Method for managing recycling of metal resources

Abstract

The present invention provides a means for realizing a new mechanism for promoting circulation of metal resources.　This method for managing recycling of metal resources includes: (A) a first step for acquiring first metal resources by being provided from a plurality of people; (C) a third step for manufacturing a metal material using the raw material; (D) a fourth step for receiving, by a terminal from a server, information pertaining to a first shipping group of a recycled product handled as being manufactured only from a first metal resource having a specific attribute among the first metal resources acquired in the first step; (E) a fifth step for shipping the metal material as a recycled product to a person related to the specific attribute; and (F) a sixth step for causing the terminal to transmit information relating to shipping in the fifth step to the server, and causing the server to update the information relating to the first shipping group stored in the server so as to reduce the amount of the recycled product to be shipped from the first shipping group.

Description

How to manage metal recycling

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method for managing the recycling of metal resources.

[0002] In recent years, the movement to recycle metal resources has been accelerating from the perspective of the SDGs. Companies are actively working to obtain metal resources, which are the raw materials for products, not only from minerals but also from scrap that has already been manufactured and is no longer useful.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a method for certifying recycled products executed by a computer system, and discloses that the method handles information indicating the outflow amount of recycled certified resin products in a mass balance approach.

[0004] International Publication No. 2022 / 092278

[0005] In order to promote the above-mentioned efforts, the present disclosure aims to provide a means for realizing a new mechanism for promoting the circulation of metal resources.

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the present disclosure provides, in one aspect, the following invention.

[0007] (Invention 1) A method for managing the recycling of metal resources, the method comprising: (A) a first step of acquiring first metal resources provided by a plurality of parties, wherein the first metal resources are used goods to be recycled, or scrap or waste material generated in the process of manufacturing the goods; (B) a second step of acquiring second metal resources as the case may be, wherein the second metal resources are resources derived from minerals; (C) a third step of manufacturing a metal material using raw materials, wherein the raw materials include the first metal resources acquired in the first step and may also include the second metal resources acquired in the second step; (D) a fourth step of receiving, by a terminal, information regarding a first shipping quota for recycled products that are treated as having been manufactured only from first metal resources having a specific attribute among the first metal resources acquired in the first step, wherein the first shipping quota depends on the amount that the first metal resources having the specific attribute have contributed to, or are expected to contribute to, the manufacturing of the metal material in the third step; (E) a fifth step of shipping the metal material as the recycled product to a person associated with the specific attribute, and (F) a sixth step of sending information about the shipment in the fifth step from the terminal to the server, and causing the server to update information about the first shipping quota stored on the server so as to subtract the amount of the recycled product to be shipped from the first shipping quota. (Invention 2) The method of Invention 1, wherein the specific attribute at least includes that the first metal resource was provided by a specific one of the multiple parties, and the person associated with the specific attribute is the specific one person. (Invention 3) The method of Invention 1 or 2, wherein the specific attribute at least includes that the first metal resource originates from a specific use, and the person associated with the specific attribute is a person associated with the same use as the specific use. (Invention 4) The method of any one of Inventions 1 to 3, wherein the specific attribute at least includes that the first metal resource originates from a specific place, and the person associated with the specific attribute is a person associated with the specific place.(Invention 5) The method according to any one of Inventions 1 to 4, wherein the specific attribute includes at least that the first metallic resource originates from a specific manufacturer, and the entity associated with the specific attribute is the specific manufacturer. (Invention 6) The method according to any one of Inventions 1 to 5, wherein the method further includes a step of receiving, by the terminal, from the server, information regarding a second shipping quota for a recycled product that is treated as having been manufactured solely from the first metallic resource having the specific attribute, wherein the second shipping quota depends on the amount that the first metallic resources provided by the multiple entities have contributed to, or are expected to contribute to, the production of the metallic material in the third step. (Invention 7) The method according to any one of Inventions 1 to 6, wherein the method further includes a step of receiving, by the terminal, from the server, information regarding the carbon footprint of the recycled product (hereinafter referred to as product carbon footprint information) that is allocated to the recycled product that is treated as having been manufactured solely from the first metallic resource having the specific attribute. (Invention 8) The method of Invention 7, further comprising a step of the terminal receiving carbon footprint information of the first metallic resource. (Invention 9) The method of Invention 8, further comprising a step of the terminal receiving from the server carbon footprint information of the first metallic resource and / or carbon footprint information related to the third step. (Invention 10) The method of any one of Inventions 1 to 6, further comprising a step of the terminal transmitting to a server carbon footprint information of the recycled product (hereinafter referred to as product carbon footprint information), the carbon footprint information being assigned to the recycled product treated as having been manufactured only from the first metallic resource having the specific attribute. (Invention 11) The method of any one of Inventions 7 to 10, wherein the product carbon footprint information is calculated as if the product had been manufactured only from the first metallic resource having the specific attribute, and is calculated using at least carbon footprint information of the first metallic resource having the specific attribute. (Invention 12) The method according to any one of Inventions 1 to 11, wherein the metal material is electrolytic copper.(Invention 13) A method for producing the metal material, which is treated as having been produced solely from the first metal resource, using the method according to any one of Inventions 1 to 12. (Invention 14) A method for producing the recycled product using the method according to any one of Inventions 7 to 10, which comprises imparting information about the carbon footprint of the recycled product to the recycled product.

[0008] In one aspect, the present invention handles information regarding a first shipping quota for a recycled product that is treated as being manufactured solely from a first metallic resource having a specific attribute. The first shipping quota depends on the amount that the first metallic resource has contributed to, or is expected to contribute to, the production of a metallic material in a third step. The first metallic resource is a used item that is eligible for recycling, or scrap or waste material generated in the process of manufacturing the item.

[0009] It is possible to allocate shipping slots to those who are related to first metal resources with specific attributes, which allows them to use 100% recycled materials with specific attributes.

[0010] 1 illustrates a method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The concept of the mass balance approach is explained. The concept of the mass balance approach is explained. A difference from FIG. 2 is that FIG. 2 illustrates an actual shipping state for Company A, while FIG. 3 illustrates a conceptual shipping state for the mass balance approach. Here, although the metal material actually shipped is 25% recycled, some of the shipped products are treated as if they were 100% recycled. An information processing device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. A system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. A system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure and a terminal external to the system are shown. A database included in the system (e.g., a server) of the present disclosure or a cloud server external to the system is shown. The flow of a first metal resource, a second metal resource, and a metal material in a method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Here, although the metal material actually shipped is 25% recycled, it is treated as if they were 100% recycled. The flow of a first metal resource, a second metal resource, and a metal material in a method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Here, the shipped metallic material is treated as a recycled product manufactured solely from scrap originating from Company B. Figure 1 shows the flow of a first metallic resource, a second metallic resource, and a metallic material in a method of the present disclosure in one embodiment. Here, although the metallic material actually shipped is a 25% recycled product, it is treated as a 100% recycled product. Figure 2 shows the flow of a first metallic resource, a second metallic resource, and a metallic material in a method of the present disclosure in one embodiment. Here, the shipped metallic material is treated as a recycled product manufactured solely from scrap originating from electronic components. Figure 3 shows the flow of a first metallic resource, a second metallic resource, and a metallic material in a method of the present disclosure in one embodiment. Here, the shipped metallic material is treated as a recycled product manufactured solely from scrap originating from electronic components. Correspondingly, the carbon footprint amount corresponding to the scrap originating from electronic components is assigned to the shipped metallic material. Figure 4 shows the flow of a first metallic resource, a second metallic resource, and a metallic material in a method of the present disclosure in one embodiment.Here, the shipped metallic material is treated as a recycled product manufactured solely from scrap originating in a specific country. Correspondingly, a carbon footprint amount corresponding to the scrap originating in the specific country is assigned to the shipped metallic material. Figure 1 shows the flow of a first metallic resource, a second metallic resource, and a metallic material in a method of the present disclosure in one embodiment. Here, the shipped metallic material is treated as a recycled product manufactured solely from scrap originating in a specific manufacturer. Correspondingly, a carbon footprint amount corresponding to the scrap originating in the specific manufacturer is assigned to the shipped metallic material. Figure 1 shows the flow of a first metallic resource and a metallic material in a method of the present disclosure in one embodiment. Here, the shipped metallic material is treated as a recycled product manufactured solely from scrap originating in a specific manufacturer. Correspondingly, a carbon footprint amount corresponding to the scrap originating in the specific manufacturer is assigned to the shipped metallic material.

[0011] Specific embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described below. The following description is intended to facilitate understanding of the invention and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0012] 1. Overview 1-1. Overview of the Method In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a method for managing the recycling of metal resources, the method comprising the following steps (see FIG. 1): (A) Step 1, a process for acquiring first metallic resources provided by a plurality of parties, wherein the first metallic resources are used goods to be recycled, or scrap or waste material generated in the process of manufacturing the goods; (B) Step 2, a process for acquiring second metallic resources, where the second metallic resources are resources derived from minerals; (C) Step 3, a process for manufacturing metallic materials using raw materials, wherein the raw materials include the first metallic resources acquired in Step 1 and may also include the second metallic resources acquired in Step 2; (D) Step 4, a process for receiving by a terminal from a server information regarding a first shipping quota for recycled products that are treated as being manufactured solely from first metallic resources having a specific attribute among the first metallic resources acquired in Step 1, wherein the first shipping quota depends on the amount that the first metallic resources having the specific attribute have contributed to, or are expected to contribute to, the manufacturing of the metallic material in Step 3; (E) Step 5, a process for shipping metallic materials as recycled products to a party associated with the specific attribute. (F) A sixth step in which the terminal transmits information regarding the shipment of the fifth step to the server and causes the server to update information regarding the first shipping quota stored on the server so as to subtract the amount of recycled products to be shipped from the first shipping quota. In the above method, the second step is performed as needed. Therefore, in the above method, the second step may be omitted. Furthermore, if the second step is performed, the raw materials used in the third step may include the second metal resource obtained in the second step. On the other hand, if the second step is not performed, the raw materials used in the third step do not include the second metal resource obtained in the second step. In another embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a method for producing a metallic material that is treated as being produced solely from the first metal resource using the above method.

