Computerized methods for sorting plastic compounds

Abstract

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

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a computer-implemented method for sorting plastic compounds, a computer program element for such a method, a computer-readable medium storing such a computer program element, a plastic compound sorting apparatus, a system for sorting plastic compounds, and the use of a computer-based database in such a method.

Background Art

[0002] Plastics exhibit considerable advantages with regard to their low weight, durability, low cost, applicability over a wide temperature range, good heat and light resistance, and ease of processing. Due to these advantages, the global demand for plastics is increasing annually, and thus the global production volume of plastics is hundreds of millions of tons per year. A significant proportion of plastics is used for packaging, automobiles, and electrical products. After use or at the end of their life, only a very small proportion of the generated plastic waste is recycled. Recycling of plastics presents an option for reducing plastic waste and conserving natural resources. Recycling of plastic waste requires separation and sorting of plastic waste due to the great variety of polymer types, grades, blends, and / or additives. Therefore, sorting is a major challenge for recycling plastic waste. Recycling has a significant impact on the economic aspects of recycling plastic waste and on the sustainability of plastics in the value chain.

[0003] Considering this, it can be seen that there is a further need to provide a method for recycling plastics.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a method for controlling and improving the sorting of plastic compounds. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] These and other objectives will become clear from reading the following description and are resolved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Dependent claims refer to preferred embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a computer-based method for sorting plastic compounds is provided, the method comprising: providing a computer-based database containing entries relating to a plurality of labels, each identifying a particular plastic compound; receiving scan data from a sample of plastic compounds; identifying labels in the sample of plastic compounds based on the received scan data and the plurality of labels in the database; and sorting plastic compounds based on the identified labels in the sample of plastic compounds.

[0007] In other words, this disclosure proposes clearly tagging plastic compounds with labels, thereby generating an ID for each plastic compound. Characteristics of the plastic compound, such as polymer type, grade, blend, number of reuses, and sustainability score, are assigned to the ID. The ID information data and the characteristics of the plastic compound are stored in a database. Scanning determines the plastic compound, the label, and therefore the ID of the plastic compound, and this is compared with the database. The result of the comparison reveals characteristics of the plastic compound, such as the type of plastic, the contents of the recycled material, or the sustainability score. Therefore, it is possible for users, such as a plastic parts recycling company, to sort plastic compounds, or for example, for a product retailer to sort plastic compounds in an empty container collection machine.

[0008] The proposed method may be advantageous for sorting plastic compounds composed of different material layers and combinations of different materials. The proposed method may be advantageous for sorting recycled plastic compounds from non-recycled plastic compounds. The proposed method may be even more advantageous for sorting food-grade plastic compounds from non-food-grade plastic compounds. The proposed method may be even more advantageous for sorting plastic compounds according to the number of recycling loops they have completed. The proposed method may be even more advantageous because the sorting is not sensitive to the color of the plastic compounds. The proposed method may be even more advantageous because the sorting is possible through shrink labels.

[0009] The proposed method is not limited to the end-of-life / recycling step in the plastics value chain, but can be used for any purpose at any step in the plastics value chain. For example, it can be used in the retail of plastic compounds, such as plastic packaging, to improve customer interaction / customer experience. The proposed method may be advantageous in establishing an effective recycling economy for plastic parts. It may be even more advantageous to serve as the basis for a product history including a sustainability score, where further information (e.g., products produced using a specific plastic compound) is added to the history and stored in a database. The proposed method may be even more advantageous in reducing plastic waste and increasing the amount of plastic waste recycled. The proposed method helps minimize cross-contamination of materials and maximize the quality and continued value of reprocessed plastic compounds. The proposed method can also be used to trigger the transition of materials from the mechanical recycling loop to other recyclability possibilities, namely chemical recycling, thermal recycling (incineration), or organic recycling.

