide a container identifier, which may be provided via a provider interface and / or an ID reader.

[0071] The container identifier may be stored in association with or linked to a physical material identifier for the material, such as insulation or packaging material.

[0072] In the case of a container identifier that is not associated with a container identifier, the recycling instruction generator or input interface may be configured to prompt the user to generate a container identifier. The container identifier generator 108 may be configured to generate and provide a container identifier. The container identifier generator may be configured to output an identifier element 105 for connection or physical attachment to the container 104. The container identifier may be stored in association with or linked to a physical material identifier for the material, such as insulation or packaging material.

[0073] The recycling instructions may relate to the physical collection, physical sorting, and / or physical recycling of the material residue. For example, the recycling instructions may correlate the location of material residue, such as insulation or packaging material residue, with the locations of other insulation or packaging material residues. From such locations, a collection route may be determined, and collection instructions for collecting the material residue may be determined. Further, for example, the recycling instructions may correlate the chemical composition of a material, such as insulation or packaging material residue, with the chemical composition of other materials, such as insulation or packaging material residue. In this manner, simplified classification via identifiers associated with the containers is possible, and more complex classification may be avoided. Collection instructions may be determined based on the chemical composition and / or location. Using the chemical composition, the collection of the containers may be operated according to the chemical composition, such that material residues having chemical compositions that can be recycled together or delivered together to a recycling plant may be collected. This allows for classification or classified collection of the containers at the time of collection, avoiding more complex classification before recycling. Furthermore, based on the chemical composition and respective classification, higher quality recyclates may be achieved during recycling at the recycling plant. Connecting recycling data associated with material residues, such as insulation or packaging residues, with material data associated with manufactured materials, such as insulation or packaging materials, allows for more efficient recycling and improves the quality of recyclates, as waste streams can be managed in a controlled manner, which simplifies the production of new materials, as more complex cleaning or separation of the recycle stream can be avoided.

[0074] A provider interface 204, e.g., a container provider interface or any other suitable interface, may be configured to provide a quantity of material residue, such as insulation or packaging material residue, e.g., mass, weight, or volume, type of material residue, number of containers, location of the material residue, user of the material residue, and / or manufacturer of the material residue. The data may be provided by a user, an ID reader, a computing system including central or decentralized network storage, and / or via the provider interface accessing a material passport for the material.

[0075] The apparatus can include an output interface 210 configured to provide generated recycling instructions for recycling material residue, such as insulation material residue.

[0076] The recycling instructions may be provided to a central or decentralized network 212. The recycling instructions may be provided for access or recovery by a collector to collect the material residue, a recycler to recycle the material residue, and / or a manufacturer to produce new materials from the material residue.

[0077] Figure 3 shows an example of a method for recycling material residues from insulating or packaging materials. As in the context of Figures 1 and 2, insulating or packaging materials are used as examples of materials containing one or more synthetic polymers.

[0078] A request for recycling of the material residue can be received. The request can include recycling data associated with the insulation or packaging material residue. The recycling data can include a trigger signal to initiate the recycling process, an amount of the insulation or packaging material residue, e.g., mass, weight, or volume, a type of the insulation or packaging material residue, a location of the insulation or packaging material residue, and / or a manufacturer of the insulation or packaging material residue.

[0079] A physical material identifier and material data associated with the material may be provided. A material passport associated with the insulation or packaging material may be accessed. The material passport may relate to the physical material identifier and material data.

[0080] For example, an identifier element 103 connected to the insulation or packaging material 102 may be read. The physical material identifier associated with the insulation or packaging material 102 may be provided to a computing system that accesses central or decentralized storage that stores a material passport. The storage may store the physical material identifier in association with material data provided by a manufacturer of the insulation or packaging material 102. The storage may be central, decentral, or distributed storage. Based on the physical material identifier, the material data may be accessed or retrieved. Such material data may be output to a user, for example, on a display.