[0013] The specific attribute may include, but is not limited to, any one or more of the following: a source of the first metallic resource, a use associated with the first metallic resource, and a location associated with the first metallic resource, an originating manufacturer of the first metallic resource, etc. Correspondingly, a party associated with the specific attribute, which is a shipping destination, may be, for example: (Example 1) When the specific attribute is the provider of the first metallic resource (i.e., when the first metallic resource is provided by a specific party out of multiple parties): a specific party out of multiple providers of the first metallic resource (see, for example, "3. Process of acquiring first metallic resource from multiple parties (first process)" to "10. Other processes, etc." below). (Example 2) When the specific attribute is the use related to the first metallic resource (i.e., when the first metallic resource originates from a specific use): a party related to the same use as the use (e.g., a party seeking to acquire metallic materials for use in the use) (see, for example, "11-1. Management by use" below). (Example 3) When the specific attribute is the location related to the first metallic resource (i.e., when the first metallic resource originates from a specific location): a party related to the location (e.g., a party seeking to acquire metallic materials for manufacturing, use, and / or sale at the location) (see, for example, "11-2. Management by location" below). (Example 4) When the specific attribute is the manufacturer of the goods related to the first metal resource (i.e., when the first metal resource originates from a specific manufacturer): the specific manufacturer (see "11-3. Management of goods by manufacturer" below, etc.)

[0014] In the case of Example 1, a shipping slot can be allocated to a provider of the first metal resource, thereby allowing the provider to use 100% recycled materials.

[0015] In the case of Example 2, a shipping slot can be allocated to a party related to a first metal resource derived from a specific application, thereby allowing for the use of 100% recycled material related to the same specific application, which is advantageous from the perspective of realizing horizontal recycling.

[0016] In Example 3, a shipping slot can be allocated to a party associated with a first metal resource originating from a specific location, allowing for the use of 100% recycled materials associated with the same specific location. This is advantageous from the perspective of achieving resource circulation in the specific location.

[0017] In Example 4, a shipping slot can be allocated to a party associated with a first metal resource originating from a specific product manufacturer, allowing for the use of 100% recycled materials associated with the same specific manufacturer, which is advantageous from the perspective of closed recycling.

[0018] 1-2. Mass Balance Approach In a further embodiment, the shipping quota in the above method may be based on the mass balance approach. The mass balance approach is a method for allocating a characteristic to a portion of a product in accordance with the input amount of raw materials with a certain characteristic when raw materials with a certain characteristic are mixed with raw materials without the characteristic in the processing and distribution process from raw materials to a product.

[0019] The mass balance approach will be explained using specific examples, such as Figures 2 and 3. The example in Figure 2 shows the recycling of Cu as a metal resource. Companies A to C provide recycled materials, such as scrap products containing Cu, to a smelter. The smelter also receives Cu derived from minerals (virgin Cu). These materials are mixed to produce new Cu materials (e.g., Cu bullion). In the example in Figure 2, the amount of Cu provided by Companies A to C is 250 t, and the amount of Cu provided from Cu concentrate is 750 t. Therefore, the recycling rate is calculated as 250 t / (250 t + 750 t) = 0.25. Therefore, the recycling rate of the Cu materials produced at the smelter is 25%.

[0020] In Figure 2, four Cu bullion pieces are shipped to Company A. The individual Cu bullion pieces themselves are not 100% recycled products (metal materials manufactured only from recycled raw materials). However, in the mass balance approach, as shown in Figure 3, some of the Cu bullion pieces are considered to be 100% recycled products, and these 100% recycled products can be treated as having been shipped to Company A. Note that, hereinafter, metal materials that are considered to be 100% recycled products in the mass balance approach or metal materials manufactured only from recycled raw materials may be referred to as recycled products.

[0021] Adopting a mass balance approach in this way brings benefits such as being able to offer products that are derived from 100% renewable and certified sources, regardless of their actual content.

[0022] In the examples of Figures 2 and 3, a case where a raw material characteristic of being a recycled raw material is assigned to a part of a product has been described. However, the mass balance approach not only allows for the assignment of raw material characteristics (e.g., physical or chemical properties of the raw material itself, such as the recycled percentage), but also allows for the assignment of raw material attributes. For example, other attributes such as the "provider of the first metallic resource," "use related to the first metallic resource," "location related to the first metallic resource," and "manufacturer of goods related to the first metallic resource" can also be assigned to parts of a product using the mass balance approach. Below, we will first explain an example of assigning the "provider of the first metallic resource" to a part of a product as a specific attribute of the raw material. Next, we will explain the examples of assigning the "use related to the first metallic resource," "location related to the first metallic resource," and "manufacturer of goods related to the first metallic resource" to parts of a product as specific attributes of the raw material in "11-1. Management by Use," "11-2. Management by Location," and "11-3. Management by Manufacturer of the First Metallic Resource."

[0023] 1-3. Metal Resources The type of metal contained in the metal resource used in the method of the present disclosure in one embodiment is not particularly limited. In one embodiment, the metal may be one or more of Fe, Al, Cu, Ag, Au, and Pt. Preferably, the metal is Cu.

[0024] 1-4. Carbon Footprint The term "carbon footprint" (CFP) used in this specification is defined in the "Carbon Footprint Guidelines" published by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Ministry of the Environment in May 2023 as "an abbreviation for Carbon Footprint of Product. A system that converts the GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions emitted throughout the entire life cycle of a product or service, from raw material procurement to disposal and recycling, into CO2 emissions and displays the numerical value on the product or indicates this value."

[0025] In this disclosure, carbon footprint (CFP) is defined as "the amount of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions emitted during the product life cycle stages from raw material procurement to production (cradle-to-gate), converted into CO2 emissions and expressed as a numerical value per unit weight of the product." Note that, if necessary, the phrase "numerical value per unit weight of the product" may be replaced with "numerical value per unit number of the product."

[0026] Furthermore, if necessary, the phrase "value per unit weight of product" may be replaced with "value per unit weight of input material." For example, such a substitution may be made when managing the amount of carbon footprint associated with a specific treatment or process. Here, the input material may refer to the entire material, or the amount of a target substance contained in the material. For example, if 1 ton of scrap contains 200 kg of Cu, the amount of carbon footprint per unit weight of scrap may be managed, or the amount of carbon footprint per unit weight of Cu contained in the scrap may be managed.

[0027] Furthermore, the carbon footprint calculations described below are merely examples and are simplified for ease of understanding, and therefore the scope of the invention is not limited to the specific carbon footprint calculation methods described below.

[0028] 2. Execution Environment In one embodiment, the method of the present disclosure can be executed by a computer program (computer software). In another embodiment, the present disclosure relates to the program, a medium storing the program, an apparatus including the program, and a method using the program.

[0029] The environment for executing the program and method is not particularly limited, and a typical information processing device (also referred to as a computing device) can be used. The information processing device (100) can typically include a processor (110), a memory (120), a non-transitory storage medium (130), and a communication module (140), as shown in FIG.

[0030] Examples of the information processing device (100) include, but are not limited to, a server, a personal computer, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, a smart watch, smart glasses, etc.

[0031] The program is stored in a non-transitory storage medium (130, for example, HDD, SSD, etc.), loaded into a memory (120, for example, RAM, etc.) as needed, and executed by a processor (110, for example, CPU, etc.). If necessary, the program can connect to a network through a communication module (140) to send and receive information.

[0032] In one embodiment, the program may be installed as application software on one information processing device (100) and executed by the information processing device (100).

[0033] In another embodiment, the number of information processing devices (100) is not limited to one, and multiple information processing devices (100) may be used as needed. In this case, the functions of the program may be distributed among the multiple information processing devices (100).

[0034] Alternatively, as shown in Fig. 5, a system (200) may be configured in which a server (210) and a terminal (220) are interconnected via a network (e.g., the Internet, a LAN, a VPN, etc.). In the system (200), the terminal (220) may receive input from a user and transmit at least a portion of the received input to the server (210). The server (210) may receive input information transmitted from the terminal (220), process the information, and transmit a portion of the output to the terminal (220). The terminal (220) may then receive output information transmitted from the server (210) and display it on the terminal (220).

[0035] Therefore, in another aspect, the present disclosure also relates to an information processing device including the program of the present disclosure, and a system including the information processing device. In yet another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a terminal and / or a server constituting the system of the present disclosure. The internal configuration of the terminal and the server may be the same as that of the information processing device shown in FIG. 4. In yet another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a storage medium (e.g., a non-transitory storage medium, such as a computer-readable non-transitory storage medium, e.g., an HDD, SSD, flash memory, optical disk, etc.) that stores a program.

[0036] The above-described system 200 may be connected to a terminal (300) of a first metal resource provider through a network (e.g., the Internet) as shown in Fig. 6. The first metal resource provider corresponds to Company A to Company C in Figs. 2 and 3.

[0037] This allows the first metal resource provider to transmit information about the items to be recycled to the server (210) or terminal (220) in the system (200).

[0038] The following describes in detail the above-mentioned steps 1 to 6 (for example, steps carried out by the terminal 220 or the smelter) and other steps (for example, steps carried out by the server 210, the terminal 220, and / or the smelter).

[0039] 3. Step of acquiring first metal resources provided by multiple parties (First Step) As shown in Figures 2 and 3, a smelter is a facility that manufactures metallic materials. Raw materials for manufacturing metallic materials are acquired at the smelter. One type of raw material is the first metal resource. The first metal resource satisfies one of the following two conditions: (Condition 1) Used goods that are eligible for recycling, or (Condition 2) Scrap or waste materials generated in the process of manufacturing goods.

[0040] Examples of items that meet condition 1 include, but are not limited to, electronic components, electronic circuit boards, discarded electric wires, household items, copper piping, decorative items, etc. Examples of scrap or waste materials that meet condition 2 include, but are not limited to, defective parts of ingots, scraps generated by cutting, press scraps, cuttings, and scraps and sludge generated by grinding, etc.

