System and method for digital credentials for vehicle recycling

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to the field of sustainability and, in particular, to digital certificates, digital representations of a vehicle end-of-life assessment, and decentral identifiers to improve the environmental impact of production networks by increasing transparency among value chain participants. The disclosure relates to methods, apparatuses and systems for generating, monitoring, and / or transmitting digital certificates with circularity data.

Description

[0001] SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DIGITAL CREDENTIALS FOR VEHICLE RECYCLING

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure relates to the field of sustainability and, in particular, to digital certificates, digital representations of vehicle recycling data, and decentral identifiers to improve the environmental impact of production networks by increasing transparency among value chain participants. The disclosure relates to methods, apparatuses and systems for generating, monitoring, and / or transmitting digital certificates with at least a portion of a vehicle end-of-life assessment.

[0004] TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

[0005] In circular value chains, the tracking and exchange of end-of-life data regarding the applicability of R-strategies for vehicles is of great interest. Transparency between the participants can aid the collective improvement in the application of R-strategies to vehicles at their end-of-life. The tracking and exchange of end-of-life data regarding the applicability of R-strategies for vehicles is hindered, however, by the lack of common data standards and the lack of trusted data platforms. The value chain is long, globalized, and includes many different types of stakeholders. There is a need to simplify data standards relating to the tracking and sharing of data regarding the applicability of R- strategies for vehicles (at their end-of-life) to broadly enable a secure exchange of such in the circular manufacturing value chain.

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] In an aspect, the disclosure relates to a computer-implemented method for transmitting a digital credential with circularity data in a manufacturing value chain, the method comprising: selecting, by a credential holder, a digital credential representing at least a portion of a vehicle end-of-life assessment, wherein the digital credential includes a digital identifier associated with a vehicle and circularity data associated with the vehicle end-of-life assessment; generating, with the credential holder's private key, digital proof that the credential holder is presenting the digital credential representing the at least a portion of the vehicle end-of-life assessment; transmitting the digital credential representing the at least a portion of the vehicle end-of-life assessment and the digital proof that the credential holder is presenting the digital credential from the credential holder to a network node of a verifier to provide a digital representation of the at least a portion of a vehicle end-of-life assessment.

[0008] In another aspect, the disclosure relates to a computer-implemented method for transmitting a digital credential with circularity data in a chemical manufacturing value chain, the method comprising: selecting, by a credential holder, a digital credential representing at least a portion of a vehicle end- of-life assessment, wherein the digital credential includes a digital identifier associated with a vehicle and circularity data associated with the vehicle end-of-life assessment; generating, with the credential holder's private key, digital proof that the credential holder is presenting the digital credential representing the at least a portion of the vehicle end-of-life assessment; transmitting the digital credential representing the at least a portion of the vehicle end-of-life assessment and the digital proof that the credential holder is presenting the digital credential from the credential holder to a network node of a verifier to provide a digital representation of the at least a portion of a vehicle end-of-life assessment.

[0009] In another aspect the disclosure relates to a system for transmitting a digital credential with circularity data in a manufacturing value chain, the method comprising: an input configured to receive an instruction to transmit from a credential holder (I) a digital credential, selected by the credential holder, representing at least a portion of a vehicle end-of-life assessment, wherein the digital credential includes a digital identifier associated with a vehicle and circularity data associated with the vehicle end-of-life assessment and (II) digital proof that the credential holder is presenting the digital credential from the credential holder to a network node of a verifier to provide a digital representation of the at least a portion of a vehicle end-of-life assessment; a processor configured to (I) select, by the credential holder, the digital credential representing at least a portion of a vehicle end-of-life assessment, wherein the digital credential includes the digital identifier associated with a vehicle and circularity data associated with the vehicle end-of-life assessment and (II) generate, with the credential holder's private key, digital proof that the credential holder is presenting the digital credential representing certification of at least partial compliance with a sustainability standard; and an output configured to transmit, from the credential holder, the digital credential representing the at least a portion of the vehicle end-of-life assessment and the digital proof that the credential holder is presenting the digital credential from the credential holder to a network node of a verifier to provide a digital representation of the at least a portion of a vehicle end-of-life assessment.

[0010] In another aspect the disclosure relates to a system for transmitting a digital credential with circularity data in a chemical manufacturing value chain, the system comprising: an input configured to receive an instruction to transmit from a credential holder (I) a digital credential, selected by a credential holder, representing at least a portion of a vehicle end-of-life assessment, wherein the digital credential includes a digital identifier associated with a vehicle and circularity data associated with the vehicle end-of-life assessment and (II) digital proof that the credential holder is presenting the digital credential from the credential holder to a network node of a verifier to provide a digital representation of the at least a portion of a vehicle end-of-life assessment; a processor configured to (I) select, by the credential holder, the digital credential representing at least a portion of a vehicle end-of-life assessment, wherein the digital credential includes the digital identifier associated with a vehicle and circularity data associated with the vehicle end-of-life assessment and (II) generate, with the credential holder's private key, digital proof that the credential holder is presenting the digital credential representing certification of at least partial compliance with a sustainability standard; and an output configured to transmit, from the credential holder, the digital credential representing the at least a portion of the vehicle end-of-life assessment and the digital proof that the credential holder is presenting the digital credential from the credential holder to a network node of a verifier to provide a digital representation of the at least a portion of a vehicle end-of-life assessment.

