Computer-based method for determining sustainability scores

Abstract

A computer-implemented method for determining a sustainability score includes providing a computer-based database (S100) containing entries for a plurality of markers, each of which identifies a particular plastic compound; receiving scan data from a sample of the plastic compound (S200); identifying markers in the sample of the plastic compound based on the received scan data and the plurality of markers in the database (S300); and determining a sustainability score based on the identified markers for the sample of the plastic compound (S400).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a computer-implemented method for determining a sustainability score, a computer program element for such a method, a computer-readable medium for storing such a computer program element, a plastic compound processing apparatus, a system for determining such a sustainability score, and use of a computer-based database in such a method. Background Art

[0002] Plastics offer great advantages in terms of light weight, durability, low cost, applicability over a wide temperature range, good resistance to temperature and light, and ease of processing. Due to these advantages, global demand for plastics has been increasing year by year, and as a result, global plastic production is on the order of hundreds of millions of tons per year. The majority of plastics are used in packaging, automobiles, and electrical products. After use or end-of-life, only a small amount of the resulting plastic waste is reused. Plastic recycling provides an option to reduce plastic waste and conserve natural resources. Recycling of plastic waste requires separation and sorting of plastic waste due to the wide variety of polymer types, grades, blends, and / or additives. Therefore, sorting is a major challenge in the recycling of plastic waste. Recycling has a great impact on the economic aspects of plastic waste recycling and the sustainability of plastics in the value chain.

[0003] From this point of view, it has been found that there is a further need for providing a method for recycling plastics. Summary of the Invention Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a method for enhancing the sustainability of plastic products, in particular a method for recycling plastics.

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

[0006] A first aspect of the present disclosure provides a computer-based method for determining a sustainability score, comprising the steps of: providing a computer-based database having entries for a plurality of markers, each of which identifies a particular plastic compound; receiving scan data from a sample of a plastic compound; identifying markers in the sample of the plastic compound based on the received scan data and the plurality of markers in the database; and determining a sustainability score based on the identified markers in the sample of the plastic compound.

[0007] In other words, this disclosure proposes generating IDs for plastic compounds by uniquely tagging them with markers. Characteristics of the plastic compound, such as polymer type, grade, blend, number of reuses, and sustainability score, are assigned to the ID. Information data on the IDs and characteristics of the plastic compounds is stored in a database. By scanning, the plastic compound, marker, and consequently the ID of the plastic compound are determined and matched against the database. From the results of the match, characteristics of the plastic compound are revealed, such as the type of plastic, the recycled material content, or the sustainability score. Thus, it is possible for users, such as a contract manufacturer of plastic parts, to determine the sustainability score of a plastic compound, or for example, for an OEM of a product to determine the sustainability score of a contract manufacturer's plastic parts used in the product, or for an end customer to determine the sustainability score of a product supplied by an OEM. This may also be advantageous for recycling companies in sorting plastic waste, as other data such as polymer type, grade, or additives may be revealed in addition to the sustainability score. Furthermore, this may also be advantageous for plastic compound manufacturers to obtain information, namely the sustainability score, polymer type, grade, or additive information of plastic waste, which can then be used to manufacture new recycled plastic compounds. In addition to the initial manufacture of the plastic compound, the proposed method may be advantageous in revealing the true sustainability score and / or material composition of the plastic compound at all stages of the plastic compound's lifecycle, namely at least semi-finished products, products, waste, sorted waste, and recycled raw materials. The proposed method may be advantageous in providing true and effective traceability of the plastic compound. The proposed method may be advantageous in establishing an efficient recycling economy for plastic parts. The proposed method may be even more advantageous in serving as the basis for historical information of products, including sustainability scores, with further information (e.g., products manufactured using a particular plastic compound) being added to the historical information and stored in a database.The proposed method may also be advantageous in reducing plastic waste and increasing the amount of recycled plastic waste.