[0041] Furthermore, the first metallic resource may be pre-treated by a supplier (including not only a party that directly or indirectly provided the first metallic resource to the smelter, but also a party that directly or indirectly provided the first metallic resource to the supplier) before being provided to the smelter. In other words, in determining whether the first metallic resource satisfies the above conditions, it does not matter whether the first metallic resource was pre-treated before being provided to the smelter. This pre-treatment may include, for example, crushing or pulverizing the first metallic resource to a size suitable for metal smelting. Furthermore, the pre-treatment may include, for example, a process for removing at least a portion of materials other than those to be recovered.

[0042] In one example, the first metal resource is shipped and sent to a smelter from a manufacturer, a recycler, a scrap collector, etc. Alternatively, the first metal resource may be provided by an individual.

[0043] The provider of the first metal resource is not limited to one entity but may be a plurality of entities. The provider of the first metal resource may provide the first metal resource directly to the smelter, or may provide the first metal resource indirectly to the smelter via a third party.

[0044] 4. Step of Obtaining a Second Metal Resource (Second Step) The smelter may obtain not only the first metal resource but also a second metal resource. Thus, in some embodiments, a metallic material may be produced from only the first metal resource without obtaining the second metal resource. The second metal resource is a resource derived from a mineral. For example, the second metal resource may be ore itself, a concentrate, or a low-purity metallic material (e.g., blister copper in the case of copper).

[0045] The second metal resource is distinguished from the first metal resource in that it has never been commercialized and is a so-called virgin material.

[0046] 5. Process for Producing Metallic Material (Third Process) A metallic material is produced at a smelter using the first metallic resource described above. The smelter produces the metallic material by mixing first metallic resources provided by multiple parties. The smelter may perform appropriate pretreatment on the first metallic resource. For example, the first metallic resource may be crushed appropriately to a size suitable for metal smelting. For example, the first metallic resource may be subjected to treatment to remove substances other than those to be recovered. If the smelter performs pretreatment, the pretreatment is also included in the third process. The above-described treatments and the like related to the process for producing a metallic material may be performed using a combination of the first metallic resource and the second metallic resource.

[0047] The type of metal material is not particularly limited. For example, the metal material may be one or more of the following: metal, ingot, wire, foil, plate, powder, etc. Alternatively, the metal material may be, for example, electrolytic copper.

[0048] The type of smelting method is not particularly limited. For example, the smelting method may be pyrometallurgy or hydrometallurgy (for example, solvent extraction, precipitation separation, leaching, etc.).

[0049] 6. Data Processing Associated with Acquisition of First Metal Resources Associated with the acquisition of the first metal resource by the smelter, some data processing may be performed. For example, a provider of the first metal resource may transmit information about the first metal resource as part of providing the first metal resource to the smelter.

[0050] The information related to the first metallic resource may include, but is not limited to, one or more of the following information: information identifying attributes (e.g., information identifying the provider), information identifying the type of the first metallic resource (e.g., information on products before scrapping, dismantling history, etc.), the quantity of the first metallic resource, the metal grade, and the carbon footprint of the first metallic resource (including information on the carbon footprint in the process of obtaining the first metallic resource and / or the process of providing the first metallic resource to a smelter). The information on the carbon footprint of the first metallic resource includes, for example, one or more of the following information: information on the carbon footprint related to pretreatment at the provider, and the carbon footprint related to transportation.

[0051] As shown in Fig. 6, the information on the first metal resource is transmitted from a terminal 300 of a provider of the first metal resource to the system 200. The destination of the transmission of the information on the first metal resource may be the server 210 shown in Fig. 5 or the terminal 220.

[0052] When transmitting information from terminal 300 to server 210, for example, server 210 may function as a web server, and terminal 300 may transmit information about the first metal resource via a browser. After receiving the information, server 210 may update the database, etc. Server 210 may further transmit information about the first metal resource, or information obtained by processing the information, to terminal 220.

[0053] When transmitting information from terminal 300 to terminal 220, for example, terminal 300 can transmit information about the first metal resource to terminal 220 by means of email or the like (for example, attaching a file to an email, or transmitting information indicating the location of cloud storage accessible to both parties via email). Terminal 220 then accesses server 210 and transmits the information about the first metal resource or information that has been processed from that information. Server 210 can then reflect the information received from terminal 220 in a database or the like.

[0054] The server 210 may have access to several databases, which may be provided within the server 210 (e.g., in a storage medium possessed by the server 210), or may reside on a cloud server external to the system 200.

[0055] The database may include, for example, at least three types of databases as shown in FIG.

[0056] The first metallic resource database can store information about the first metallic resource described above. The first metallic resource database may be configured to store information about one or more of the following items, for example: information identifying attributes (e.g., information identifying a provider), information identifying a type of the first metallic resource (e.g., information about products before scrapping, dismantling history, etc.), the quantity of the first metallic resource, the metal grade, carbon footprint information about the first metallic resource, delivery lot, etc. The carbon footprint information about the first metallic resource includes, for example, one or more of the following information: carbon footprint information related to pre-processing at the provider described above, and carbon footprint related to transportation.

[0057] The information specifying the attribute (e.g., information specifying the provider), the information specifying the type of the first metallic resource, the quantity of the first metallic resource, the metal grade, and the carbon footprint information of the first metallic resource may be stored in the first metallic resource database for each delivery lot, for example. Furthermore, the carbon footprint information of the first metallic resource may be stored in the first metallic resource database collectively in units of common carbon footprint information, such as when the first metallic resource has the same attribute (e.g., the same provider) or when the first metallic resource has the same type.

[0058] The first metal resource database may be updated based on the information about the first metal resource or the processed information about the first metal resource after the server 210 receives the information about the first metal resource or the processed information about the first metal resource from the terminal 220 or the terminal 300. The information about the first metal resource or the processed information about the first metal resource may be based on information transmitted from the terminal 300, or may be further based on new information added by analysis at a smelter or other facility. As an example of the latter, after the first metal resource is acquired, the quantity, metal grade, etc. of the first metal resource may be analyzed at a smelter or other facility. The analysis results may then be transmitted from the terminal 220 to the server 210 as information about the first metal resource.

[0059] The smelter processing performance database can store information related to the performance of the smelter in producing metallic materials. For example, the smelter processing performance database may be configured to store information related to one or more of the following items: yield of the process (third process) for producing metallic materials, performance of input of the first metallic resource to the third process for each attribute of the first metallic resource, performance of input of the entire first metallic resource to the third process regardless of attribute, performance of input of the second metallic resource to the third process, fuel or energy required for the processing in the third process, performance of use of secondary materials (e.g., refrigerant, etc.) required for the processing in the third process, etc. The input performance may include, for example, information related to one or more of the following information: the amount of the first metallic resource or the second metallic resource input to the third process, the amount of the target metal contained in the first metallic resource or the second metallic resource input to the third process, the amount of metallic material produced corresponding to the amount of the input first metallic resource or the second metallic resource, and the delivery lot of the input first metallic resource.

[0060] The target product inventory management database may store information related to metallic materials produced at the smelter. For example, the target product inventory management database may be configured to store information related to one or more of the following items: attributes of the first metallic resource (e.g., source), the carbon footprint of the first metallic resource, the quantity of recycled product shipping quotas, the inventory expiration period of the recycled product, the carbon footprint of the recycled product, etc.

[0061] In addition, when a smelter produces a metallic material using the first metallic resource, a portion of the produced metallic material is treated as having been produced solely from the first metallic resource based on the mass balance approach.

[0062] The quantity of shipping quotas for recycled products included in the target product inventory management database includes the quantity of shipping quotas individually allocated for each attribute of the first metal resource (e.g., each source), as well as the quantity of shipping quotas for all recycled products, as described below.

[0063] The inventory validity period of a recycled product refers to the period during which a metal material can be shipped as a recycled product. The inventory validity period of a recycled product is set to a certain period (e.g., one year) starting from the time of manufacturing the metal material. In addition, the shipping quota for recycled products may be stored in the target product inventory management database according to the inventory validity period of the recycled product.

[0064] The carbon footprint information of the recycled product may include both the carbon footprint information of the process (third process) for producing the metal material and the carbon footprint information of the first metal resource. By including both pieces of information, it is possible to manage the carbon footprint from the first metal resource to the production of the metal material.

[0065] Carbon footprint information for recycled products can be obtained by referencing the first metal resource database and the smelter processing history database. For example, the carbon footprint information for the first metal resource (per unit weight of the metal material) can be calculated by appropriately considering the quantity, metal grade, and carbon footprint information for the first metal resource contained in the first metal resource database, as well as the yield of the process (third process) for producing the metal material contained in the smelter processing history database. Furthermore, carbon footprint information for the third process (per unit weight of the metal material) can be calculated by appropriately considering the input record of the entire first metal resource to the third process, the input record of the second metal resource to the third process, the fuel or energy required for the process in the third process, and the usage record of auxiliary materials (e.g., refrigerant) required for the process in the third process, all of which are contained in the smelter processing history database. Then, by adding together the two calculated values ​​(i.e., the carbon footprint information of the first metal resource (per unit weight of metal material) and the carbon footprint information of the third process (per unit weight of metal material)), the carbon footprint information of the recycled product (per unit weight of recycled product) can be obtained.

[0066] The carbon footprint information of recycled products may be stored in the target product inventory management database individually for each attribute of the first metallic resource (e.g., provider), or, if the carbon footprint information of the first metallic resource differs depending on the type of first metallic resource even for the same attribute (e.g., same provider), the carbon footprint information of the first metallic resource may be stored individually in the target product inventory management database in units that are common to the first metallic resource. Note that, even when the carbon footprint information of recycled products is stored in units other than attributes, it is preferable to configure the target product inventory management database so that the carbon footprint information of recycled products can be output for each attribute.

[0067] When carbon footprint information of the first metallic resource is included in carbon footprint information of a recycled product, the carbon footprint information of the recycled product differs depending on the attribute (e.g., provider), the type of first metallic resource, etc. By managing the carbon footprints of these recycled products individually, it is possible to manage the carbon footprint from the first metallic resource to the production of a metal material for each provider, for example.