[0011] In yet another aspect disclosed is a computer element, in particular a computer program product or a computer readable medium, with instructions, which when executed on one or more computing node(s) are configured to carry out the steps of any of the methods disclosed herein. In yet another aspect disclosed is a computer element, in particular a computer program product or a computer readable medium, with instructions, which when executed by a processor cause any of the apparatuses disclosed herein to perform any of the methods disclosed herein.

[0012] Disclosed is in yet another aspect the use of one or more chemical products(s) associated with the digital credential representing at least a portion of a vehicle end-of-life assessment as provided by any of the methods disclosed herein and / or produced by a chemical production network as provided by any of the methods disclosed herein to produce at least one discrete product or at least one end product associated with the one or more environmental attribute(s). The at least one discrete product or the at least one end product may be an intermediate or end product of a product supply chain. The at least one discrete product or the at least one end product may be based on one or more chemical products(s). The at least one discrete product or the at least one end product may be produced by discrete manufacturing. Disclosed is in yet another aspect a method for producing at least one discrete product or at least one end product associated with the digital credential representing at least a portion of a vehicle end-of-life assessment as provided by any of the methods disclosed herein and / or produced by a chemical production network as provided by any of the methods disclosed herein is provided and / or used to produce the at least one discrete product or at least one end product.

[0013] In yet another aspect the present disclosure relates to a computer element with instructions, which when executed on one or more computing node(s) is configured to carry out the steps of the method(s) of the present disclosure or configured to be carried out by the apparatus(es) of the present disclosure.

[0014] Any disclosure, embodiments and examples described herein relate to the methods, the systems, apparatuses, chemical products and computer elements lined out above and below. Advantageously, the benefits provided by any of the embodiments and examples equally apply to all other embodiments and examples.

[0015] EMBODIMENTS

[0016] The public, regulators, and financial investors are increasingly concerned with the environmental impacts of production processes. Major companies, in turn, have announced ambitious plans to track and manage the environmental impacts associated with the production of their products. Transparency between the participants can aid the collective improvement in showing compliance with applicable standards (which, in the case of sustainability- related standards can improve environmental impacts). The tracking and exchange of end-of-life data regarding the applicability of R-strategies for vehicles is hindered, however, by the lack of common data standards and the lack of trusted data platforms. The value chain is long, globalized, and includes many different types of stakeholders. There is a need to simplify data standards relating to the tracking and sharing of data regarding the applicability of R- strategies for vehicles (at their end-of-life) to broadly enable a secure exchange of such in the circular manufacturing value chain.

[0017] There are a number of factors that may hinder the tracking and exchange of end-of-life data regarding the applicability of R-strategies for vehicles. For example, transparency may be hindered when stakeholders do not have a trusted platform for providing a vehicle end-of-life assessment at a vehicle's end-of-life. Also, there may be limited verification mechanisms to support the accuracy and reliability of data in the process and this can lead to errors and inaccuracies. In some cases, international harmonization may be hindered by a lack of interoperability among stakeholders in the manufacturing value chain.

[0018] The systems, methods, and apparatuses of the present disclosure may enable greater transparency for the monitoring and sharing of a digital credential representing at least a portion of a vehicle end-of-life assessment and related information. The use of digital certificates may support greater transparency by providing an immutable record of a vehicle end-of-life assessment, which may improve the accuracy and reliability of the vehicle end-of-life assessment data. This can increase transparency and trust among stakeholders, as stakeholders can access and verify the vehicle end-of-life assessment data in real-time. Digital certificates may also provide a traceable record of the vehicle end-of-life assessment, which can help stakeholders track the origin and flow of data that improve the applicability of R-strategies a vehicle's end-of-life. This can increase transparency and among stakeholders, as it can provide data to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to help improve the applicability of R-strategies a vehicle's end-of-life. Digital certificates can provide a platform for data analytics, which can help stakeholders analyze and visualize the certification data in real-time. This can increase transparency and efficiency among stakeholders, as the stakeholders can use data analytics to identify trends and patterns in data related to the applicability of R-strategies at a vehicle's end-of-life and make informed decisions based on the data.

[0019] The systems, methods, and apparatuses of the present disclosure may enable improved interoperability for the monitoring and sharing of digital credentials representing at least a portion of a vehicle end-of-life assessment and related information. Digital certificates can be designed to be interoperable with other certification schemes, which can increase the comparability and efficiency of the certification system among stakeholders. This can increase transparency and efficiency in the certification system, as stakeholders can use a common language and data structure to communicate and verify certification data. The systems, methods, and apparatuses of the present disclosure may enable improved verification for the monitoring and sharing of vehicle end-of-life assessment and related information. For example, digital certificates can include digital signatures, which provide a tamper-proof and verifiable record of the certification data. This can improve the verification process among stakeholders, as they can easily verify the authenticity and integrity of the certification data. Digital certificates can also include access controls, which can restrict access to the vehicle end-of- life assessment data to authorized stakeholders. This can improve the security and privacy of the certification data among stakeholders, as they can control who has access to the data. Digital certificates can be designed to allow for real-time verification of the certification data, which can improve the speed and efficiency of the verification process among stakeholders. For example, stakeholders can use digital certificates to quickly verify the sustainability claims of a product before making a purchasing decision.