[0010] The term sustainability score should be understood broadly in this context and includes a quantity configured to present information regarding the sustainability of a plastic compound, where sustainability preferably relates to the recycled material contents of the plastic compound and / or the number of recycling loops of the recycled material of the plastic compound. The sustainability score may include metrics, e.g., verbal coding such as “bad,” “good,” “very good,” or color coding such as “red,” “orange,” “green,” or numerical coding such as “1,” “2,” “3.” The sustainability score is not limited to the embodiments described above. The sustainability score may be based on data submitted by masterbatch producers and converters for OEMs, retailers, or end customers. The term computer-based database should be understood broadly in this context and comprises any database or data system configured to store and manage data. The database may be centralized or decentralized and may include different access permissions for different users (e.g., read, read / write, etc.). The database may be stored and run on a cloud server. The database may be implemented as a blockchain network. Blockchain can improve protection against false data and therefore increase customer trust. Blockchain can improve analytical capabilities (e.g., determining the number of loops for recycled plastic compounds). The term "entry" should be understood broadly in this case and includes any data that can be stored in the database, preferably, the term "entry" in this case relates to the ID of a plastic compound, e.g., a binary code. The term "label" should be understood broadly in this case and comprises an element configured to disclose information about the plastic compound ID. The term "label" may also include a chemical tracer, i.e., a molecule embedded in the plastic resin, which functions as a binary code since the molecule is either present or absent.Such chemical tracers exhibit a variety of spectroscopic properties and are therefore detectable (e.g., fluoresce under ultraviolet light). By adding different chemical tracers, each with its own unique spectrum, it is possible to create a code that serves as an entry in a database. These chemical tracers are insensitive to deformation or other physical stress and are therefore advantageous as they improve the detectability of the plastic compound throughout its lifecycle. The term "labeling" may further include QR codes, watermarks, and barcodes. The term "scan data" should be understood broadly in this case and includes any data received from a scanning process and / or detection process. Preferably, scan data includes data from spectroscopic analysis and optical scanners (e.g., smartphone cameras). The term "plastic compound" should be understood broadly in this case and includes any plastic material at any expected stage in the lifecycle or value chain of the plastic material. Preferably, the term "plastic compound" includes plastic raw materials (e.g., PE, PP, PET raw materials), semi-processed plastic materials (e.g., semi-finished electronic components and / or automotive interior components), and final plastic materials (e.g., PET bottles, packaging).

[0011] In one embodiment, a method implemented by a computer includes the steps of receiving a blockchain containing multiple scan data of a sample, multiple identified labels of a sample, and / or multiple sorting decisions of a sample, and uploading the received scan data of a sample, multiple identified labels of a sample, and / or determined sorting decisions of a sample to the blockchain. The term blockchain is well known in the current technology and in this case includes a growing list of cryptographically linked data / records. The data / records in this case include multiple scan data of a sample, multiple identified labels of a sample, and / or multiple sorting decisions of a sample. The data / records are not limited to these embodiments. The data / records may also include timestamps of the sample product (e.g., raw materials, semi-finished products, finished products), as well as processing data and related data. By uploading multiple scan data of a sample, multiple identified labels of a sample, and / or multiple sorting decisions, the open ledger is extended due to new records / entries. The ledger may be a distributed ledger, any user may have a copy, it may be possible to generate new entries, and new entries may need to be authenticated by any user. In short, this can be advantageous for improving transparency of different stages and / or processing of the lifecycle of a particular plastic raw material. This can further generate new data points related to a particular raw material compound and improve analytical capabilities. This can further protect users from false entries / data regarding a particular plastic raw material (for example, multiple identified labels resulting from a logical error detected in the blockchain may lead to false data and reveal a false sorting decision). In other words, scan data of a particular plastic raw material is recorded on the blockchain during processing (e.g., any scan), and thus the history of the raw material and further products related to the raw material (e.g., semi-finished products, finished products, waste) is revealed.By using blockchain technology, authentication data can be provided based on data entries stored by upstream users throughout the lifecycle of raw material compounds. An application may be used by customers / users to access the authentication data and selection decisions.

[0012] In one embodiment, the step of controlling the sorting of plastic compounds includes the steps of identifying at least one data entry in a blockchain associated with an identified label of a sample, and controlling the sorting of plastic compounds based on the at least one data entry and the identified label. In other words, the identified label of a sample is matched with an existing entry containing the identified label. This can reveal the history of a particular plastic raw material. This can reveal the number of times a particular plastic raw material has been reused / looped. For example, if a particular plastic raw material is produced for a plastic bottle and that particular plastic raw material is found in another product (e.g., a toothbrush), it can be inferred that that particular plastic raw material has been reused. This can be advantageous for improving the sorting of plastic compounds.