[0068] Furthermore, a portion of the target product inventory management database may be made viewable by the provider of the first metal resource or a third party (e.g., a party related to a specific attribute). For example, the provider of the first metal resource or a third party may access the server 210 from the terminal 300 via the network, thereby making it possible to view information related to the provider or a third party (e.g., the shipping quota volume of the provider's recycled products, the inventory expiration period of the recycled products, the carbon footprint of the recycled products, etc.).

[0069] 6-1. Updating the First Metal Resource Database As described above, the information on the first metal resource transmitted from the terminal 300 is ultimately transmitted to the server 210, regardless of whether it passes through the terminal 220. The server 210 can then update the first metal resource database based on the information on the first metal resource.

[0070] 6-2. Calculation of Individual Shipping Allocations In a specific embodiment, a calculation of recycled product shipping allocations is performed based at least on the updated first metal resource database, to be individually allocated to each attribute of the first metal resource (e.g., each provider). The shipping allocation calculation may be performed by the server 210 or by the terminal 220. When performed by the terminal 220, the shipping allocation calculation results may be transmitted from the terminal 220 to the server 210. Regardless of how the shipping allocation calculation is performed, the server 210 updates the quantity of recycled product shipping allocations allocated to parties associated with the attributes (e.g., providers that are the subject of the shipping allocation calculation) from the information in the target product inventory management database based on the shipping allocation calculation results.

[0071] For example, if the attribute included in the first metal resource database is the provider, the amount of metallic material produced from the first metal resource provided by a specific party is calculated by appropriately considering information identifying the provider, information identifying the type of the first metal resource, the quantity of the first metal resource, and the grade of the metal that constitutes the metallic material (e.g., the grade of Cu if Cu bullion is produced as the metallic material). This calculation may further take into account the yield included in the smelter processing history database, as necessary. Then, the calculated amount of metallic material, or an amount based at least thereon, is reflected in the shipping quota for recycled products from the specific party.

[0072] For example, the example in Figure 8-1 shows a case where Company A supplies 1,000 tons of scrap. In this case, this information is stored in the first metal resource database. Then, based on this information, it is calculated how much metal material is expected to be obtained when 1,000 tons of Company A's scrap is input. For example, assuming that Cu bullion is produced as the metal material, the weight of Cu contained in Company A's scrap is calculated by multiplying the weight of Company A's scrap (1,000 tons) by the Cu content of Company A's scrap. For example, if the Cu content of Company A's scrap is 10%, the weight of Cu in Company A's scrap is 100 tons. This weight of Cu in Company A's scrap may be used as the expected amount of metal material obtained from Company A's scrap. Alternatively, the value obtained by multiplying the weight of Cu in Company A's scrap by a correction coefficient may be used as the expected amount of metal material. For example, the estimated amount of metal material may be calculated by multiplying the weight of Cu in Company A's scrap by the yield rate, taking into account the yield rate included in the smelter processing performance database. The correction coefficient does not have to be the yield rate itself. The correction coefficient may be a uniform value or may be a different value for each person who sets the shipping quota.

[0073] From the information identifying the attributes contained in the first metal resource database, it is identified that the provider of the scrap is Company A. If the calculated expected amount is 100 tons, the target product inventory management database can be updated to increase the shipping quota for Company A by 100 tons.

[0074] When considering the yield, the yield may be considered to be constant regardless of the type or attribute of the first metallic resource. Alternatively, if the yield varies depending on the type or attribute of the first metallic resource, the yield for each type or attribute of the first metallic resource may be considered by referring to the smelter processing record database based on information identifying the type and / or attribute of the first metallic resource included in the first metallic resource database.

[0075] Furthermore, for a single entity (Company A in the above example), the calculated expected quantity and the shipping quota do not necessarily need to be exactly equal. Taking various circumstances into consideration, the calculated expected quantity may be appropriately corrected and the target product inventory management database may be updated with a newly allocated shipping quota. However, preferably, the shipping quota does not exceed the calculated expected quantity. In any case, the shipping quota described here is an amount that depends at least on the expected amount of the first metallic resource provided by a specific entity that will contribute to the production of metallic materials. Furthermore, the shipping quota is a shipping quota for recycled products that are treated as being manufactured solely from the first metallic resource, allocated to a specific entity (Company A in the example of Figure 8-1) among multiple entities (Companies A, B, and C in the example of Figure 8-1) (a shipping quota based on the mass balance approach described above).

[0076] Furthermore, when receiving first metallic resources from multiple parties, it is not necessary to allocate shipping quotas for individual recycled products to parties (e.g., providers) associated with all attributes, but it is sufficient to allocate shipping quotas to parties associated with at least one specific attribute. For example, in the example of FIG. 8-1 , Company A may have a contractual agreement to allocate shipping quotas, while Company B and Company C may not have such agreements. In such a case, although Companies A to C each provide first metallic resources, the individual shipping quotas may be updated only for Company A.

[0077] Recycled products from a shipping slot allocated to a party (e.g., a provider) associated with the attributes of a specific first metal resource are shipped only to a party (e.g., a provider (or a party designated by the provider)) associated with the attributes of the specific first metal resource.

[0078] In the example shown in Figure 8-1, recycled products from the shipping quota allocated to Company A are shipped only to Company A (or a party designated by Company A). In this case, Company A is both the provider of the first metal resource and the customer of the smelter that receives the recycled products. Since the smelter manufactures metallic materials by mixing the first metal resource supplied by Company A with first and second metal resources supplied by other parties, the metallic materials shipped to Company A are not manufactured solely from the first metal resource supplied by Company A. However, Company A's shipping quota is calculated based on the amount of the first metal resource supplied by Company A that contributes to the manufacture of metallic materials. Therefore, in terms of the mass balance approach, Company A can receive a supply of 100% recycled products manufactured solely from the first metal resource provided by Company A.

[0079] It is up to Company A to decide what products the recycled products supplied to it will be used to manufacture, but if the recycled products are used to manufacture the same products as the products derived from the first metal resources provided by Company A, then conceptually horizontal recycling (a recycling system in which discarded products become resources and are reborn as the same products) can be realized.

[0080] In the above example, the shipping quota can be calculated before the first metal resource is input into the third process. Therefore, the shipping quota is an amount that depends at least on the expected amount of the first metal resource that will contribute to the production of the metallic material. However, in another example, the shipping quota may be calculated after the first metal resource is input into the third process, reflecting the actual amount of input into the third process. In this case, the shipping quota is an amount that depends at least on the amount of the first metal resource that has contributed to the production of the metallic material. The case where the shipping quota is calculated after the production of the metallic material will be described in detail later ("7-2. Calculation of Individual Shipping Quotas").

[0081] 6-3. Calculation of Overall Shipping Limits In addition to individual shipping limits (in the example of Figure 8-1, the shipping limits for each of Companies A, B, and C), an overall shipping limit for recycled products (in the example of Figure 8-1, the combined shipping limit for Companies A, B, and C) may be calculated. Similar to the calculation of the individual shipping limits described above, the calculation of the overall shipping limit may be performed by the server 210 or the terminal 220. If performed by the terminal 220, the calculation results of the shipping limit may be transmitted from the terminal 220 to the server 210. Note that when metallic materials are produced only from the first metallic resource, all of the metallic materials are 100% recycled, so the calculation of the overall shipping limit may be omitted. When metallic materials are produced by combining the first metallic resource and the second metallic resource, and a portion of the metallic materials is considered to be 100% recycled in the mass balance approach, the overall shipping limit for recycled products is calculated.

[0082] For example, in the example of FIG. 8-1 , Company A supplies 1,000 tons of scrap, Company B supplies 500 tons of scrap, and Company C supplies 250 tons of scrap. Information such as the supply amount of each company is stored in the first metal resource database. Next, based on this information, the expected amount of metal material to be obtained when the first metal resource provided by each company is input is calculated. For example, assuming that Cu bullion is to be produced as the metal material, the weight of Cu contained in Company A's scrap is calculated by multiplying the weight of 1,000 tons of scrap from Company A by the grade of Cu in Company A's scrap. Similarly, the weight of Cu contained in Company B's scrap is calculated by multiplying the weight of 500 tons of scrap from Company B by the grade of Cu in Company B's scrap. Furthermore, in the case of scrap provided by Company C, the same calculation as for Company A and Company B may be performed. However, other methods may be used. For example, if the Cu grade of the scrap provided by Company C is extremely high, the Cu grade may be assumed to be 100%, and the value of 250 tons, the weight of Company C's scrap, may be used.

[0083] Using the above method, the estimated amount indicating how much metal material is expected to be obtained from the first metal resource from each company is calculated for each company. The estimated amounts calculated for each company are then summed up. This allows the total estimated amount to be calculated. Furthermore, the total shipping quota can be calculated based at least on the total estimated amount.

[0084] In addition, the total estimated amount may be adjusted using an appropriate correction factor, as in the calculation of the individual shipping quotas described above. For example, the estimated amount of metallic materials for each company may be calculated by multiplying the weight of Cu in each company's scrap by the yield rate, taking into consideration the yield rate included in the smelter processing performance database.

[0085] By managing the overall shipping quota, it is possible to control the shipping volume so that the amount of recycled products shipped does not exceed the overall shipping quota. For example, in the example of the individual shipping quota explained above, the shipping quota for Company A is calculated. However, while this shipping quota can manage whether or not any shipments exceed Company A's shipping quota, it cannot manage anything else using Company A's shipping quota alone.

[0086] For example, in the example of Figure 8-1, assume that the weight of Cu in Company A's scrap is 100 t, the weight of Cu in Company B's scrap is 50 t, the weight of Cu in Company C's mill ends is 250 t, and the weight of Cu in Cu concentrate is 1200 t. In this case, the total expected amount of Cu to be obtained is 1600 t, of which 400 t corresponds to the first metal resource (25% recycled). This is set as the total shipping quota. The shipping quota allocated to Company A is 100 t.

[0087] Furthermore, it is assumed that no individual shipping quotas are set for Company B and Company C (or any other company other than Company A to Company C).