[0020] In the following, embodiments of the present disclosure will be outlined by way of examples. It is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to said embodiments and / or examples.

[0021] An aspect of the invention involves the implementation of a system where recyclers provide verifiable digital certificates (also referred to as digital credentials) to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). These certificates may contain data regarding the overall recyclability of the car and may include nested data for the car's components and further nested data for the individual parts within those components. The certificates may include scoring to indicate the relative ease or difficulty of recycling the car, components, or parts, as well as recommendations for improving recyclability and promoting the reuse of components or parts. This solution aims to establish a comprehensive and traceable digital framework that enables the assessment, optimization, and enhancement of the recyclability and reusability aspects of cars, their components, and parts.

[0022] In a step, the computer implemented method comprises selecting, by a credential holder, a digital credential representing at least a portion of a vehicle end-of-life assessment, wherein the digital credential includes a digital identifier associated with a vehicle and circularity data associated with the vehicle end-of-life assessment.

[0023] Circularity data may refer to information or data that pertains to the various aspects of circularity within a product or system. It may encompass a broad range of data related to the R-strategies, including recycling, reuse, repurpose, and other sustainable practices. This data may provide insights into the lifecycle of a product, enabling a partial or comprehensive understanding of its sustainability and circularity performance. The circularity data may, for example, include data related to one or more of: material composition, recyclability score(s), reusability potential, repurposing feasibility, disassembly instructions, life cycle assessments, supply chain transparency, repairability data, component compatibility, end-of-life management recommendations, and the like. Material composition may refer to information about the types of materials used in a product, including its composition, origin, and recyclability. A recyclability score may refer to a quantifiable score or rating that indicates the ease or difficulty of recycling a product or its individual components. Reusability index may refer to data that assesses the extent to which a product or its components can be reused in their original form or repurposed for alternative applications. Repurposing feasibility data may refer to information that evaluates the feasibility of repurposing a product or its components for different uses or industries. Disassembly instructions data may refer to data on how to disassemble a product at its end of life to facilitate the recovery of valuable materials or components for recycling or reuse. Life cycle assessments may refer to data that analyzes the environmental impact of a product throughout its entire life cycle, including factors such as resource consumption, emissions, and waste generation. Supply chain transparency data may refer to information about the origins, manufacturing processes, and transportation methods of a product, enabling a better understanding of its sustainability and circularity credentials. Repairability data may refer to data that indicates the ease or difficulty of repairing a product, including information on available spare parts, repair manuals, and accessibility of repair services. Component compatibility data may refer to information that identifies which components of a product can be interchanged or upgraded to extend its lifespan or improve its performance. End-of-life management recommendation data may refer to data that provides guidance on sustainable and circular practices for managing a product at its end of life, such as recycling facilities, take-back programs, or responsible disposal methods. Circularity data can also include metadata that supports scoring, recommendations, or assessments. For instance, it may encompass data points related to the recyclability index, reusability potential, or repurposing feasibility of a product. This information can be used to generate scores, ratings, or indicators that quantify the circularity performance of a product.

[0024] Circularity data may be structured and organized in a format that allows for efficient analysis and decision-making. This structured data can include details such as material composition, origin, durability, recyclability, and other relevant attributes. For example, circularity data may be represented in a JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) file. In JSON, circularity data may be structured using key-value pairs and organized into a hierarchical format. For example, a JSON representation of circularity data could include properties such as "recyclability", "reusability", and "repurposability". Each property may have corresponding values that provide specific information about the circularity aspect being represented as shown in the below-illustrated example.

[0025] {

[0026] "recyclability": { "score": 8.5, "materials": ["aluminum", "plastic"], "disassembly": { "ease": "moderate", "components": ["engine", "chassis", "interior"] } }> "reusability": { "rating": "high", "components": ["batteries", "wheels", "seats"] }, "repurposability": { "feasible": true,

[0027] "suggested jjses": [''storage container", "mobile workspace"]

[0028] In this example, the circularity data is structured under the properties "recyclability", "reusability", and "repurposability." Each property may contain relevant information, such as scores, ratings, or lists of materials and components associated with the respective circularity aspect. This JSON representation may allow for easy parsing and manipulation of the circularity data by computer programs, making it a convenient format for storing and exchanging information related to circularity within a digital context.

[0029] The circularity data may include a recyclability index (e.g., data indicative of a score or a rating). A "recyclability index" may refer to a digital score or rating that quantifies the relative ease or difficulty of recycling a vehicle, its components, and / or its parts. It represents the recyclability feasibility of the vehicle (and / or its components and / or its parts) and it may provide valuable insights into the potential for recovering materials and resources during the end-of- life phase. The recyclability index is a structured data point that may include one or more properties, such as material composition, disassembly ease, recyclability of individual components, or compatibility with existing recycling infrastructure. This index serves as a valuable metric for assessing the circularity performance of the vehicle and can guide decision-making processes related to sustainable product design, material selection, and end-of-life management strategies.