[0008] The term sustainability score should be understood broadly in this context and includes a number configured to present information regarding the sustainability of a plastic compound, where sustainability preferably relates to the recycled material content of the plastic compound and / or the number of recycling loops of the recycled material in the plastic compound. The sustainability score may include metrics, e.g., verbal coding "bad," "good," "very good," or color coding "red," "orange," "green," or numerical coding "1," "2," "3." The sustainability score is not limited to the examples given above. The sustainability score may be based on data submitted by masterbatch manufacturers and converters for OEMs, retailers, or end customers. The term computer-based database should be understood broadly in this context and includes any database or data system configured to store and manage data. The database may be a centralized database or a distributed database and may include different access authorizations for different users (e.g., read, read / write, etc.). The database may be stored on and run on cloud servers. The database may be implemented as a blockchain network. Blockchain can enhance protection against false data and, consequently, increase customer trust. Blockchain can enhance analytical capabilities (e.g., determining the number of loops in a recycled plastic compound). The term "entry" should be understood broadly in this context and include any data that may be stored in a database, preferably, in this context, the term "entry" relating to the ID of a plastic compound, for example, to a binary code. The term "marker" should be understood broadly in this context and includes elements configured to disclose information related to the plastic compound ID. The term "marker" may include a chemical tracer, i.e., a molecule embedded in a plastic resin that functions as a binary code regarding the presence or absence of the molecule. Such a chemical tracer is detectable because it exhibits various spectral properties (e.g., it fluoresces under UV light).By adding different chemical tracers, each with its own unique spectrum, it is possible to create codes that serve as database entries. These chemical tracers may be advantageous in improving the detection capability of plastic compounds throughout their lifecycle because they are less responsive to deformation or other physical stresses. The term marker may further include QR data and watermarks. The term scan data should be understood broadly in this context and include any data received from the scanning 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 context and include any plastic material at any possible stage of the plastic material lifecycle or value chain. Preferably, the term plastic compound includes plastic raw materials (e.g., PE, PP, PET raw materials), semi-finished plastic materials (e.g., semi-finished door handles), and finished plastic materials (e.g., PET bottles, packaging materials).

[0009] In one embodiment, a computer implementation method includes the steps of receiving a blockchain containing multiple scan data of a sample, multiple identified markers of a sample, and / or multiple sustainability scores of a sample, and uploading the received scan data of a sample, the identified markers of a sample, and / or the determined sustainability scores of a sample to the blockchain. The term blockchain is well known in the art and in this context includes a growing list of cryptographically linked data / records. In this context, the data / records include multiple scan data of a sample, multiple identified markers of a sample, and / or multiple sustainability scores of a sample. The data / records are not limited to these examples. The data / records may also include timestamps and transaction data, as well as relevant data on the product of the sample (e.g., raw materials, semi-finished products, finished products). By uploading multiple scan data of a sample, multiple identified markers of a sample, and / or multiple sustainability scores, the open ledger is expanded due to new records / entries. An open ledger can be a distributed ledger where all users can have copies, generate new entries, and these new entries must be verified by all users. This can be advantageous in increasing transparency across the lifecycle and / or processing stages of a particular plastic raw material. This can further generate new data points related to a specific raw material compound, improving analytical capabilities. This can further protect users from false entries / data related to a particular plastic raw material (for example, multiple identified markers due to a logic error detected in the blockchain could lead to false data and reveal a false sustainability score). In other words, scan data of a particular plastic raw material is recorded on the blockchain in a transaction (e.g., any scan), thereby revealing historical information about the raw material and further products related to it (e.g., semi-finished products, finished products, waste).By using blockchain, authentication data can be provided based on data entries stored by upstream users along the lifecycle of the raw material compound. An app may be used by customers / users to access the authentication data and sustainability score.

[0010] In one embodiment, the step of determining the sustainability score includes identifying at least one data entry associated with an identified marker of a sample in the blockchain, and determining the sustainability score based on the at least one data entry and the identified marker. In other words, the identified marker of a sample is matched against an existing entry containing the identified marker. This may reveal the history of a particular plastic raw material. This may 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 concluded that the particular plastic raw material has been reused. Such intermediate results are used to determine the sustainability score. This may be advantageous for fine-tuning the determination of the sustainability score.

[0011] In one embodiment, the step of identifying markers includes determining the type and / or quantity of markers in a sample of a plastic compound. The type of marker may include elements of the periodic system. By determining the type of marker, the ID of a particular plastic raw material is determined. By determining the quantity of markers, the proportion of recycled plastic raw material can be determined. This may be advantageous for determining a sustainability score. Determining the markers 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.

[0012] In one embodiment, the step of identifying the marker includes determining the weight portion of the marker in a sample of the plastic compound. By determining the marker and its volume content in the sample, the weight content can be derived by calculation. This may be advantageous for fine-tuning the product's sustainability score due to the more specific description of the material composition of the plastic compound sample.