[0088] In this case, first, 100 tons of the total shipping quota of 400 tons is allocated to Company A, and the remaining 300 tons is a shipping quota for which no specific allocation has been decided. Then, within this remaining 300 tons, recycled products are shipped to Companies B and C, as well as to companies other than Companies A and C, or shipped to Company A separately from Company A's shipping quota (without changing the amount of material in Company A's shipping quota).

[0089] In this way, by managing the overall shipping quota and individual shipping quotas in combination, it is possible to manage shipping quotas that are not assigned to specific parties, and to manage so that the total amount of recycled product shipments does not exceed the overall shipping quota for recycled products determined based on the mass balance approach.

[0090] In addition, while the above example describes managing shipping quotas without specific allocation destinations as separate information from shipping quotas with specific allocation destinations, a method for managing the shipping volume of recycled products may also use the overall shipping quota, including the shipping quotas with specific allocation destinations, as information. In this case, for example, when shipping to Company A, the shipped amount is deducted from the individual shipping quota (in this example, Company A's shipping quota), and the same shipped amount is deducted from the overall shipping quota (in this example, the shipping quota based on the total Cu content of Companies A to C). Therefore, the shipping quota volume for the entire recycled product stored in the target product inventory management database may be the amount obtained by deducting the individual shipping quotas for each party (e.g., provider) associated with the attribute, or it may include the individual shipping quotas. Details of the shipping process and the deduction of shipping quotas will be described later.

[0091] The calculated individual shipping quotas and the total shipping quota may be transmitted from the server 210 to the terminal 220 .

[0092] 6-4. Database Management As described above, various information may be managed in a database provided by the server 210 and / or a database accessible by the server 210. Alternatively, management on individual terminals is also possible. However, managing information on the database of the server 210 may provide the following advantages: ・Information on the first metal resource (e.g., recycled raw materials) can be managed centrally even when multiple recipients accept the first metal resource. ・Even when metal materials are sold by multiple sales offices, shipping information is managed centrally on the server 210. This makes it easy to manage the shipping volume within the shipping quota for 100% recycled products. ・Information on the shipping quota can be shared with customers who are both suppliers and destinations of the first metal resource via the server 210. This makes it easier for customers to create procurement plans and scrap collection plans. ・Customer requests for closed horizontal recycling can be accommodated. For example, in the example shown in Figure 8-1, the first metal resource (e.g., recycled raw material) provided by Company A can be returned as a metal material originating from Company A (e.g., a 100% recycled product) based on the concept of the mass balance approach. This clarifies traceability from the first metal resource to the manufacturing of the metal material. This also facilitates the management of carbon footprints, which will be discussed later.

[0093] 7. Updating of Manufacturing Data 7-1. Updating of Manufacturing Data After the third step is performed, the manufacturing results can be input through the terminal 220. The input information on the manufacturing results can then be transmitted from the terminal 220 to the server 210. The server 210 may update the smelter processing results database based at least on the received information. The server 210 may then update the target product inventory management database based at least on the received information.

[0094] The updates to the smelter processing performance database may include one or more of the following: yield in the current smelting process, individual first metal resource input performance by attribute (e.g., source), overall first metal resource input performance, second metal resource input performance, energy required for processing (including carbon footprint), material usage performance, etc.

[0095] The updated contents of the target product inventory management database may include one or more of the following: information identifying the source of the first metal resource, the carbon footprint of the recycled product, the quantity of metal material produced, the inventory period of the produced recycled product, the carbon footprint associated with the third process, etc.

[0096] The information identifying the supplier of the first metallic resource may be updated based on data from the first metallic resource database. The carbon footprint associated with the third step may be calculated as a value per unit weight of the metallic material by dividing the carbon footprint incurred in the smelting process of the metallic material (which may further include the carbon footprint incurred in pre-processing, as the case may be) by the weight of the produced metallic material.

[0097] The carbon footprint incurred in the third step may be the actual value at that time, but preferably, an average value over a certain period in the past (for example, the past year) may be used.

[0098] 7-2. Calculation of Individual Shipping Quotas In another embodiment, shipping quotas may be calculated in a manner different from that described in "6-2. Calculation of Individual Shipping Quotas."

[0099] In the calculation of the shipping quota described in "6-2. Calculation of Individual Shipping Quotas," the shipping quota is calculated based on the amount of the first metal resource that is expected to contribute to the production of the metallic material, based on the first metal resource database. In another embodiment, as described below, after the third step is performed, the shipping quota is calculated based on the amount of the first metal resource that has contributed to the production of the metallic material.

[0100] An example will be described using FIG. 9 . In any of the databases described above (e.g., the first metal resource database), lots of the first metal resource provided may be managed by the first metal resource database. For example, as shown in FIG. 9 , even if the same attribute (e.g., provider) is present, the first metal resource may typically be provided multiple times. Therefore, if the same company A provides the first metal resource three times, lots (X1 to X3) may be assigned to each of the three times.

[0101] When updating the smelter processing record database for production results, information on which lots of the first metallic resource were used in the current production may be stored. For example, in the example of Fig. 9, it may be stored that the first metallic resource of lots X1, X2, X4, and X5 were used.

[0102] Furthermore, when updating the target product inventory management database, it is also possible to record which lot of the first metallic resource the metallic material for the target product originates from. For example, in FIG. 9 , the manufactured metallic material (Cu material) is partially derived from the first metallic resource provided by Company A. Here, Company A provides lots X1 to X3 of the first metallic resource, of which lots X1 and X2 contributed to the production of the metallic material. Therefore, information about lots X1 and X2 (e.g., the quantity of the first metallic resource, the metal grade, etc.) is obtained from the first metallic resource database, and the amount contributed by lots X1 and X2 is calculated. As in the case of FIG. 8-1 , if the Cu grade in Company A's scrap is 10%, the amount contributed by lots X1 and X2 is 100 tons. This weight of Cu in Company A's scrap may be used as the amount of metallic material obtained from Company A's scrap (or the amount contributed by Company A's scrap to the production of the metallic material). Alternatively, the value obtained by multiplying the weight of Cu in Company A's scrap by a correction coefficient may be used as the amount contributed to the production of the metallic material. For example, the yield included in the smelter processing history database may be further taken into consideration, and the production amount of the metallic material may be calculated by multiplying the weight of Cu in Company A's scrap by the yield rate. The correction coefficient may be, for example, a uniform value, a different value for each company, or may differ for each delivery lot of the first metallic resource, or may differ for each production lot of the metallic material.

[0103] After calculating that the amount contributed to the production of metal materials is 100 tons, the target product inventory management database can be updated, and the shipping quota for Company A can be increased by 100 tons. In addition, in calculating the shipping quota, some of the methods described in "6-2. Calculation of Individual Shipping Quotas" may be applied (for example, it is not necessary for the calculated expected amount and the shipping quota to be exactly equal, and when first metal resources are provided by multiple parties, it is not necessary to allocate shipping quotas for individual recycled products to all parties related to the attribute (for example, all providers)).

[0104] 7-3. Calculation of Overall Shipping Limits In addition to calculating individual shipping limits (in the example of FIG. 9, the shipping limits corresponding to the combined amount of lots X1 and X2 of Company A, lot X4 of Company B, and lot X5 of Company C), an overall shipping limit (in the example of FIG. 9, the shipping limit corresponding to lots X1 and X2 of Company A, lot X4 of Company B, and lot X5 of Company C) may also be calculated. As with the calculation of the individual shipping limits described above, the calculation of the overall shipping limit may be performed by the server 210 or by the terminal 220. If the calculation is performed by the terminal 220, the calculation results of the shipping limit may be transmitted from the terminal 220 to the server 210.

[0105] For example, in the example of Figure 9, Company A supplies 1,500 tons of scrap (lots X1, X2, and X3), Company B supplies 500 tons of scrap (lot X4), and Company C supplies 250 tons of scrap (lot X5). Information such as the supply amount of each company is stored in the first metal resource database. Next, after the metallic material is produced, the smelter processing record database may store which lot of the first metallic resource was used in the current production. For example, in the example of Figure 9, it may store information that lots X1, X2, X4, and X5 of the first metallic resource were used. Based on this information, it is calculated how much metallic material was obtained when the first metallic resource provided by each company was input. For example, assuming that Cu bullion is produced as a metal material, the weight of Cu contained in Company A's scrap (lots X1 and X2) is calculated by multiplying the weight of 1,000 t of scrap from Company A (lots X1 and X2) by the Cu grade of Company A's scrap. Similarly, the weight of Cu contained in Company B's scrap (lots X4) is calculated by multiplying the weight of 500 t of scrap from Company B by the Cu grade of Company B's scrap (lot X4). The same calculations as for Company A and Company B can also be performed for scrap provided by Company C. However, other methods may also be used. For example, if the Cu grade of the scrap provided by Company C is extremely high, the Cu grade may be assumed to be 100%, and the value of 250 t, the weight of Company C's scrap, may be used.

[0106] Using the above method, the amount of metal material obtained from each company's first metal resource (in other words, the contribution amount in the production of metal material) is calculated for each company. The contribution amounts calculated for each company are then summed. This allows the overall contribution amount to be calculated. Furthermore, the overall shipping quota can be calculated based at least on the overall contribution amount.

[0107] Furthermore, the yield included in the smelter processing record database may be further taken into consideration, and the contribution amount of each company's metallic material may be calculated by multiplying the weight of Cu in each company's scrap by the yield rate.

[0108] The significance of the overall shipping quota is the same as that explained in Figure 8-1 (see "6-3. Calculation of the overall shipping quota").

[0109] The calculated individual shipping quotas and the total shipping quota may be transmitted from the server 210 to the terminal 220 .

[0110] Regarding the calculation of shipping quotas described in "6-2. Calculation of individual shipping quotas" and "6-3. Calculation of overall shipping quotas," and the calculation of shipping quotas described in "7-2. Calculation of individual shipping quotas" and "7-3. Calculation of overall shipping quotas," only the former may be performed, only the latter may be performed, or both may be performed. If both are performed, the former shipping quota calculation may be considered as a provisional shipping quota.