[0013] In one embodiment, the step of identifying a label includes determining the type and / or amount of label in a sample of the plastic compound. The type of label may include periodic elements and combinations thereof. By determining the type of label, the ID of a particular plastic raw material is determined. By determining the amount of label, the proportion of recycled plastic raw material can be determined. This may be advantageous for controlling the sorting decision. Determining the label may include UV detection techniques, near-infrared detection techniques, mid-infrared detection techniques, X-ray fluorescence detection techniques, neuron activation techniques, or magnetic detection techniques, such as NMR.

[0014] In one embodiment, the step of identifying the label includes determining the weight portion of the label in a sample of plastic compound. The weight content can also be derived by calculation by determining the label and its volume content in the sample. Quantification can also be performed by determining the relative ratio of different label systems in the sample. This may be advantageous for improving the sorting of plastic compounds due to a more specific description of the material composition of the plastic compound sample.

[0015] In one embodiment, a method is provided for selecting the label from the group consisting of UV labeling, NMR labeling, IR labeling, XRD labeling, XRF labeling, QR code (registered trademark), and / or steganography functionality.

[0016] In one embodiment, the method is provided in which further information is added to a particular plastic compound by the user performing the method, and the further information preferably includes a stage in the value chain and / or product type. This may be advantageous for authenticating recycled contents.

[0017] In one embodiment, a method is provided for blockchain users to verify any new entries. This may be advantageous for improving protection against fraudulent entries.

[0018] In one embodiment, a method is provided in which a sample of plastic compound comprises one or more elements selected from the group consisting of low-density polyethylene (LDPE), linear LDPE (LLDPE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyoxymethylene (POM) polypropylene (PP), polyamide (PA), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), polystyrene (PS), polylactic acid (PLA), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or polycarbonate (PC).

[0019] Further aspects of the present disclosure relate to a computer program element that, when executed, instructs a processor to perform any one of the steps of the method described above. Thus, the computer program element can be stored in an arithmetic unit, which may also be part of an embodiment. This arithmetic unit may be configured to perform or induce the performance of the steps of the method described above. Furthermore, the arithmetic unit may be configured to operate the components of the system described above. The arithmetic unit may be configured to operate automatically and / or to execute user instructions. The computer program may be loaded into the working memory of a data processor. Thus, the data processor may have equipment to perform a method according to one of the embodiments described above. This exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure covers both computer programs that use the present disclosure from the outset and computer programs that, through updates, transform an existing program into one that uses the present disclosure. Furthermore, the computer program element may be capable of providing all the steps necessary to perform the steps of the exemplary embodiment of the method described above. According to a further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a computer-readable medium such as a CD-ROM or USB stick is presented, the computer-readable medium storing a computer program element, which is described in a preceding section. Computer programs may be stored in and / or distributed to suitable media, such as optical or solid-state media, supplied together with or as part of other hardware, or distributed in other forms, such as via the Internet or other wired or wireless telecommunication systems. However, computer programs may also be presented via networks such as the World Wide Web and downloaded from such networks into the working memory of a data processor.According to further exemplary embodiments of the Disclosure, a medium is provided that makes a computer program element available for download, and the computer program element is configured to implement a method according to one of the embodiments described above of the Disclosure.

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

[0021] Further aspects of this disclosure relate to a plastic compound sorting apparatus including a wavelength scanner and a programmable controller, wherein the wavelength scanner is configured to scan a sample of plastic compound, and the programmable controller is configured to sort the plastic compound using the methods described above. The term wavelength scanner should be understood broadly in this context and comprises a scanner configured to determine the wavelength of an atom or molecule. The term wavelength scanner comprises a scanner based on UV detection technology, near-infrared detection technology, mid-infrared detection technology, X-ray fluorescence detection technology, or neuron activation technology. The term programmable controller should be understood broadly in this context and comprises a controller configured to be programmed and controlled to perform the methods described above. The term programmable controller preferably comprises a CPU, such as a smartphone, tablet, desktop PC, or cloud. In this context, the plastic compound handling apparatus preferably comprises a user interface, which is configured to display the determined sustainability score (e.g., a smartphone display).