[0013] In one embodiment, the method includes the step of determining the lifetime emissions footprint, particularly the CO2 footprint, of a sample of a plastic compound based on a sustainability score. In other words, the sustainability score is further processed together with additional data (e.g., recycled material content, recycling loop, original CO2 footprint of the non-recycled plastic compound) to calculate the CO2 footprint. The CO2 footprint may be provided from a database and / or blockchain. The CO2 footprint may include any step in the supply chain of the plastic compound. The sustainability score may also take into account the CO2 footprint and / or the recycling loop. This can be advantageous in providing users with finely tuned information about the plastic compounds used in a product.

[0014] In one embodiment, the method includes the step of determining the fluid usage, particularly water usage, over the lifespan of a sample of a plastic compound based on a sustainability score. Water usage may include any water used during one or more processes over the lifespan of the sample plastic compound (manufacturing of the plastic compound, further processing, waste sorting, recycling, and further compound manufacturing). Fluid usage may include current data and / or projected future data. Water usage may be provided from a database and / or blockchain. Fluid usage may be useful in revealing further environmental figures and consequences of product use compared to other products.

[0015] In one embodiment, the method includes the step of generating a signal that includes a command to display the determined sustainability score on a user interface. A user who can scan a product (e.g., a QR code® placed on a suitcase) is provided with the sustainability score of the product containing the plastic compound. A user who can scan a sample of the plastic compound by spectroscopy and further process the data using the method is provided with the sustainability score of the sample of the plastic compound. The score can be displayed on a smartphone or desktop PC screen. In other words, this can enhance the applicability and operability of the method.

[0016] In one embodiment, a method is provided in which the marker is selected from the group consisting of a UV marker, an XRD marker, an XRF marker, a QR code (registered trademark), and / or a steganographic mechanism.

[0017] In one embodiment, a method is provided in which further information is added by the user performing the method to a specific plastic compound, and the further information preferably includes steps in the value chain and / or product type. This may be advantageous for determining the recycled content.

[0018] In one embodiment, a method is provided in which a blockchain user verifies all new entries. This may be advantageous in enhancing protection against fraudulent entries.

[0019] In one embodiment, a method is provided in which a sample of a 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).

[0020] In one embodiment, a method is provided, further comprising the step of providing a determined sustainability score suitable for controlling further processing of a plastic compound.

[0021] In one embodiment, a method is provided, further comprising the step of providing a determined sustainability score suitable for verifying the sustainability score of a plastic compound, preferably the step of verifying the recycled material content of the plastic compound and / or the number of recycling loops of the recycled material.

[0022] Further aspects of the present disclosure relate to computer program elements that, when executed, instruct a processor to perform any one of the steps of the above-described method. Thus, computer program elements may be stored in a computing unit, which may also be part of one embodiment. This computing unit may be configured to perform or induce the execution of the steps of the above-described method. Furthermore, the computing unit may be configured to operate the components of the system described above. The computing 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. This may equip the data processor to perform the method according to one of the above-described embodiments. This exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure encompasses both computer programs that use the present disclosure from the outset and computer programs that, through updates, make existing programs use the present disclosure. Furthermore, computer program elements may be capable of providing all the steps necessary to perform the steps of the exemplary embodiment of the above-described method. According to further exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, a computer-readable medium, such as a CD-ROM or USB stick, is presented, and the computer-readable medium stores the computer program elements described in the above section. Computer programs may be stored in and / or distributed on suitable media such as optical storage media or solid-state media supplied together with or as part of other hardware, but may also be distributed in other forms, such as via the Internet or other wired or wireless telecommunication systems. However, computer programs may also be presented over 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 computer program elements available for download, and the computer program elements are configured to perform the method according to one of the embodiments of the Disclosure described above.

[0023] A further aspect of this disclosure relates to a computer-readable medium for storing the aforementioned computer program elements.

[0024] Further aspects of the present disclosure relate to a plastic compound apparatus comprising a wavelength scanner and a programmable controller, wherein the wavelength scanner is configured to scan a sample of a plastic compound, and the programmable controller is configured to determine a sustainability score in the manner described above. The term wavelength scanner should be understood broadly in this context and includes scanners configured to determine the wavelength of an atom or molecule. The term wavelength scanner includes scanners based on UV detection techniques, near-infrared detection techniques, mid-infrared detection techniques, X-ray fluorescence detection techniques, or neuron activation techniques. The term programmable controller should be understood broadly in this context and includes controllers configured to be programmed and controlled to perform the manner described above. The term programmable controller preferably includes a smartphone, tablet, desktop PC, or cloud CPU. In this regard, the plastic compound apparatus preferably comprises a user interface configured to display the determined sustainability score (e.g., a smartphone display).