[0030] A recyclability index may be structured and organized in a format that allows for efficient analysis and decisionmaking. For example, a recyclability index may be represented in a JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) file. In JSON, the recyclability index may be structured using key-value pairs and organized into a hierarchical format. For example, a JSON representation of circularity data could include properties such as "score," "component recyclability," and the like. Each property may have corresponding values that provide specific information about the aspect being represented as shown in the below-illustrated example.

[0031] "recyclability Index": {

[0032] "score": 8.5,

[0033] "materialcomposition": ["aluminum", "plastic"],

[0034] "disassemblyEase": "moderate",

[0035] "componentRecyclability": {

[0036] "engine": true, "chassis": true, "interior": false

[0037] "infrastructurecompatibility": "high" The circularity data may include circularity enhancement data. Circularity enhancement data may represent a recommendation to improve performance with respect to an R-strategy of at least one of a vehicle, a component of the vehicle, or a part of the vehicle. It may include information that is indicative of specific actions or measures that can be taken by an OEM (or others) to improve or enhance the circularity of a vehicle. The circularity enhancement data may be indicative of actions or measures to improve a vehicle's recyclability, reusability, repurposability, and / or other R-strategies. Circularity enhancement data can also include metadata that supports scoring, recommendations, or assessments. For instance, it may encompass data points related to the recyclability index, reusability potential, or repurposing feasibility of a product. This information can be used to generate scores, ratings, or indicators that quantify the circularity performance of a product.

[0038] The term R-strategy may refer to a set of (approximately) ten strategies that may be applied in circular manufacturing value chains with the aim of achieving a more circular economy. The R-strategies may be organized into three categories including: the design phase, the consumption phase, and the end-of-life phase. The R-strategies may include the strategies of repurpose and recycle. Repurpose is a strategy that incorporates a part or component into a different product or an alternative purpose. Recycling, in the context of a vehicle, its components and / or parts, may refer to the process of recovering and reusing materials from these items to create new products or components.

[0039] A manufacturing value chain may refer to the sequence of activities involved in creating a product, from the initial design and development stages through to production, distribution, and sale. In the context of circular processes, it may also include stakeholders involved in post-consumer stages, such as recyclers, sorters, and other entities that facilitate the recovery and reuse of materials and components. The value chain may encompass all of the processes, resources, and stakeholders that contribute to the creation of a finished product, including suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, retailers, customers, recyclers, and sorters. These stakeholders may collaborate to ensure the efficient and sustainable flow of materials, components, and products throughout the entire lifecycle.

[0040] A digital credential refers to a digital representation of an entity's (e.g., a company, institution, or individual, an association, a governmental body, etc.) certification(s), qualification(s), performance, or other attributes. For example, a digital credential may represent a certification or other credential issued by a company, regulator, government, industry consortium, standards setting organization (SSO), and the like. It is a secure and portable way to store and share information about an entity's attributes. Digital credentials can take various forms, such as digital badges, certificates, or diplomas, and can be issued by institutions, laboratories, governmental bodies, non-profit associations, regulators, industry groups, SSOs, and the like. Digital credentials may include information such as the name of the credential holder, the issuer of the credential, the date of issuance, the validity period or date of expiration, and the criteria or standards that were met to earn the credential. The use of digital credentials allows individuals and companies to show they have various certifications to customers, suppliers, regulators, and other upstream and downstream participants in a value chain in a secure and verifiable way which can help to create a more transparent and efficient credentialing system.

[0041] The term vehicle may encompass any means of transportation or conveyance, including, trucks, motorcycles, bicycles, boats, and even aircraft. It may refer to any device or structure used for transporting people or goods from one place to another. The term automobile may refer to a self-propelled vehicle that is designed for passenger transportation on roads. For example, it may refer to a four-wheeled motor vehicle powered by an internal combustion engine or an electric motor.

[0042] A vehicle end-of-life assessment may refer to a data set that is generated through the evaluation of a vehicle's condition and potential for recycling, reuse, or repurposing at the end of its useful life. This data set may encompass detailed information about the vehicle's components, materials, and design, providing insights into factors such as durability, disassembly, and material composition. It may include structured and organized data that quantifies the recyclability of the vehicle's components and materials, which may be represented through scores, ratings, or indicators. Additionally, the vehicle end-of-life assessment data set may provide recommendations for enhancing the vehicle's circularity, improving its performance with respect to principles of the circular economy, such as recyclability, reusability, or repurposability. This data set may help enable original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to make informed decisions about product design, manufacturing processes, and resource utilization, facilitating the development of more sustainable and circular vehicles. The vehicle end-of-life assessment may incorporate data from a range of sensors, physical observations, material analysis, and chemical analysis. This data can be collected through various means such as sensor-equipped components, diagnostic tools, laboratory testing, and visual inspections. By leveraging these diverse data sources, the assessment may provide a more comprehensive understanding of the vehicle's condition and may provide valuable insights into its recyclability and potential for circularity at the end of its life.