[0022] Further aspects of the present disclosure relate to a system for sorting plastic compounds, comprising: a computer-based database including entries relating to a plurality of labels, each identifying a particular plastic compound; at least one receiving unit configured to receive scan data from a sample of plastic compounds; at least one processing unit configured to identify labels in a sample of plastic compounds based on the received scan data and the plurality of labels in the database; and at least one sorting unit configured to sort plastic compounds based on the identified labels in the sample of plastic compounds. The receiving unit and / or processing unit may be distributed hardware components (e.g., separate CPUs), virtual components on a single hardware component (e.g., a central CPU). The receiving unit may interface with a particular communication standard (e.g., Ethernet, USB, HTML, NFC, Bluetooth®, PCI, etc.). The sorting unit may sort the plastic compounds mechanically, for example, using a controllable airflow.

[0023] The last aspect of this disclosure relates to the use of a computer-based database, which includes entries relating to a plurality of labels, each identifying a particular plastic compound, and / or scan data from a sample of the plastic compound in the manner described above.

[0024] In one embodiment, the step of identifying the label includes determining parameters from a previous life cycle of the plastic compound based on the identified label in a sample of the plastic compound and / or determining the content of recycled plastic of the plastic compound. The life cycle refers to the period from the production of the plastic compound to its disposal and recycling. The identified label can be associated with a specific product and thus can reveal parameters from a previous life cycle of the plastic compound. The determined proportion of the label in the sample can reveal the content of recycled plastic of the plastic compound. The material recycler can adapt the proportion of the label in the plastic compound each time the plastic compound is produced. In short, this can be advantageous for improving the sorting of plastic compounds. For example, each time the material recycler produces a plastic compound, additional labels can be added to the plastic compound. The label can indicate the number of times the plastic compound has been recycled.

[0025] The transfer of the plastic compound from the sorting process, preferably to other recyclability, very preferably, for example, from mechanical recycling to chemical recycling, to thermal recycling (incineration), and / or to organic recycling, can be triggered based on the determined number of life cycles and / or content of the recycled plastic of the plastic compound.

[0026] In a further embodiment, the determined number of life cycles and / or content of the recycled plastic of the plastic compound can also be used to trigger the transfer of the plastic compound from a closed-loop recycling process, for example, the recycling of plastic bottles, to another use, for example, a food-contact-free packaging material.

[0027] Hereinafter, the present disclosure will be illustratively described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0028] [Figure 1] A schematic overview diagram of the steps of the method according to the present disclosure is shown. [Figure 2] A schematic partial view of the plastic compound sorting device according to the present disclosure is shown. [Figure 3] It is a schematic diagram of the system according to the present disclosure. [Figure 4] An exemplary application case of the method in the circular economy is shown.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0029] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of the steps of the method according to the present disclosure. The computer-based method for controlling the sorting of plastic compounds includes step S100, which provides a computer-based database containing entries for a plurality of labels, each identifying a particular plastic compound. The identified labels reveal an ID for the particular plastic compound, and the ID is associated with data. In this embodiment, the ID includes a five-digit (0 or 1) binary representation realized by five different labels. When a label is detected, each digit is either 1 or 0. Thus, it is possible to encode 2^5 different IDs using the labels. This is further illustrated in Figure 2. In this embodiment, the data includes the batch size, production data, target product, and sustainability score for a particular plastic compound. In this embodiment, the database is a computer-based database stored in the cloud. Entries for a particular plastic compound are created from authorized plastic material producers. In step S200, scan data is received from a sample of the plastic compound. Preferably, the scan data includes data from spectroscopic analysis. The labels used to encode a specific plastic compound are chemical tracers. Chemical tracers exhibit various spectral characteristics and are therefore detectable via spectroscopy. In step S300, the labels in the plastic compound sample are identified based on the received scan data and multiple labels in the database. For example, the scan data reveals whether one or more labels are present in the spectroscopic measurement data. These results are compared with entries in the database. If the match is positive, data associated with the ID of the specific plastic compound is revealed. In step S400, a sorting decision is made based on the identified labels of the plastic compound sample. In this embodiment, the sorting decision is part of the data associated with the ID of the specific plastic compound. However, the control of sorting plastic compounds is not limited to this embodiment.It is even more preferable that the scanned data of the received samples, the identified labels of the samples, and / or the determined sorting decisions of the samples be uploaded to the blockchain. Uploading this information to the blockchain extends the ledger and thus provides greater transparency in the history of a particular plastic compound. In this regard, the sorting of plastic compounds can be controlled by analyzing all existing entries to the blockchain, which may result in improved sorting decisions.