[0025] A further aspect of the present disclosure relates to a system for determining a sustainability score, comprising: a computer-based database including entries relating to a plurality of markers each identifying a specific plastic compound; at least one receiving unit configured to receive scan data from a sample of the plastic compound; at least one processing unit configured to identify a marker in the sample of the plastic compound based on the received scan data and the plurality of markers in the database; and at least one processing unit configured to determine the sustainability score based on the identified marker of the sample of the plastic compound. The receiving unit and / or the processing unit may be distributed hardware components (e.g., separate CPUs) or may be virtual components on one hardware component (e.g., a centralized CPU). The receiving unit may include an interface conforming to a specific communication standard (e.g., Ethernet, USB, HTML, NFC, Bluetooth, PCI, etc.).

[0026] A further aspect of the present disclosure relates to the use of a computer-based database in the above-mentioned method, the computer-based database including entries relating to a plurality of markers each identifying a specific plastic compound and / or scan data from a sample of the plastic compound.

[0027] A further aspect of the present disclosure is a computer-implemented method for verifying a sustainability score of a plastic compound, the method comprising: receiving a sustainability score determined according to the above-mentioned method; receiving a third-party sustainability score linked to the plastic compound; comparing the determined sustainability score with the third-party sustainability score to verify the plastic compound and / or verify whether the plastic compound meets predefined quality and / or predefined sustainability criteria A computer-implemented method comprising:

[0028] In one embodiment, the step of identifying markers includes determining parameters from the plastic compound's previous life cycle based on the identified markers in the sample of the plastic compound, and / or determining the recycled plastic content of the plastic compound. The life cycle refers to the period from when the plastic compound is manufactured until it is discarded and recycled. The identified markers can be associated with a specific product and thus reveal parameters from the plastic compound's previous life cycle. The percentage of the determined markers in the sample can reveal the recycled plastic content of the plastic compound. A material recycler can adjust the percentage of markers in the plastic compound each time they produce it. This can be advantageous for fine-tuning the sustainability score of the plastic compound. For example, additional markers may be added to the plastic compound each time a material recycler produces it. The markers may indicate the number of times the plastic compound has been recycled.

[0029] This disclosure offers the possibility of calculating / estimating the carbon footprint (PCF) of recycled plastics and providing metrics that can help reduce the carbon footprint of products. Additionally, additional sustainability benefits (such as global warming potential and cumulative energy demand) may be attributable to recycled materials. The industry is increasingly embracing and expecting to increase the bio-based content (e.g., plant-based stearyl alcohol derived from palm / coconut / canola oil versus synthetic products). Such bio-based content can be proactively calculated and reported. Such bio-based content also leads to a reduction in overall PCF. Similar estimations can be made for biomass-balanced materials that can be marked with digital tracers. Digital signals obtained from physical scans of materials can capture inclusions in guaranteed recycled materials to demonstrate and track (lower) PCF. Such information can be provided or shared by providing corresponding databases and / or digital tools. For example, digital input from physical markers can weight and aggregate various sustainability benefits to produce a standardized assessment, similar to quality certifications such as ISO 9001. This data can then be carried over to future PCF or "fully circular" calculations.