[0111] 8. Obtaining Shipping Allocation Information (Step 4 and Other Steps) After the server 210 calculates the individual shipping allocations using the above method, the terminal 220 can receive information about the individual shipping allocations. This allows the terminal 220 to confirm the individual shipping allocations generated by the current refining process. Furthermore, the terminal 220 can confirm information about past individual shipping allocations and / or the shipping allocation obtained by adding the individual shipping allocations generated by the current refining process to the individual shipping allocations generated by the current refining process. For example, in the example of Figure 2, assuming a 100% yield and that all of the supplied Cu amount is reflected in the shipping allocation, 100 tons is the individual shipping allocation related to Company A and generated by the current refining process.

[0112] Furthermore, the terminal 220 can receive information regarding the total shipping quota, including the shipping quota for recycled products that have not been allocated to individual providers. This allows the terminal 220 to check the total shipping quota. In the example of Figure 2, assuming a 100% yield and that the entire amount of supplied Cu is reflected in the shipping quota, the total amount of Cu supplied by all companies A to C, 250 tons, is the total shipping quota generated by this smelting process.

[0113] To reiterate, as mentioned above, the shipping quota is not a shipping quota for partially recycled products as shown in Figure 2, but a shipping quota for 100% recycled products (i.e., recycled products that are treated as being manufactured only from the first metal resource) as shown in Figure 3.

[0114] 9. Shipping Process (5th and 6th Steps) After producing the metal material, the smelter can ship the recycled products in response to orders from customers. When an order is received and / or when shipping is performed, the terminal 220 may transmit order information and / or shipping information to the server 210. Alternatively, regarding an order, the terminal 300 may access the server 210 and send the order information directly. In that case, the server 210 may transmit the order information to the terminal 220. The user of the terminal 220 can then confirm the order details.

[0115] Server 210 may update the target product inventory management database upon receiving the order information and / or shipping information, and may update, for example, information indicating that the order has been allocated to a portion of a shipping slot for recycled products and / or information indicating that the product has been shipped.

[0116] Upon receiving the order information and / or shipping information, the server 210 may update the target product inventory management database. Then, for example, the server 210 may perform a process to reduce the shipping quota of the destination customer in accordance with the amount of metal materials shipped as recycled products.

[0117] Separately from the order information and / or shipping information, updated shipping quota information obtained by subtracting the shipping quantity of recycled products from the shipping quota may be transmitted from terminal 220 to server 210, and server 210 may use this information to update the target product inventory management database. Such updated shipping quota information may also be considered information about the shipping of recycled products in a broad sense, since it reflects the shipping quantity of recycled products.

[0118] For example, suppose that Company A has a shipping quota of 500 tons and decides to ship metal materials as recycled products in the form of 100 tons of bullion x 4. In this case, Company A can subtract 400 tons from its existing shipping quota of 500 tons.

[0119] If the information on the total shipping quota for recycled products includes the shipping quota for the customer updated above, the same process is performed on the total shipping quota for recycled products, subtracting the shipping amount of recycled products from the shipping quota.

[0120] Note that the process of reducing the shipping slot does not necessarily have to be performed when order information and / or shipping information is received, and may be configured to be performed only for those who have entered into such a contract, etc. Therefore, for example, information indicating whether or not to perform the shipping slot adjustment process may be stored in the target product inventory management database. Then, when the server 210 receives order information and / or shipping information, it may refer to the target product inventory management database and determine whether or not to perform the shipping slot adjustment process. Then, the above-mentioned shipping slot adjustment process may be performed only when it is determined that the shipping slot adjustment process should be performed.

[0121] The same applies to the case where the first metal resource is received, and the target product inventory management database may be referenced to determine whether or not to adjust the shipping slot.

[0122] 10. Other Steps, etc. In addition to the above-described processes, the method of the present disclosure in one embodiment may further include a step in which the terminal 220 receives from the server 210 carbon footprint information of the recycled product assigned to a specific party among the multiple parties. This allows the user of the terminal 220 to check the carbon footprint information of the manufactured metal material (and even the metal material to be shipped). In some cases, the carbon footprint information may be added to the customer at the time of shipping, and the metal material may be shipped. Alternatively, as described above, a portion of the target product inventory management database may be configured to be accessible to the terminal 300 of the provider of the first metal resource or another party (e.g., a party associated with a specific attribute), and the customer (e.g., the provider of the first metal resource or another party) to whom the product is to be shipped may themselves obtain the carbon footprint information of their recycled product. In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a method for manufacturing a recycled product to which carbon footprint information of the recycled product is assigned.

[0123] In a further embodiment, the method disclosed herein may further include a step in which the terminal 220 receives information about the carbon footprint of the first metallic resource. In this case, the source of the information about the carbon footprint of the first metallic resource may be the server 210 or the terminal 300. When the server 210 is the source, the server 210 may have previously acquired information about the first metallic resource, including the carbon footprint information, from the terminal 300. For example, the server 210 may acquire the information about the carbon footprint of the first metallic resource from the first metallic resource database and send it to the terminal 220. When the terminal 300 is the source, for example, the terminal 220 may acquire the information about the first metallic resource, including the carbon footprint information, (for example, by email or other means), and then the terminal 220 may send the information about the first metallic resource, including the carbon footprint information, to the server 210. The server 210 may then update the first metallic resource database and store the information about the first metallic resource, including the carbon footprint information.

[0124] In a further embodiment, the method of the present disclosure may further include a step in which the terminal 220 receives carbon footprint information of the first metal resource and / or carbon footprint information related to the third process from the server 210. The carbon footprint information related to the third process may be information based on the carbon footprint value associated with the third process described in section "7. Updating manufacturing data."

[0125] The server 210 may derive carbon footprint information of the manufactured metallic material (and further, the metallic material to be shipped) based at least on the carbon footprint information of the first metallic resource and the carbon footprint information related to the third process. Furthermore, the server 210 may aggregate the carbon footprint information of the manufactured metallic material (and further, the metallic material to be shipped) for each attribute of the first metallic resource (e.g., each provider). Here, for example, the carbon footprint information of the metallic material may be calculated assuming that the metallic material was manufactured only from first metallic resources having a specific attribute (e.g., provided by a specific provider). In this case, the carbon footprint information of the metallic material may be calculated using the carbon footprint information of the first metallic resource having the specific attribute.

[0126] In one embodiment, the carbon footprint of the first metallic resource can be managed by provider. For example, a metallic material that is treated as being produced only from a first metallic resource having a specific attribute may be assigned a carbon footprint amount associated with the first metallic resource having the specific attribute. The specific attribute may then be a specific provider of the first metallic resource.

[0127] Figure 8-2 shows the flow for managing the carbon footprint of each provider. Companies A, B, and C are all companies that process scrap.

[0128] The carbon footprint of scrap from Company B is 8 t of CO2 equivalent per ton of scrap. Five t of scrap is supplied. Therefore, the total CO2 emissions from the scrap from Company B is 40 t of CO2 (8 t of CO2 / t of scrap x 5 t). Furthermore, processing 1 t of scrap at the smelter adds a carbon footprint equivalent to 4 t of CO2. Therefore, the CO2 emissions generated when processing all of the scrap from Company B at the smelter are 20 t of CO2 (4 t of CO2 / t of scrap x 5 t). Therefore, if metal materials are produced from all of the scrap from Company B, the CO2 emissions associated with the metal materials will be 60 t of CO2. Furthermore, if the yield is 80%, the amount of metal materials obtained from 5 t of scrap from Company B will be 1.2 t (scrap amount x Cu grade x yield 5 t x 30% x 80%). Therefore, the carbon footprint of the metal material from Company B is 50 tCO2 / tCu (60 t÷1.2 t) per unit weight.

[0129] Using the same calculation to calculate the carbon footprint of metal materials derived from other providers, the results are as follows: ・Originating from Company A: 50tCO2 / tCu ・Originating from Company B: 50tCO2 / tCu ・Originating from Company C: 50tCO2 / tCu ・Originating from concentrate: 112.5tCO2 / tCu

[0130] If we calculate the total amount of metal material, regardless of the supplier, we get the following: First, the total amount of metal material obtained is 5.2 tons (0.8 + 1.2 + 1.6 + 1.6 = 5.2). Then, the total CO2 emissions are 360 ​​tCO2 ((20 + 20) + (40 + 20) + (60 + 20) + (160 + 20) = 360). Therefore, the carbon footprint per unit weight is 69 tCO2 / tCu.

[0131] For example, if 1.2 tons of metal materials are shipped to Company B, the CO2 emissions from the metal materials will be 82.8 tons (1.2 tons x 69 tons of CO2 / t of Cu). However, as mentioned above, based on the mass balance approach, the 1.2 tons of metal materials shipped to Company B can be treated as having been manufactured solely from scrap originating from Company B. Based on this treatment, the CO2 emissions from the metal materials will be 60 tons (1.2 tons x 50 tons of CO2 / t of Cu).

[0132] In another embodiment, the method of the present disclosure may include a step of transmitting carbon footprint information of recycled products assigned to a specific one of the multiple parties to the server 210. For example, carbon footprint information of manufactured metal materials (and further, metal materials to be shipped) may be derived on the terminal 220 side, rather than the server 210. The information and processing required for the derivation may be similar to those for the server 210. After derivation, the terminal 220 can transmit the carbon footprint information of manufactured metal materials (and further, metal materials to be shipped) to the server 210. The server 210 can update a database (e.g., a target product inventory management database) based on the transmitted information.

[0133] 11. Modification of the Embodiment In the embodiment described above, in the fourth step, the terminal receives from the server information regarding a first shipping quota for recycled products that are assigned to a specific one of the parties and are treated as being manufactured from only the first metallic resource. The first shipping quota depends on the amount of the first metallic resource provided by the specific one party that has contributed, or is expected to contribute, to the production of the metallic material in the third step.