[0043] The vehicle end-of-life assessment may include a range of data include, for example, data indicative of material composition, component Identification, condition and wear, disassembly ease, recyclability index, hazardous materials, reusability potential, environmental impact, circularity data and the like. Material composition may refer to information about the types of materials used in the vehicle, including metals, plastics, glass, and composites, along with their respective percentages or weights. Component Identification may refer to data indicative of the identification and classification of individual components and parts within the vehicle, such as engine, transmission, body panels, seats, electronics, and more. Condition and wear may refer to data indicative of the condition of the vehicle, its components and / or its parts, including signs of wear, damage, corrosion, or deterioration. Disassembly Ease may refer to data indicative of the ease or difficulty of disassembling the vehicle and its components, considering factors such as accessibility, fastening methods, and compatibility with standard disassembly techniques. A recyclability index may refer to a quantifiable score or rating indicating the level of recyclability of the vehicle's materials and components, considering factors such as material composition, ease of separation, and availability of recycling infrastructure. Reusability index may refer to information indicative of the potential for reusing or refurbishing specific components or materials within the vehicle, considering factors such as compatibility, condition, and market demand. Environmental impact data may refer to the vehicle's (and / or its components' and / or parts') environmental impact throughout its lifecycle, including carbon emissions, energy consumption, and resource depletion.

[0044] A vehicle end-of-life assessment may be structured and organized in a format that allows for efficient analysis and decision-making. This structured data can include details such as a vehicle identifier, circularity data, scoring, recommendations, metadata and the like. For example, a vehicle end-of-life assessment may be represented in a JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) file. In JSON, the vehicle end-of-life assessment may be structured using keyvalue pairs and organized into a hierarchical format. For example, a JSON representation of circularity data could include properties such as " vehicle identifier, " " circularity data, " and the like. Each property may have corresponding values that provide specific information about the circularity aspect being represented as shown in the below-illustrated example.

[0045] "vehicleldentifier": "ABC123",

[0046] "circularityData": {

[0047] "recyclability": {

[0048] "score": 8.5,

[0049] "materials": ["aluminum", "plastic"],

[0050] "disassembly": {

[0051] "ease": "moderate",

[0052] "components": ["engine", "chassis", "interior"]

[0053] "reusability": {

[0054] "rating": "high",

[0055] "components": ["batteries", "wheels", "seats"]

[0056] "scoring": {

[0057] "overallScore": 8.2,

[0058] "recyclabilityScore": 8.5,

[0059] "reusabilityscore": 9.0

[0060] "recommendations": {

[0061] "recycling": "Disassemble the vehicle to separate recyclable materials and ensure proper recycling procedures are followed.",

[0062] "reusability": "Identify and extract reusable components for refurbishment or resale.", "repurposing": "Explore potential alternative uses for specific components or materials."

[0063] "metadata": {

[0064] "assessmentDate": "2022-08-15",

[0065] "assessor": "John Doe",

[0066] "location": "City XYZ"

[0067] A digital identifier is a unique code or set of characters that is assigned to a specific entity, such as a person, organization, or resource, to distinguish it from others. Digital identifiers may serve as labels or handles that enable digital systems to recognize and track entities across different contexts and applications. They can be used to retrieve or link to digital resources, such as data, documents, images, videos, or web pages, and to manage access or permissions to these resources. Digital identifiers can take various forms, such as email addresses, usernames, domain names, IP addresses, or digital certificates. They can be assigned by different organizations or authorities, such as domain registrars, social media platforms, or government agencies, and can be used for different purposes, such as authentication, authorization, or identification. The use of digital identifiers may enable efficient and secure communication and data exchange among different entities.

[0068] In a step, the computer implemented method comprises generating, with the credential holder's private key, digital proof that the credential holder is presenting the digital credential representing the at least a portion of the vehicle end-of-life assessment.

[0069] Digital systems may use authentication and / or authorization technologies to control access to resources and to verify the identity of users. Authentication may refer to the process of verifying the identity of a user or a system. It may involve presenting credentials, such as a username and password, a digital certificate, or a biometric sample, and comparing them with records or standards to determine whether the user or system is authorized to access a particular resource or perform a specific action. Authorization may refer to the process of granting or denying access to a resource or a system based on the authenticated identity and the level of permission assigned to that identity. It may involve defining roles, rules, or policies that specify what actions or resources a user or system is allowed to access, and what actions or resources are restricted or prohibited.

[0070] Public and private keys may be used in digital systems to provide secure access to resources and to verify the identity of users. Public and private keys are part of a cryptographic system known as public-key cryptography. In this system, each user has a pair of keys - a public key and a private key - that are mathematically related but cannot be derived from one another. The public key may be used to encrypt data and may be available to others who may want to send encrypted data to the user. The private key may be kept secret and may be used to decrypt data that has been encrypted with the public key. In a step, the computer implemented method comprises transmitting the digital credential representing the at least a portion of the vehicle end-of-life assessment and the digital proof that the credential holder is presenting the digital credential from the credential holder to a network node of a verifier to provide a digital representation of the at least a portion of a vehicle end-of-life assessment. Transmitting refers to the act of sending or transferring a digital credential (e.g., a verifiable credential) from one node to another in a networked environment. It may involve the electronic transmission of the credential data, typically over a communication channel or protocol, such as the internet or a secure messaging system. Transmitting a verifiable credential may involve packaging the credential data into a standardized format, encrypting the data for security, and sending it to the intended recipient node or nodes. The transmission process may enable the verifiable credential to be securely and reliably shared between different nodes within a network, enabling the verification and validation of the credential's claims by trusted parties.