[0030] The present disclosure will be explained illustratively below with reference to the attached drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0031] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of the steps of the method described herein. [Figure 2] This is a schematic partial diagram of the plastic compound processing apparatus according to the present disclosure. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary use case of the method described herein. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram of the system disclosed herein. [Figure 5] This section presents exemplary application cases of the method in a circular economy. [Figure 6] This is a schematic diagram of the steps for verifying and controlling further processes of plastic compounds. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0032] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of the steps of the method according to the present disclosure. The computer implementation method for determining the sustainability score includes step S100 of providing a computer-based database containing entries for a plurality of markers, each identifying a specific plastic compound. The identified markers reveal the ID of the specific plastic compound to which the data is associated. In this example, the ID consists of a five-digit binary number (0 or 1) realized by five different markers. The corresponding digit is 1 if the marker is detected, and 0 otherwise. Thus, with a marker, 5It is possible to code individual different IDs. This is further explained in Figure 2. In this example, the data includes a batch size consisting of a specific plastic compound, production data, target product, and sustainability score. Sustainability includes a 10-point metric from 1 to 10, where 1 is associated with a very low sustainability score and 10 is associated with a very high sustainability score. In this example, the database is a computer-based database stored in the cloud. Entries for specific plastic compounds are made by certified 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 marker used to code a specific plastic compound is a chemical tracer. Chemical tracers are detectable by spectroscopy because they exhibit various spectral characteristics. In step S300, the marker in the sample of the plastic compound is identified based on the received scan data and multiple markers in the database. The scan data reveals, for example, whether one or more markers are present in the spectroscopic measurement data. These results are compared with the entries in the database. In the case of a positive match, the data associated with the ID of the specific plastic compound is revealed. In step S400, the sustainability score is determined based on the identified marker of the plastic compound sample. In this example, the sustainability score is part of the data associated with the ID of a particular plastic compound. However, the determination of the sustainability score is not limited to this example. Furthermore, it is preferable that the received scan data of the sample, the identified marker of the sample, and / or the determined sustainability score of the sample are uploaded to the blockchain. Uploading this information to the blockchain expands the ledger, thereby increasing the transparency of the historical information of a particular plastic compound. In this regard, the sustainability score may also be determined by analyzing all entries present in the blockchain, and as a result, the sustainability score may be fine-tuned.

[0033] Figure 2 is a schematic partial diagram of the plastic compound processing apparatus 10 according to the present disclosure. The plastic compound processing apparatus 10 comprises a wavelength scanner 11 having an X-ray generator 12 as an illumination light source, a copper filter 13 for reducing measurement noise, and a fluorescence X-ray detection unit 14, in this example, a fluorescence X-ray scanner. The plastic compound system further comprises a programmable controller 15. A particular plastic compound 16 includes two markers A and B. The X-ray generator 12 is configured to generate X-rays and to direct the X-rays to the particular plastic compound 16, where the X-rays excite markers A and B. The markers are, for example, Fe and Ni. Each marker emits a unique radiation corresponding to the atomic number of the element in fluorescence X-ray analysis. The fluorescence X-ray scanner 14 is configured to scan a sample of the plastic compound 16, where scanning means detecting the radiation emitted by the markers. The fluorescence X-ray scanner is coupled with a programmable controller 15 that identifies the signature, and thus the ID, of the particular plastic compound 16. The programmable controller 15 is further configured to determine the sustainability score by the method described above.

[0034] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a use case of the method according to the present disclosure. Unlike the descriptions in Figures 1 and 2, the marker is not a chemical tracer, but a QR code® 23 instead. A user 20 interested in the sustainability score of product 21, in this example a suitcase, scans the QR code® 23 attached to the suitcase 21 with their smartphone 22. A computer program element is executed on the user's smartphone 22, instructing the smartphone's processor to execute a method for determining the sustainability score. The determined sustainability score is then displayed on the smartphone's user interface 24.

[0035] Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram of the system according to this disclosure. The system 30 for determining a sustainability score comprises a computer-based database 31 containing entries for a plurality of markers, each identifying a specific plastic compound. The system 30 further comprises a receiving unit 32 configured to receive scan data from a sample of the plastic compound. The system 30 further comprises a processing unit 33 configured to identify markers in the sample of the plastic compound based on the received scan data and the plurality of markers in the database. The processing unit 33 is further configured to determine a sustainability score based on the identified markers of the sample of the plastic compound. The processing unit is further configured to upload the received scan data of the sample, the identified markers of the sample, and / or the determined sustainability score of the sample to a blockchain 34. Uploading this information to the blockchain 34 expands the ledger, thereby increasing the transparency of historical information for a particular plastic compound. In this regard, the sustainability score may also be determined by an analysis of all entries present in the blockchain 34, and as a result, the sustainability score may be fine-tuned.