[0030] Figure 2 shows a schematic partial view of the plastic compound sorting apparatus 10 according to the present disclosure. The plastic compound handling apparatus 10 comprises a wavelength scanner 11, which is an X-ray fluorescence scanner in this embodiment and includes an X-ray generator 12 as an illumination source, a copper filter 13 for reducing measurement noise, and an X-ray fluorescence detection unit 14. The plastic compound system further comprises a programmable controller 15. A particular plastic compound 16 comprises two labels A and B. The X-ray generator 12 is configured to generate X-rays and direct them to the particular plastic compound 16, and the X-rays excite labels A and B. The labels are, for example, Fe and Ni. Each label emits a unique radiation for X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy that depends on the atomic number of the element. The X-ray fluorescence scanner 14 is configured to scan a sample of the plastic compound 16, and the scanning means detects the radiation emitted by the labels. The X-ray fluorescence scanner is coupled with a programmable controller 15 that identifies the signature of each specific plastic compound 16. The programmable controller 15 is further configured to sort the plastic compounds using the method described above.

[0031] Figure 3 is an overview diagram of the system according to this disclosure. The system 30 for sorting plastic compounds includes a computer-based database 31 containing entries for a plurality of labels, each identifying a specific plastic compound. The system 30 further comprises a receiving unit 32 configured to receive scan data from a sample of plastic compound. The system 30 further comprises a processing unit 33 configured to identify labels in a sample of plastic compound based on the received scan data and the plurality of labels in the database. A sorting unit 34 is further configured to sort plastic compounds based on the identified labels of the plastic compound sample. The processing unit is further configured to upload the received scan data of the sample, the identified labels of the sample, and / or the determined sorting decision of the sample to a blockchain 35. Uploading this information to the blockchain 35 extends the ledger and thus provides high transparency in the history of a particular plastic compound. In this regard, by analyzing all existing entries to Blockchain 35, sorting decisions can be further determined, which may result in improved sorting of plastic compounds.

[0032] Figure 4 shows an exemplary application case of this method in a circular economy 40. A plastic compound producer 42 can produce a specific plastic compound containing label A in the first step. Corresponding data for the specific plastic compound can be transmitted to a digital platform 41, which can store the corresponding data. The plastic compound producer 42 can sell the specific plastic compound to a plastic bottle manufacturer 43. Production data for plastic bottles related to the specific plastic compound (e.g., timestamp, quantity, etc.) can be transmitted to the digital platform 41. The produced plastic bottles may contain a QR code (registered trademark) and can then be shipped from the manufacturer 43 to a warehouse 44, for example, in another country, and from there to a retailer 45. Each of the relevant transport data for the plastic bottles 46 can be transmitted to the digital platform 41. A customer can then buy the plastic bottles 46 from the retailer 45. The customer can dispose of the plastic bottles 46 after use. Next, waste including plastic bottles 46 and further plastic bottles 48 having other labels B may be collected by a waste disposal company 47. The waste disposal company 47 may have a sorting machine 49. The sorting machine 49 can identify plastic bottles 46 having a specific plastic compound having label A. Data collected in relation to the plastic bottles 46 may be transmitted from the waste disposal company 47 to a digital platform 41. The waste disposal company 47 may sell the plastic bottles 46 to a recycling company 50 that produces new specific plastic materials. The recycling company 50 may add further labels C to the plastic materials and then sell the plastic materials to a plastic compound producer 42. The recycling company 50 may query the digital platform 41 for data related to the plastic bottles 46 and may also transmit new data to the digital platform 41.

[0033] This disclosure has been described in relation to preferred embodiments, as examples. However, other variations can be understood and achieved by those skilled in the art by examining the drawings, this disclosure, and the claims and by realizing the claims of the present invention. In particular, the steps described can be performed in any order; that is, this disclosure is not limited to a specific order of those steps. Furthermore, it is not necessary for the different steps to be performed in a specific location or one location; that is, each step may be performed in a different location using different equipment / data processing units. In the claims and specification, the word “comprising” does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article “a” or “an” does not exclude plurals. A single element or other unit can perform the functions of several entities or articles enumerated in the claims. The mere fact that certain means are listed in different dependent claims does not indicate that combinations of these means cannot be used in a favorable realization. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0034] 10 Plastic Compound Sorting Machine 11 wavelength scanner 12 X-ray generator 13 Copper filter 14 X-ray fluorescence scanner 15 Programmable Controllers 16 Plastic Compound 30 Systems 31 Databases 32 Receiving Unit 33 Processing Units 34 sorting units 35 Blockchain 40 Circular Economy 41 Digital Platforms 42 Plastic Compound Producers 43 Manufacturer 44 Warehouse 45 Retailers 46, 48 Plastic bottles 47 Waste disposal companies 49. Sorting machine 50 Recycling Companies