[0071] A certificate may refer to a credential issued by the certification body to indicate that the company (or a site, location, plant, product, legal entity, etc. of the company) or product has met the requirements of the certification system. The certificate serves as evidence that the company or product has been audited by an independent third-party certification body and has been found to comply with the relevant standards and requirements. The certificate typically includes information such as the name and address of the certified company, the scope of the certification (e.g., which products or processes are covered), the name of the certification body, the date of issue, and the date of expiration. The certificate is usually valid for a specific period of time and may require ongoing audits or surveillance to maintain certification. The certificate can be an important marketing tool for the certified company, as it demonstrates a commitment to quality and compliance with industry standards.

[0072] Digital proof may refer to a cryptographic mechanism that provides verifiable evidence of the authenticity of a digital credential without revealing the underlying data. Digital proofs may be generated by combining the digital credential with a cryptographic proof, such as a digital signature or a zero-knowledge proof, to create a tamper-evident, cryptographically secure record that can be shared with others. The digital proof may include metadata about the credential, such as the issuer, the credential holder, the date of issuance, and other relevant information, as well as a cryptographic signature that verifies the integrity of the data.

[0073] A network node may refer to a device or computer that is connected to a network and is capable of sending, receiving, or forwarding data. The network node be any type of device that is connected to the network, such as a server, a router, a switch, a mobile device, an loT device, or a personal computer. In the context of the digital credential scheme, each entity (e.g., Issuer, Holder, and Verifier) may have its own network node that may allow it to interact with a distributed ledger that stores the digital credentials. The network nodes may communicate with each other to ensure the integrity and security of the system, and to facilitate the exchange of digital credentials between the different entities. Aspects of the invention offer several technical advantages over the current state of lacking systematic digital feedback to OEMs. For example, embodiments of the invention may provide enhanced data collection. The verifiable digital certificates may enable recyclers to provide comprehensive data on the recyclability of cars, components, and parts. This may enable a systematic collection of information that was previously unavailable, allowing for a more detailed understanding of the materials, processes, and challenges associated with recycling and / or reuse.

[0074] Embodiments of the invention may provide traceability and transparency. The nested structure of the certificates ensures traceability and transparency throughout the recycling process. OEMs can easily track and verify the recyclability scores, recommendations, and improvement suggestions provided by recyclers. This transparency fosters accountability and facilitates collaboration between recyclers and OEMs.

[0075] Embodiments of the invention may enable targeted improvements of recycling and reuse of materials, parts, and components of vehicles. The certificates may include specific recommendations for improving the recyclability and reusability of components and / or parts. This targeted feedback allows OEMs to focus their efforts on areas that have the greatest impact, leading to more effective design modifications and recycling strategies.

[0076] Embodiments of the invention may help to optimize recycling processes. With the availability of recyclability scores, OEMs can evaluate the ease or difficulty of recycling different car models, components, and parts. This information empowers them to identify design elements that hinder recyclability (and / or the reuse of components and parts), and make informed decisions to enhance the overall recyclability of their products.

[0077] Embodiments of the invention may help promote circularity in the automotive value chain. The digital certificates may support the circular economy by promoting the reuse of components and parts. OEMs can leverage the recommendations provided in the certificates to explore opportunities for incorporating more recycled and recyclable materials, increasing the lifespan of components, and fostering a more sustainable approach to manufacturing and disposal.

[0078] Embodiments of the invention may improve standardization in the recycling and reuse of components and / or parts in the automotive value chain. The implementation of a digital feedback mechanism creates the potential for standardization in recyclability assessment and certification. This allows for collaboration among recyclers, OEMs, and regulatory bodies to establish industry-wide guidelines, best practices, and standards for optimizing recyclability and promoting a circular economy.

[0079] Primary data may refer to data that is collected directly from its source, through methods such as sensors (e.g., temperature, motion, current, voltage, and / or GPS sensors), cameras, satellites, network monitoring tools, log analysis tools, packet capture tools, etc. Primary data can take many forms, including numerical data, textual data, audio recordings, video recordings, or images. It can be collected using a wide range of methods and technologies, depending on the specific context and research question. Primary data is typically considered to be more accurate and reliable than secondary data, which is data that has been previously collected or analyzed by someone else.

[0080] Carbon footprint or Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) may refer to the amount of greenhouse gases (GHG) emitted or removed in a production process at a manufacturing facility, expressed as carbon dioxide equivalent. The PCF can be assessed from cradle-to-gate (partial PCF) or from cradle-to-grave (total PCF)

[0081] Environmental characteristic(s) may specify or quantify ecological criteria associated with the products environmental impact. Environmental characteristic(s) may be or may be produced or derived from measurements taken during the lifecycle of one or more product(s). Environmental characteristics may be determined at any stage of the product lifecycle and may characterize the environmental impact of the product for such stage or up to such stage.