[0036] Figure 5 shows an exemplary application case of the method in the circular economy 40. A plastic compound producer 42 may first produce a specific plastic compound containing marker A. Corresponding data for the specific plastic compound may be transmitted to a digital platform 41, and the digital platform, and by extension the servers of the digital platform, may store this corresponding data. The plastic compound producer 42 may sell the specific plastic compound to a plastic bottle manufacturer 43. Production data (e.g., timestamp, quantity, etc.) for plastic bottles associated with the specific plastic compound may be transmitted to the digital platform 41. The produced plastic bottles may have a QR code (registered trademark) and may be shipped from the manufacturer 43 to a warehouse 44, for example, in another country, and from there to a retailer 45. Relevant transportation data for each plastic bottle 46 may be transmitted to the digital platform 41. Then, a customer may purchase the plastic bottle 46 from the retailer 45. The customer may check the sustainability score of the plastic bottle 46 as described in Figure 3. The customer may dispose of the plastic bottle 46 after use. Waste containing plastic bottles 46 and further plastic bottles 48 having another marker B can then be collected by a waste disposal company 47. The waste disposal company 47 may have a sorting machine 49 that functions similarly to the plastic processing machine 10. The sorting machine 49 can identify plastic bottles 46 by specific plastic compounds having marker A. Collected data related to plastic bottles 46 can 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 marker C to the plastic material and then sell the plastic material to a plastic compound producer 42. The recycling company 50 may query the digital platform 41 for data related to plastic bottles 46 and may also transmit new data to the digital platform 41.

[0037] Furthermore, it is possible to verify the sustainability score of plastic compounds. This can be done, for example, by comparing the sustainability score determined as described above with a sustainability score provided by a third party (e.g., a plastic compound producer, manufacturer, retailer, or waste disposal company). On the one hand, it is possible to determine whether both sustainability scores are essentially the same, and on the other hand, the release of the compound for further processing can be made accordingly. This makes it possible to verify the determined sustainability score and derive control signals or process signals for further processing of the plastic compound from it.

[0038] Figure 6 shows an example flowchart for verifying the sustainability score with respect to the recycled material content and / or the number of recycling loops of the recycled material in a plastic compound, preferably having at least one marker.

[0039] In the first step 234, a (third-party) sustainability score linked to the plastic compound is provided, which may be provided by the plastic compound producer, manufacturer, retailer, or waste disposal company.

[0040] In the second step 236, a sustainability score is determined based on scan data associated with markers in a sample of the plastic compound, according to one of the methods described above.

[0041] In the third step, 238, both sustainability scores (determined and provided) may be compared to validate the plastic compound. For example, if the comparison result falls within an acceptable / specified range, the sustainability score is considered valid. If the comparison result falls outside an acceptable / specified range, the sustainability score is considered invalid.

[0042] If the sustainability score is deemed valid, a control signal for further processing of the plastic compound may be triggered in step 240.

[0043] If the sustainability score is invalid, a warning signal may be triggered to the process operator in step 242. Such a warning signal may indicate the invalidity of the sustainability score. Furthermore, a stop signal may be triggered to stop / interrupt further processing of the plastic compound.

[0044] This disclosure has been described using preferred embodiments as examples. However, by examining the drawings, this disclosure, and the claims, other variations may be understood and implemented by those skilled in the art and by carrying out the invention described in the claims. In particular, the steps described in particular may be performed in any order; that is, this disclosure is not limited to a specific order of these steps. Furthermore, it is not necessary that the different steps be performed in a specific location or one location; that is, each step may be performed in different locations using different devices / data processing units. In the claims and herein, the word “comprising” does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article “a” or “an” does not exclude plural ones. A single element or other unit may perform the function of several entities or items described in the claims. The mere fact that certain means are described in different dependent claims does not mean that a combination of these means cannot be used in a favorable implementation. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0045] 10 Plastic Compound Processing Equipment 11 wavelength scanner 12 X-ray generator 13 Copper filters 14. X-ray fluorescence scanner 15 Programmable Controllers 16 Plastic Compounds 20 users 21 Products 22 Smartphones 23 QR Code (Registered Trademark) 24. User Interface Display 30 Systems 31 Databases 32 Receiving Unit 33 Processing Units 34 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 used by a computer to determine a sustainability score, The steps include: accessing a computer-based database containing entries for multiple markers, each of which identifies a specific plastic compound (S100); Steps include receiving scan data from a sample of a plastic compound (S200), and identifying a marker in the sample of the plastic compound based on the received scan data and the plurality of markers in the database (S300), The steps (S400) include determining a sustainability score based on the identified marker of the sample of the plastic compound, and A computer-based method for determining a sustainability score, including, The scan data includes the spectroscopic measurement data of the sample. In the step of identifying the marker, the marker is identified by comparing the data of the marker included in the spectral measurement data with the entry in the database. In the step of determining the sustainability score, the sustainability score is determined by identifying the sustainability score stored in the database in association with the marker using the marker identified in the step of identifying the marker, and the database uses CO2 as the lifetime emissions footprint of the sample of the plastic compound. ２ It stores the footprint, The aforementioned computer implementation method uses the database to determine the CO2 emissions footprint over the lifetime of the sample of the plastic compound. ２ Includes steps to obtain the footprint, Computerized implementation method.