[0134] However, the above-described embodiment can be modified in various ways. For example, the fourth process may be modified so that recycled products are treated as products manufactured only from a first metallic resource related to a specific use, location, or manufacturer from which the first metallic resource originates as a specific attribute. The fourth process may also be modified so that the first shipping quota depends on the amount of the first metallic resource with a specific attribute that has contributed, or is expected to contribute, to the production of the metallic material in the third process. Similar modifications can also be made to the calculation of the carbon footprint. Specific examples are described below.

[0135] 11-1. Management by Use 11-1-1. Management of Recycled Amount by Use Figure 10 shows an example in which metal materials (e.g., Cu bullion as above) are produced from first metal resources derived from a specific use, and then shipped to a party related to the same use (e.g., a party that purchases the metal materials to manufacture goods for the same use). Specifically, the following three types of scrap are provided to the smelter: 5 t of scrap derived from automobiles (Cu grade 20%) 5 t of scrap derived from electronic parts (Cu grade 30%) 5 t of scrap derived from building materials (Cu grade 40%)

[0136] In addition, the smelter is provided with 10 t of concentrate from the mine (Cu content 20%).

[0137] And, since the yield is 80%, the metal materials obtained from the metal resources of each origin are as follows: Automobiles: 0.8 t Electronic parts: 1.2 t Building materials: 1.6 t Concentrate: 1.6 t

[0138] Therefore, a total of 5.2 tons of metal material is obtained. The amount derived from recycling is 3.6 tons, of which 1.2 tons is derived from electronic components. Therefore, the recycling rate of all metal materials is 69% (3.6 tons / 5.2 tons x 100), and the recycling rate of the portion derived from electronic components of the total metal material is 23% (1.2 tons / 5.2 tons x 100). Therefore, if 1.2 tons of metal material is shipped for use in electronic components, 0.28 tons (1.2 tons x 23%) will be derived from electronic components.

[0139] However, using the mass balance approach, all 1.2 tons of metal materials shipped for use in electronic components can be treated as originating from electronic components.

[0140] In Figure 10, 1.2 tons of metal material is shipped. However, there is an upper limit to the amount of metal material that can be shipped as 100% recycled metal material derived from electronic components. Here, as described above, a total of 5.2 tons of metal material is obtained, of which 1.2 tons is derived from electronic components. Therefore, 1.2 tons is the upper limit of the shipping quota. Furthermore, when a material is shipped for use as an electronic component, the above-mentioned system and / or information processing terminal performs a process to reduce the shipping quota by the amount of that shipment. For example, when 0.5 tons is shipped for use as an electronic component, 0.5 tons is subtracted from the shipping quota of 1.2 tons, leaving 0.7 tons as the remaining shipping quota. Then, when further shipments for use as electronic components occur, a process to further reduce the remaining shipping quota is performed.

[0141] Adopting the above system will contribute to the realization of horizontal recycling (for example, using used products as raw materials to create new identical products).

[0142] Examples of applications include, but are not limited to, automobile parts, electronic parts, and building materials, and examples of electronic parts include wire harnesses.

[0143] 11-1-2. Managing Carbon Footprint (CFP) Amounts by Use In addition to, or instead of, managing the recycling amounts by use, carbon footprint amounts may be managed by use. For example, for metallic materials that are treated as being manufactured only from metallic resources with specific attributes, the carbon footprint amount associated with the metallic resources with the specific attributes may be assigned.

[0144] FIG. 11 is a similar configuration to FIG. 10, but with the addition of information regarding the amount of carbon footprint.

[0145] The carbon footprint of scrap derived from electronic components is 8 t of CO2 equivalent per ton of scrap. Five t of scrap is supplied. Therefore, the total CO2 emissions from the scrap derived from electronic components is 40 t of CO2 (8 t of CO2 / t of scrap x 5 t). Furthermore, processing 1 t of scrap at a smelter adds a carbon footprint equivalent to 4 t of CO2. Therefore, the CO2 emissions generated when processing the entire scrap derived from electronic components at a smelter are 20 t of CO2 (4 t of CO2 / t of scrap x 5 t). Therefore, if metal materials are produced from all the scrap derived from electronic components, the CO2 emissions associated with the metal materials will be 60 t of CO2. Furthermore, if the yield is 80%, the amount of metal materials obtained from 5 t of scrap derived from electronic components will be 1.2 t (scrap amount x Cu grade x yield 5 t x 30% x 80%). Therefore, the carbon footprint of metal materials derived from electronic components is 50 tCO2 / tCu (60 t÷1.2 t) per unit weight.

[0146] Using the same calculation to calculate the carbon footprint of metal materials derived from other uses, the results are as follows: ・From automobiles: 50tCO2 / tCu ・From electronic parts: 50tCO2 / tCu ・From building materials: 50tCO2 / tCu ・From concentrates: 112.5tCO2 / tCu

[0147] If we calculate the total amount of metal material, ignoring its intended use, we get the following: First, the total amount of metal material obtained is 5.2 tons (0.8 + 1.2 + 1.6 + 1.6 = 5.2). Then, the total CO2 emissions are 360 ​​tCO2 ((20 + 20) + (40 + 20) + (60 + 20) + (160 + 20) = 360). Therefore, the carbon footprint per unit weight is 69 tCO2 / tCu.

[0148] For example, if 1.2 tons of metal material is shipped for use in electronic components, the CO2 emissions from that metal material will be 82.8 tons (1.2 tons x 69 tons of CO2 / t of Cu). However, as mentioned above, based on the mass balance approach, 1.2 tons of metal material shipped for use in electronic components can be treated as if it were manufactured solely from scrap originally used in electronic components. Based on this approach, the CO2 emissions from the metal material will be 60 tons (1.2 tons x 50 tons of CO2 / t of Cu).

[0149] 11-1-3. Data Associated with Management of Carbon Footprint (CFP) Amounts by Use In order to realize the above-described mechanism, the first metal resource database may store information on uses related to the first metal resource (e.g., uses of goods before the first metal resource is produced) in addition to the items described above (see "6. Data Processing Associated with Acquisition of First Metal Resource"). Furthermore, it may store information on the amount of carbon footprint for each use related to the first metal resource.

[0150] In addition to the items described above (see "6. Data Processing Associated with Acquisition of First Metallic Resources"), the target product inventory management database may be configured to store information related to one or more of the following: (A) the carbon footprint of the first metallic resource for each use of the goods from which the first metallic resource is derived, (B) the shipping quota volume of recycled products for each use of the goods from which the first metallic resource is derived, (C) the carbon footprint of recycled products for each use of the goods from which the first metallic resource is derived, etc. For example, in the example of FIG. 11 , for a recycled product to be shipped, (B) the shipping quota volume is 1.2 tons, (C) the carbon footprint of the recycled product is 50 tCO2 / tCu, and of these, (A) the carbon footprint of the first metallic resource for each use of the goods from which the first metallic resource is derived is 8 tCO2 / tscrap, and this information may be stored.

[0151] This information may then be processed and / or transmitted and received by the server 210 and / or the terminal 220 described above.

[0152] For example, the above information may be used to manage shipping quotas by application. For example, in the example of FIG. 10, the shipping quota for electronic parts is 1.2 tons, and information on the amount of this shipping quota may be stored. Then, each time a shipping quota for electronic parts is used, a process may be performed to reduce the shipping quota.

[0153] In another example, the information above may be used to assign a carbon footprint for each use of shipped metal materials, such as in the example of Figure 11, where a shipment of 1.2 tonnes of electronic components is made and the carbon footprint for the electronic components is assigned to that shipment.

[0154] For data processing related to the recycling rate, the amount of carbon footprint, and shipping quotas (e.g., individual shipping quotas and / or overall shipping quotas), the contents of "6. Data processing associated with the acquisition of first metal resources" and / or "7. Updating production data" described above may be applied.

[0155] By using the above-mentioned mechanism, horizontal recycling can be realized.

[0156] 11-2. Management by Location As another modification of the embodiment, management according to location is also possible. FIG. 12 shows similar content to FIG. 11. While FIG. 11 shows a flow by application, FIG. 12 shows a flow by country. For ease of understanding, the calculation content is set to be the same as FIG. 11.

[0157] The "location" may be a country unit, or a region unit within a specific country (e.g., a state, prefecture, etc.). In Fig. 12, an example of managing the "location" according to the country is shown.

[0158] In Figure 12, some of the metal materials produced from metal resources including scrap in Country B are shipped to Country B (for example, by a manufacturer in Country B). The metal materials shipped to Country B are treated as having been recycled solely from scrap in Country B. Furthermore, the carbon footprint of the metal materials shipped to Country B is calculated as if they were produced solely from scrap in Country B.

[0159] To realize the above-described mechanism, the first metal resource database may store, in addition to the above-described items (see "6. Data processing associated with the acquisition of the first metal resource"), information on locations related to the first metal resource (for example, locations where the first metal resource is produced (for example, locations where scrap is produced), or locations where goods, waste materials, offcuts, etc. for producing the first metal resource are shipped, etc.). Furthermore, the first metal resource database may store information on the amount of carbon footprint for each location related to the first metal resource.

[0160] In addition to the items described above (see "6. Data Processing Associated with Acquisition of the First Metallic Resource"), the target product inventory management database may be configured to store information related to one or more of the following: (A) the carbon footprint of the first metallic resource for each location related to the first metallic resource, (B) the shipping quota volume of recycled products for each location related to the first metallic resource, (C) the carbon footprint of recycled products for each location related to the first metallic resource, etc. For example, in the example of Figure 12, for recycled products to be shipped, (B) the shipping quota volume is 1.2 tons, (C) the carbon footprint of the recycled products is 50 tCO2 / tCu, and of these, (A) the carbon footprint for each location from which the first metallic resource originates is 8 tCO2 / tscrap, and this information may be stored.

[0161] This information may then be processed and / or transmitted and received by the server 210 and / or the terminal 220 described above.

[0162] For example, the above information may be used to manage shipping quotas by location. For example, in the example of FIG. 12, the shipping quota for Country B is 1.2 tons, and information on the amount of this shipping quota may be stored. Then, each time a shipping quota for Country B is reached, a process may be performed to reduce the shipping quota.