Claims

1. A computer-based method for controlling the sorting of plastic compounds, The steps include providing a computer-based database (S100) which includes entries relating to multiple labels, each identifying a specific plastic compound, The steps include receiving scan data from a sample of plastic compound (S200), Step (S300) of identifying a label in the sample of the plastic compound based on the received scan data and the plurality of labels in the database, wherein the identified label includes a chemical tracer used to tag recycled contents in the sample of the plastic compound. A computer-based method comprising the step (S400) of sorting plastic compounds based on the identified labels of the sample of the plastic compound.

2. The steps include receiving a blockchain containing multiple scan data of a sample, multiple identified labels of a sample, and / or multiple sorting decisions of a sample, A computer-based method according to claim 1, comprising the step of uploading the received scan data of the sample, the identified label of the sample, and / or the sorting decision of the sample to the blockchain.

3. The step of sorting the plastic compound is, The steps include: identifying at least one data entry in the blockchain associated with the identified label of the sample; A computer-based method according to claim 2, comprising the step of sorting the plastic compound based on the at least one data entry and the identified label.

4. The aforementioned sign identification step is, A computer-based method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising the step of determining the type and / or amount of the label in the sample of the plastic compound.

5. The aforementioned sign identification step is, A computer-based method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising the step of determining the weight fraction of a labeled content in the sample of the plastic compound.

6. The aforementioned sign identification step is, A computer-based method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising the steps of determining the life cycle number of the plastic compound based on the label identified in the sample of the plastic compound, and / or determining the recycled plastic contents of the plastic compound.

7. The computer-based method according to claim 6, comprising the step of triggering a transition of the plastic compound from a sorting process to other recyclability based on the determined life cycle number and / or contents of the recycled plastic of the plastic compound.

8. The method performed by a computer according to claim 2, comprising the step of generating a signal that includes a command to display the selection decision on a user interface.

9. The method, performed by a computer according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the label is selected from the group consisting of UV labels, NMR labels, IR labels, XRD labels, XRF labels, QR codes (registered trademark), barcodes, and / or steganography functions.

10. The computer-based method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the sample of the plastic compound comprises one or more elements selected from the group consisting of low-density polyethylene (LDPE), linear LDPE (LLDPE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyoxymethylene (POM) polypropylene (PP), polyamide (PA), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), polystyrene (PS), polylactic acid (PLA), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or polycarbonate (PC).

11. Use of the computer-based method according to any one of claims 1 to 10 for the recycling of plastic compounds.

12. A use of the computer-operated method according to claim 6 or 7 for the mechanical recycling of a plastic compound, wherein the plastic compound, having completed the sorting step, is moved to other recyclability.

13. A computer program element that, when executed, instructs a processor to perform any one of the steps of the method described in any one of claims 1 to 10.

14. A computer-readable medium for storing the computer program elements described in claim 13.

15. Wavelength scanner (11) and A plastic compound sorting device (10) comprising a programmable controller (15), The wavelength scanner (11) is configured to scan a sample of the plastic compound (16), A plastic compound sorting apparatus, wherein the programmable controller (15) is configured to sort plastic compounds using the method described in any one of claims 1 to 10.

16. A system (30) for sorting plastic compounds, wherein the system is A computer-based database (31) containing entries for multiple labels, each identifying a specific plastic compound, At least one receiving unit (32) configured to receive scan data from a sample of plastic compound, A processing unit (33) configured to identify a label in the sample of the plastic compound based on the received scan data and the plurality of labels in the database (31), wherein the identified label includes a chemical tracer used to tag recycled contents in the sample of the plastic compound, A system (30) comprising at least one sorting unit (34) configured to sort plastic compounds based on the identified labels of the sample of the plastic compound.

17. The use of a computer-based database containing entries relating to a plurality of labels, each identifying a specific plastic compound, and / or scan data from a sample of a plastic compound in the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

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