[0082] Environmental characteristic(s) may for example include impact categories such as fossil footprint, carbon footprint, greenhouse gas emissions or global warming potential, primary energy demand, cumulative energy demand, biotic and abiotic resource consumption, air emissions, stratospheric ozone depletion potential, ozone formation, terrestrial and / or marine acidification, water consumption, water depletion, water availability, water pollution, noise pollution, freshwater and / or marine eutrophication potential, human carcinogenic and / or non-carcinogenic toxicity, photochemical oxidant formation, particulate matter formation, terrestrial, freshwater and / or marine ecotoxicity, ionizing radiation, agricultural and / or urban land occupation, land transformation, land use, indirect land use, deforestation, biodiversity, mineral resource consumption, fossil resource consumption, and / or feedstock demand (e.g., sustainable feedstock demand and / or fossil feedstock demand).

[0083] Environmental characteristic(s) may be calculated from combinations of one or more environmental characteristics. Environmental characteristic(s) may for example include product or material characteristics related to the production of the material or product like renewable, bio based, vegan, halal, kosher, palm oil-free, natural or the like.

[0084] In an embodiment, the circularity data associated with the vehicle end-of-life assessment includes a recyclability index representing a recycling feasibility of the vehicle.

[0085] In an embodiment, the circularity data associated with the vehicle end-of-life assessment includes circularity enhancement data, wherein the circularity enhancement data represents a recommendation to improve performance with respect to an R-strategy of at least one of a vehicle, a component of the vehicle, or a part of the vehicle.

[0086] In an embodiment, the digital credential representing the at least a portion of a vehicle end-of-life assessment represents an assessment of the recyclability of at least one of a vehicle, a component of the vehicle, or a part of the vehicle. In an embodiment, selecting, by the credential holder, the digital credential representing the at least a portion of a vehicle end-of-life assessment comprises selecting, by the credential holder, two or more digital credentials wherein each of the two or more digital credentials are associated with at least one of a vehicle, a component of the vehicle, or a part of the vehicle.

[0087] In an embodiment, the two or more digital credentials includes a first digital credential associated with the vehicle and a second digital credential associated with a component of the vehicle.

[0088] In an embodiment, the two or more digital credentials includes the first digital credential associated with the vehicle, the second digital credential associated with a component of the vehicle, and a digital credential associated with a part of the component of the vehicle.

[0089] In an embodiment, the network node of the verifier is the network node of an original equipment manufacturer that manufactured the vehicle.

[0090] In an embodiment, the vehicle end-of-life assessment is an automotive end-of-life assessment and the vehicle is an automobile

[0091] In an embodiment, the processor configured to select, by the credential holder, the digital credential representing the at least a portion of a vehicle end of life assessment comprises the processor configured to select, by the credential holder, two or more digital credentials wherein each of the two more digital credentials is associated with at least one of a vehicle, a component of the vehicle, or a part of the component of the vehicle.

[0092] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0093] In the following, the present disclosure is further described with reference to the enclosed figures. The same reference numbers in the drawings and this disclosure are intended to refer to the same or like elements, components, and / or parts.

[0094] FIG. 1 illustrates an example embodiment of a circular material loop 100 including material participants

[0095] 101.1-6 connected through a decentral network 102 with decentral network nodes 103.1-6 associated with material participants 101.1-6.

[0096] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram illustrating selected aspects of transmitting a digital credential with at least a portion of a vehicle end-of-life assessment, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0097] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating selected aspects of a system transmitting a digital credential with at least a portion of a vehicle end-of-life assessment, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 4. is a block diagram illustrating a verifiable credential with a hierarchical structure in which a top-level claim corresponds to a vehicle, subclaims correspond to component(s) of the vehicle, and further subclaims refer to part(s) of component(s).

[0098] FIG. 5A-5C. illustrate an embodiment in which separate digital credentials may be generated for the end-of-life assessments of a vehicle, its components and / or parts.

[0099] FIG. 6 shows schematically and exemplarily an embodiment of relating digital certificates of different components and / or parts in a same manufacturing value chain among each other.

[0100] FIG. 7 shows schematically and exemplarily the digital certificates that have been related to each other as indicated in Fig. 6.

[0101] FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating selected aspects of a system for creating and presenting digital credential representing at least a portion of a vehicle end-of-life assessment, according to embodiment of the invention.

[0102] FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram illustrating selected aspects of the interactions between network nodes, according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0103] FIG. 10 illustrates schematically an example of a method or apparatus for providing digital credentials representing at least a portion of a vehicle end-of-life assessment with products (e.g., vehicle, component(s), and / or part(s)) to a data consumer via a decentral network.

[0104] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0105] The present disclosure is in the field of computer-implemented systems and methods for generating and transmitting digital credentials representing at least a portion of a vehicle end-of-life assessment. The disclosed systems and methods may increase transparency, verification, and interoperability among stakeholders when, for example, using digital credentials to provide a vehicle end-of-life assessment in a circular manufacturing value chain.