[0163] In another example, the above information may be used to assign a location-specific carbon footprint to a shipment of metal materials. For example, in the example of Figure 12, a shipment of 1.2 tonnes to Country B is assigned a carbon footprint corresponding to Country B.

[0164] For data processing related to the recycling rate, the amount of carbon footprint, and shipping quotas (e.g., individual shipping quotas and / or overall shipping quotas), the contents of "6. Data processing associated with the acquisition of first metal resources" and / or "7. Updating production data" described above may be applied.

[0165] By adopting the above system, it will be possible to promote the circulation of specific domestic resources.

[0166] 11-3. Management by Manufacturer of the First Metallic Resource's Origin As another modification of the embodiment, management can be performed according to the manufacturer of the first metallic resource's origin. Note that the "manufacturer of the first metallic resource" referred to here refers to the manufacturer of the goods from which the first metallic resource is derived. In Figure 13 (described below), Manufacturer A and Manufacturer B are manufacturers of the first metallic resource's origin, while Company X, which processes scrap, is not a manufacturer of the first metallic resource's origin. Figure 13 shows content similar to Figures 11 and 12. Figure 11 shows a flow by application, Figure 12 shows a flow by country, and Figure 13 shows a flow by manufacturer. For ease of understanding, the calculation content and the like are set to be the same as Figure 11.

[0167] For example, manufacturer A may ask company X to process its products into scrap. Similarly, manufacturer B may ask company X to process its products into scrap. Manufacturer C processes its products into scrap in-house. This scrap is then shipped to a smelter to be made into metal materials.

[0168] 8-1 to 8-9 and the related embodiments described above, the recycling rate, carbon footprint, etc. are managed according to the provider of the first metallic resource. In FIG. 13, the provider of the first metallic resource is a party that directly or indirectly provides the metallic resource (e.g., Company A, Company B, Company C, Company X). On the other hand, the manufacturer of the goods is a party that manufactures the goods before they are processed into the first metallic resource (e.g., Company A, Company B, Company C).

[0169] In Figure 13, a portion of the metal material produced from the first metal resource, which includes scrap produced from Company B's products, is shipped to Company B. The metal material shipped to Company B is treated as having been recycled solely from scrap produced from Company B's products. Furthermore, the carbon footprint of the metal material shipped to Company B is calculated as if it had been produced solely from scrap produced from Company B's products.

[0170] To realize the above-described mechanism, the first metal resource database may store, in addition to the above-described items (see "6. Data processing associated with acquisition of first metal resource"), information identifying the manufacturer from which the first metal resource originates. Furthermore, the database may store information regarding the amount of carbon footprint for each manufacturer from which the first metal resource originates.

[0171] In addition to the items described above (see "6. Data Processing Associated with Acquisition of First Metallic Resources"), the target product inventory management database may be configured to store information related to one or more of the following: (A) the carbon footprint of the first metallic resource for each manufacturer from which the first metallic resource was derived, (B) the volume of the shipping quota for recycled products for each manufacturer from which the first metallic resource was derived, and (C) the carbon footprint of the recycled products for each manufacturer from which the first metallic resource was derived. For example, in the example of FIG. 13 , for the recycled products to be shipped, (B) the volume of the shipping quota is 1.2 tons, (C) the carbon footprint of the recycled products is 50 tCO2 / tCu, and of these, (A) the carbon footprint for each manufacturer from which the first metallic resource was derived is 8 tCO2 / tscrap, and this information may be stored.

[0172] This information may then be processed and / or transmitted and received by the server 210 and / or the terminal 220 described above.

[0173] For example, the above information may be used to manage shipping quotas for each manufacturer of goods related to the first metal resource. For example, in the example of FIG. 13, the shipping quota for manufacturer B is 1.2 tons, and information on the amount of this shipping quota may be stored. Then, each time a shipping quota for manufacturer B is used, a process of decrementing the shipping quota may be performed.

[0174] In another example, the above information may be used to assign a carbon footprint for each product manufacturer to a shipment of metal materials. For example, in the example of Figure 13, a shipment of 1.2 tonnes to Company B is made, and the carbon footprint for Company B is assigned to that shipment.

[0175] For data processing related to the recycling rate, the amount of carbon footprint, and shipping quotas (e.g., individual shipping quotas and / or overall shipping quotas), the contents of "6. Data processing associated with the acquisition of first metal resources" and / or "7. Updating production data" described above may be applied.

[0176] By adopting the above system, it becomes possible to promote closed resource circulation within a specific manufacturer.

[0177] 11-4. Management by Combination of Attributes In the embodiments described so far, management was performed for each provider, use, location, and manufacturer from which the first metal resource originated. Management may also be performed for each combination of these four elements. For example, management may be performed for each manufacturer from which the first metal resource originated and for each specific use. For example, if the manufacturer is an automobile manufacturer, the provided scrap may be managed separately for sheet metal and engine part origin. In this case, management of shipping quotas and calculation of carbon footprint amounts may be performed for each manufacturer from which the first metal resource originated and for each specific use. In another example, if a provider of the first metal resource ships first metal resources originating from multiple countries, management may be performed for each provider of the first metal resource and for each country.

[0178] 11-5. Production of metallic materials from a first metallic resource In the embodiments described so far, a second metallic resource has been provided to the smelter. However, in some embodiments, the provision of a second metallic resource may be omitted, and metallic materials may be produced from only the first metallic resource. Figure 14 shows an embodiment similar to Figure 13. However, the embodiment shown in Figure 14 differs from the embodiment shown in Figure 13 in that concentrate from a mine is not provided to the smelter.

[0179] Similarly, in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 and 8-1 to 12, provision of the second metal resource may be omitted, and the metal material may be produced from only the first metal resource.

[0180] When a metallic material is produced solely from the first metallic resource, the metallic material is a 100% recycled product. However, even among the same multiple 100% recycled products, different attributes can be assigned based on the mass balance approach depending on the specific attributes of the first metallic resource.

[0181] For example, in the example of Figure 14, if the shipment is changed to include not only Company B but also Company A, both Company A and Company B will receive 100% recycled products. However, using the mass balance approach, the 100% recycled products provided to Company A can be assigned attributes derived from Company A (within the limits of the shipping quota). And the 100% recycled products provided to Company B can be assigned attributes derived from Company B.

[0182] Specific embodiments of the invention have been described above. The above embodiments are merely illustrative examples, and the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. For example, technical features disclosed in one of the above embodiments may be applied to other embodiments. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, for a particular method, the order of some steps may be interchanged, and additional steps may be added between two specific steps. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims.

[0183] Potential Contribution to SDGs According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, it may be possible to promote the use of metal materials with low CFP, which may lead to reducing the impact on climate change. Therefore, one embodiment of the present disclosure may contribute to Goal 13 of the United Nations-led Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), "Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts," and / or Goal 12, "Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns."

[0184] 100 Information processing device 110 Processor 120 Memory 130 Non-transitory storage medium 140 Communication module 200 System 210 Server 220 Terminal 300 Terminal of a person (for example, a first metal resource provider or other person) associated with a specific attribute

Claims

1. A method for managing the recycling of metal resources, the method comprising: (A) a first step of acquiring first metal resources provided by a plurality of parties, wherein the first metal resources are used goods to be recycled, or scrap or waste material generated in the process of manufacturing the goods; (B) a second step of acquiring second metal resources as the case may be, wherein the second metal resources are resources derived from minerals; (C) a third step of manufacturing a metal material using raw materials, wherein the raw materials include the first metal resources acquired in the first step and may also include the second metal resources acquired in the second step; (D) a fourth step of receiving, by a terminal, information regarding a first shipping quota for recycled products that are treated as having been manufactured only from first metal resources having a specific attribute among the first metal resources acquired in the first step, wherein the first shipping quota depends on the amount that the first metal resources having the specific attribute have contributed to, or are expected to contribute to, the manufacturing of the metal material in the third step; (E) a fifth step of shipping the metal material as the recycled product to a person associated with the specific attribute; and (F) a sixth step of sending information related to the shipping in the fifth step to the server by the terminal, and causing the server to update information related to the first shipping quota stored in the server so as to subtract the amount of the recycled product to be shipped from the first shipping quota.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the specific attribute includes at least that the first metal resource was provided by a specific one of the plurality of parties, and the party associated with the specific attribute is the specific one party.

3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the specific attribute includes at least that the first metal resource is derived from a specific use, and the person associated with the specific attribute is a person associated with the same use as the specific use.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the specific attribute includes at least that the first metal resource originates from a specific location, and the person associated with the specific attribute is a person associated with the specific location.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the specific attribute includes at least that the first metal resource originates from a specific manufacturer, and the entity associated with the specific attribute is the specific manufacturer.

6. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising the step of: the terminal receiving from the server information relating to a second shipping quota for recycled products that are to be treated as having been manufactured solely from the first metal resource having the specific attribute, wherein the second shipping quota depends on the amount that the first metal resource provided by the plurality of parties has contributed to, or is expected to contribute to, the manufacturing of the metal material in the third step.

7. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a step in which the terminal receives from the server information on the carbon footprint of the recycled product (hereinafter referred to as product carbon footprint information) assigned to the recycled product treated as having been manufactured solely from the first metal resource having the specific attribute.

8. The method of claim 7, further comprising the step of said terminal receiving information on the carbon footprint of said first metal resource.

9. The method of claim 8, further comprising the step of the terminal receiving from the server information on the carbon footprint of the first metal resource and / or information on the carbon footprint related to the third step.

10. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a step in which the terminal transmits to a server information on the carbon footprint of the recycled product (hereinafter referred to as product carbon footprint information) assigned to the recycled product treated as having been manufactured solely from the first metal resource having the specific attribute.

11. A method according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the product carbon footprint information is calculated assuming that the product is manufactured only from the first metal resource having a specific attribute, and is calculated using at least carbon footprint information of the first metal resource having the specific attribute.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the metal material is electrolytic copper.

13. A method for producing said metallic material, which is treated as having been produced solely from said first metallic resource, using the method according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. A method for producing a recycled product using the method of any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein information about the carbon footprint of the recycled product is imparted to the recycled product.

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