[0081] The material data may include the trade name of the insulation or packaging material, the chemical composition of the insulation or packaging material, the technical properties of the insulation or packaging material, the application-related properties of the insulation or packaging material, and / or application instructions. The technical properties may include thermal properties such as thermal expansion, thermal conductivity, or thermal resistance, geometric properties such as length, width, or texture, compressive properties such as compressive strength, compressive stress, or allowable compressive stress, elastic modulus, dimensional stability, deformation behavior, water vapor diffusion resistance coefficient, water absorption properties, temperature limits, pressure resistance, tensile strength, stiffness, acoustic properties, noise properties, and deformation properties. The application-related properties may include technical specifications for one or more application areas, e.g., roof, ceiling, floor, or base. The application instructions may include installation instructions for one or more application areas, e.g., roof, ceiling, floor, or base. The application data may include application-related properties and / or application-related instructions.

[0082] A container identifier associated with the container 106 for collecting the material residue may be provided. For example, an identifier element 105 connected to the container 106 for the insulation or packaging material residue may be read. The container identifier associated with the insulation or packaging material residue may be provided in central or non-central storage. The container identifier may be stored in association with or linked to the physical material identifier of the insulation or packaging material 102. Based on such connection or link, material data for the insulation material residue may be accessed or retrieved.

[0083] Recycling instructions may be generated based on the container identifier and the material data or material identifier. The material identifier and the container identifier may be linked.

[0084] Since the material residue may contain multiple materials, more than one material identifier may be provided. Multiple material identifiers may be linked to one container identifier.

[0085] The user may be provided with various options for recycling, for example, recycling via a dedicated bin associated with an identifier, or recycling via a bin not associated with an identifier.

[0086] For containers associated with an identifier, the user may be prompted to provide the container identifier. A request to provide the container identifier may be received. The container identifier may be provided via a provider interface. The container identifier may be stored in association with or linked to a physical material identifier of the insulation or packaging material.

[0087] For containers not associated with an identifier, the user may be prompted to generate a container identifier. A container identifier associated with an identifier element of the container may be provided. An identifier element for connection to the container may be output. The container identifier may be stored in association with or linked to a physical material identifier of the insulation or packaging material.

[0088] The recycling instructions may relate to the physical collection, physical sorting, and / or physical recycling of the insulation or packaging material residue. For example, the recycling instructions may correlate the location of the insulation or packaging material residue with the locations of other insulation or packaging material residues. From such locations, a collection route may be determined, and collection instructions may be determined. Further, for example, the recycling instructions may correlate the chemical composition of the insulation or packaging material residue with the chemical composition of other insulation or packaging material residues. In this manner, simplified sorting via identifiers associated with the containers is possible, avoiding more complex sorting mechanisms. Collection instructions may be determined based on chemical composition and location.

[0089] The chemical composition can be used to manipulate the container collection according to its chemical composition. This allows for sorting or sorted collection of containers at the time of collection, avoiding more complex sorting before recycling. Furthermore, based on the chemical composition and the respective classification, higher quality recyclates can be achieved during recycling. The connection of recycling data associated with the insulation or packaging material residue and material data associated with the manufactured insulation or packaging material allows for more efficient recycling and improves the quality of the recyclate, since the waste stream can be managed in a controlled manner. This simplifies the production of new materials, since more complex cleaning or separation of the recyclate stream can be avoided.

[0090] Generated recycling instructions for recycling the insulation or packaging material residue may be provided. The recycling instructions may be provided for access by a collector to collect the thermal or packaging waste material, a recycler to recycle the thermal or packaging material residue, or a manufacturer to produce new materials from the thermal or packaging material residue.

[0091] Figure 4 shows an example of a recycling process for material residues from insulation or packaging materials. As in the context of Figures 1, 2 and 3, insulation or packaging materials are used as an example of materials containing one or more synthetic polymers.

[0092] The recycling process shown in the example of Figure 4 includes the steps of filling containers with material residue, collecting the filled containers, and providing the filled containers to a recycling plant. To simplify the recycling process, an apparatus such as that described in the context of Figure 2 or a method such as that described in the context of Figure 3 can be utilized or used.

[0093] Tracking the contents of a container with material residue is particularly difficult because the material residue is no longer connected to the material and its identifier element. This means that material data for the material residue cannot be easily accessed once the residue is collected in the container. While the material's identifier element remains intact, the material data may be accessed via a physical material identifier. Thus, material data may be accessed or provided before use of the material leading to the material residue, or after use of the material leading to the material residue, for example, when the identifier element is attached to the material's packaging and still intact. Furthermore, a container identifier associated with a container filled with material residue derived from the material for which material data is provided may be provided. In this way, the material data can be used to specify the material residue contents of the container.