2. The steps include receiving multiple scan data of the sample, multiple identified markers of the sample, and / or multiple sustainability scores of the sample from the blockchain, The steps include uploading the received scan data of the sample, the identified marker of the sample, and / or the determined sustainability score of the sample to the blockchain. The computer implementation method according to claim 1, including the method described in claim 1.

3. The blockchain stores at least one data entry associated with the identified marker of the sample, The step of determining the sustainability score is, In the blockchain, at least one data entry associated with the identified marker of the sample is identified, The sustainability score is determined by matching the blockchain based on the at least one data entry and the identified marker. Includes, In the blockchain, the at least one data entry and the identified marker are associated with the sustainability score. The computer implementation method according to claim 2.

4. The step of identifying the marker is, To determine the type and / or amount of the marker in the sample of the plastic compound. A computer implementation method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, including the method described in any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The step of identifying the marker is, To determine the weight content of the marker in the sample of the plastic compound. Includes, The weight content is determined by determining the volume content of the marker in the sample. The computer implementation method according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The database stores the amount of water used over the lifetime of the sample of the plastic compound. The computer implementation method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising the step of obtaining the amount of water used over the lifetime of the sample of the plastic compound from the database.

7. A step of generating a signal that includes a command to display the determined sustainability score on the user interface. A computer implementation method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, including the method described in any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The computer implementation method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the marker is selected from the group consisting of a UV marker, an XRD marker, an XRF marker, a QR code (registered trademark), and / or a steganographic mechanism.

9. The computer-aided method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, 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).

10. A computer-aided method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising the step of determining a sustainability score determined in order to control further processing of the plastic compound.

11. A computer-aided method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising the step of determining a sustainability score determined in order to verify the received sustainability score of the plastic compound, the step of determining that the recycled material content of the plastic compound and / or the number of recycling loops of the recycled material are verified.

12. A computer program that, when executed, instructs a processor to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. A computer-readable medium for storing the computer program described in claim 12.

14. Wavelength scanner (11) and Programmable controller (15) and A plastic compound processing apparatus (10) comprising, The wavelength scanner (11) is configured to scan a sample of the plastic compound (16), A plastic compound processing apparatus (10) wherein the programmable controller (15) is configured to determine a sustainability score by the method described in any one of claims 1 to 11.

15. A user interface (24) wherein the user interface (24) is configured to display the determined sustainability score. A plastic compound processing apparatus (10) according to claim 14, comprising:

16. A computer-based database (31) containing entries for multiple markers, each of which identifies a specific plastic compound, A receiving unit (32) configured to receive scan data from a sample of a plastic compound, A processing unit (33) configured to identify markers in the sample of the plastic compound based on the received scan data and the plurality of markers in the database (31), At least one processing unit (33) configured to determine a sustainability score based on the identified markers of the sample of the plastic compound, A system (30) for determining a sustainability score, comprising: The scan data includes the spectroscopic measurement data of the sample. The processing unit that identifies the marker identifies the marker by comparing the data of the marker included in the spectral measurement data with the entry in the database, The processing unit that determines the sustainability score determines the sustainability score by identifying the sustainability score stored in the database in association with the marker using the marker identified in the step of identifying the marker, and the database uses CO2 as the lifetime emissions footprint of the sample of the plastic compound. ２ It stores the footprint, The system further retrieves from the database the lifetime emissions footprint of the sample of the plastic compound as CO2 ２ Includes a processing unit that acquires the footprint. A system for determining sustainability scores (30).

17. A computer-based method for verifying the sustainability score of plastic compounds, wherein the method is: A step of receiving a sustainability score determined according to any one of claims 1 to 11, The steps include receiving a sustainability score from a third party linked to the aforementioned plastic compound, The steps include: verifying the plastic compound by comparing the determined sustainability score with the sustainability score obtained by the third party, and / or verifying whether the plastic compound meets predefined quality and / or predefined sustainability criteria; A computer implementation method, including

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