[0094] The recycling instructions generated based on the container identifier and material data may be instructions for physically filling the container. For example, a user may be prompted to read the material ID and container ID before using the material, filling the container, and / or collecting the filled container. After using an insulating or packaging material, a material residue may be generated. Such a material, its packaging, or the packaging material may include one or more identifier elements 105 that provide a physical material identifier provided during the manufacture of the insulating or packaging material from which the material residue is formed. During recycling, such identifier elements 105 may be read via an ID reader 202, such as a mobile phone or other device with a camera configured to read a QR code or other code. In some embodiments, the identifier element 105 may be read before use of the insulating or packaging material. In other embodiments, the identifier element 105 may be provided or read during use of the insulating or packaging material. In yet other embodiments, the identifier element 105 may be read when providing the insulating or packaging material to a use location. Thus, a physical material identifier may be provided that may be stored in association with the material used. The material data may be accessed through or via the physical material identifier. The material data may be stored.

[0095] The material data associated with the physical material identifier may be displayed, for example, on the screen 214 of the reader 202 .

[0096] A container 106 for collecting material residue may include a container identifier element 107. The container identifier element 105 may be read via an ID reader 202, such as a cell phone or other device with a camera configured to read a QR code or other code.

[0097] Any container data associated with a container identifier can be displayed, for example, on the screen 214 of the reader 202. In particular, a container identifier may be linked or connected to a physical material identifier collected in such container. To do so, recycling instructions for loading material residue into a container can be generated and provided to a user. The user can be instructed via the screen 214 to scan an identifier element connected to the material from which residue is to be collected. Such a scan can be instructed before use of the material, at the time of use of the material, when providing the material to a use site, or after use of the material, for example, when the identifier element is attached to the material's packaging and still intact. Furthermore, the user can be instructed via the screen 214 to scan an identifier element connected to a container from which such material residue is to be collected.

[0098] Material data may be stored in association with a container. In this manner, physical material identifiers and container identifiers may be linked, reflecting a physical relationship between a container and the material residue collected in such container. The link may include links between multiple physical material identifiers and a single container identifier, links between multiple physical material identifiers and multiple container identifiers, or links between a single physical material identifier and multiple container identifiers. In particular, such links enable access to material data provided at the time of production of the material by the material's manufacturer, which simplifies the recycling process by identifying the materials to be recycled on a container-by-container basis.

[0099] In the manner described above, filled containers can be collected and the material residue can be provided to a recycling plant in a controlled manner. To do this, further recycling instructions for collecting the filled containers and providing the filled containers to a recycling plant can be generated and provided to a user. For example, container pickups can be scheduled based on the number of filled containers 106. The filled containers can be collected and transported to a recycling plant. Prior to entry into the recycling plant, the contents of the container can be determined by providing the container's identification information and reading an identifier element to access data linked to the container's identification information, such as material data. The recycling instructions can be physical collection and / or sorting instructions associated with the filled containers depending on the type of material contained in each container. For example, if only one material type is contained, sorting can be skipped, and containers with one material type can be collected together and provided to the recycling process. Furthermore, for example, if multiple material types are contained, containers with multiple material types can be collected together and provided for sorting before being provided to the recycling process.

[0100] The recycling instructions may be physical recycling instructions. Collected containers with one material type may be provided directly to a recycling plant without a prior sorting step. Collected containers with multiple material types may be provided to a sorting step before being provided to the recycling process.

[0101] By using the above-described recycling process, materials can be recycled more efficiently. Clarity of material data across different stages of the material life cycle, particularly when material residues are involved, allows for more cost-effective recycling, higher recycle quality, and more control over material flow. Overall, this allows for higher recycling rates and reduces the environmental impact of materials, particularly when material residues are involved.

[0102] Although the disclosure has been described in conjunction with preferred embodiments and examples, other variations can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the claims.

[0103] Any steps presented herein may be performed in any order. The methods disclosed herein are not limited to any particular order of these steps. Also, different steps need not be performed at any particular location or on any particular computing node of the distributed system; i.e., each step may be performed on a different computing node using different equipment / data processing.

[0104] In the claims and the description, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite articles "a" or "an" do not exclude a plurality. A single element or other unit may fulfill the functions of several entities or items recited in the claims. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage in accordance with certain embodiments.

[0105] Any disclosures and embodiments described herein relate to the above-described methods, systems, devices, and computer program elements, and vice versa. Advantageously, advantages provided by any of the embodiments and examples apply equally to all other embodiments and examples, and vice versa. All terms used herein are broadly understood and have their ordinary meanings. [Explanation of symbols]

[0106] 100 production lines 102 Packaging materials 102 Insulation Panel 102 Panel 102 Materials Panel 102 Single Material Panel 102 Heat insulating materials 103 Identifier Elements 104 Residue 104 Waste materials 104 Waste 104 Material residue 105 Identifier Elements 105 Container Identifier Element 106 Container 107 Identifier Elements 107 Container Identifier Element 108 Container Identifier Generator 200 Computing Systems 200 Central or decentralized network storage 200 Centralized or Decentralized Networks 202 Provider Interface 202 Leader 202 ID Reader 204 Provider Interface 206 Input Interface 208 Recycling Instruction Generator 210 Output Interface 212 Central or Decentralized Networks 214 screens

Claims

1. A method for recycling material residues (104) from a material (102) containing one or more synthetic polymers, comprising: providing one or more physical material identifiers and material data associated with the material containing a synthetic polymer; providing one or more container identifiers associated with a container (106) for collecting the material residue (104) from the material (102) containing the synthetic polymer; generating one or more recycling instructions based on the one or more container identifiers and the material data; providing the generated recycling instructions for recycling the material residue; A method comprising:

2. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the material data is associated with the material from which the material residue is produced, and the material data is accessed or accessible via the one or more physical material identifiers associated with the material.

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the material data associated with the one or more physical material identifiers is provided by a manufacturer of the material.

4. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more physical material identifiers are provided by material identifier elements (103, 105) connected to the material (102), at least the physical material identifiers are encoded in the material identifier elements (103, 105), the material identifier elements (103, 105) are physically connected to the material, and the physical material identifiers are uniquely associated with a physical instance of the material (102).

5. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein material data is used to generate the recycling instructions for physical filling of containers with material residues, physical collection of filled containers, physical sorting of filled containers, and / or physical recycling of the material residues provided by a recycling plant.

6. 6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the material residues comprise residues arising during the production of the material containing the at least one synthetic polymer, residues arising from the use of the material, and / or residues arising from the use of components produced based on the material.

7. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more container identifiers are provided by a container identifier element (107) connected to the container (106), at least the container identifiers are encoded in the container identifier element (107), and the identifier element (107) is physically connected to the container (106).

8. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein an amount of material residue, a number of containers, and / or a type of material residue is provided, and recycling instructions are generated from the amount of material residue, the number of containers, and / or the type of material residue.

9. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more physical material identifiers are associated with material residues (104) filled into the one or more containers (106), and the container identifiers are associated with each container (106).

10. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the physical material identifier and the container identifier indicating the container (106) filled with the associated material residue (104) are digitally linked to each other.

11. 11. The method of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein a plurality of physical material identifiers are linked to at least one container identifier.

12. 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the physical material identifier and the container identifier indicating the container (104) filled with the associated material residue (104) are digitally linked to each other at the time of providing the material (102), before use of the material (102), at the time of use of the material (102), at the time of providing the material (102) to a use location, or after use of the material (102).

13. 1. An apparatus for recycling material residues (104) from a material (102) containing one or more synthetic polymers, comprising: a material provider interface configured to provide one or more physical material identifiers and material data associated with the material (102) containing a synthetic polymer; a container provider interface configured to provide one or more container identifiers associated with a container for collecting material residue from the material containing a synthetic polymer; a recycling instructions generator configured to generate one or more recycling instructions based on the one or more container identifiers and the material data; an output interface configured to provide the generated recycling instructions for recycling the material residue; 1. An apparatus comprising:

14. A computer readable medium or computer program having instructions which, when executed on a processor, perform any of the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

15. 13. Use of recycling instructions generated according to any of the methods of any one of claims 1 to 12 for recycling material residue (104) from a material (102) containing one or more polymers.

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