[0106] Fig. 1 illustrates an example embodiment of a circular material loop 100 including material participants 101.1-6 connected through a decentral network 102 with decentral network nodes 103.1-6 associated with material participants 101.1-6.

[0107] The participant network shown in Fig. 1 may be a material chain network. The material chain network may include one or more linear material chain(s). The linear material chain(s) may include a material supply chain, in which the material is produced by, for example, a part (and or component) producer 101.1 and used to produce an end product by an original equipment manufacturer 101.3 (OEM). The linear material chain(s) may include a material recycling chain, in which the produced end product (e.g., a vehicle) is collected, sorted and recycled up to a recycling system operator 101.6 and the recyclable material is used to produce, for example, material by the part producer 101.1. The material chain may include one or more supply and / or recycling chain(s). The material chain may include one or more connected supply and / or recycling chain(s). One or more linear material chain(s) may be connected to the material loop 100. The material chain network may include a material loop network 100 including the use of recycled material(s) to produce new materials. One or more material loop(s) 100 may allow to use materials resulting from recycling of end-of- life products to produce new products, such as chemical products or materials, associated with one or more material chain(s). The material chain network, preferably the material loop 100, may include the production, use and / or recycling of physical materials and products. The product may be a material, a chemical product, an intermediate chemical product, a component, a component assembly, an end product, an end-of-life product, a product to be recycled, a recycled product or a recyclate.

[0108] Material or chemical product may refer to a chemical compound, a chemical ingredient, a chemical molecule, a chemical composition, a chemical mixture, a chemical formulation, an intermediate chemical product, or a chemical base material that may be used to produce discrete products. Chemical material or product flows may include nondiscrete material flows that may be further processed to produce discrete products or components. Chemical material or product flows may include liquids, pellets, beats, powders or the like. The discrete product may refer to a component, a component assembly, an end product, an end-of-life product, a product to be recycled, or a recycled discrete product. The recyclate may refer to a mechanically or chemically recycled material. Recyclate or recycled material flows may include non-discrete material flows that may be further processed to produce new materials or chemical products. Recyclate or recycled material flows may include liquids, pellets, beats, powders or the like.

[0109] End product may refer to a product that is the result of a material supply chain. End product may refer to a product that is used by the end product user. End-of-life (EOL) product may refer to a product that has been used by end product user. End-of-life product may refer to a product that does no longer fulfill the requirements for its use. End-of- life product may refer to a product that is no longer required. End-of-life products may be products disposed in waste, such as plastic waste. A recycled product may refer to any product that has been produced using end-of-life produces). A recycled product may refer to a new product that has been produced using end-of-life product(s).

[0110] The material loop 100 illustrated in Fig. 1 may include multiple participants 101.1-6 forming the material loop 100.

[0111] The material loop 100 may include all stages of the material from production of the material via use of the material to re-use of the material. The material may hence flow in a closed loop from production of constituents, the end product via use to re-use. Re-use may include re-purposing of the end-of-life product, re-furbishing of the end-of-life product and / or recycling of the end-of-life product to refeed recyclate into material production.

[0112] The participant(s) 101.1-6 of the material loop may be associated with the production of any material or product and / or recycling of any material or product. The participant(s) of the material loop 100 may include the part producer 101.1, the component producer 101.2, the original equipment manufacturer OEM 101.3, the end product user 101.4, the EOL product collector and / or sorter 101.5, the recycling system operator 101.6 and combinations thereof. The participant(s) may include various participant(s) of the material chain or loop not shown in Fig. 1 . The participant(s) 101.1-6 of the material loop 100 may be connected through material flow(s) 104. The material flow 104 may correspond to the flow of product or material from one participant 101 .1-6 of the material loop to the downstream participant 101.1-6 of the material loop 100. The material flow 104 may refer to a continuous or a discontinuous flow of product or material. The flow of product or material may include any means of transportation suitable to transport the product from one participant 101.1-6 to another downstream participant 101.1-6. The means of transportation may include pipes, containers, barrels, packages or the like. The material flow 104 may be a one-sided flow, such as a directional material flow 104. The material flow 104 may flow from the upstream participant 101.1-6 to the downstream participant 101.1-6 of the material loop 100, such as the material flow 104 from the recycling system operator 101.6 to the chemical product producer 101.1. The material flow may include reverse material flow 104 from the downstream participant 101.1-6 to the upstream participant 101.1-6 of the material loop 100. For example, material may flow 104 from the chemical product producer 101.1 to the recycling system operator 101.6, e.g. when the recycled product or recyclate does not adhere to quality specifications and needs further treatment.

[0113] The material flow 106 may be associated with raw materials used to produce the parts, material or chemical product, such as virgin raw material(s). Virgin raw material may be unused raw material that has not been subjected to any processing other than for its production. Instead of virgin raw material(s) the material flow 104 may include recycled material(s). Recycled material(s) may be made from waste material that can be recycled. The raw and recycled ma- terials / parts may be provided to the part producer for producing parts(s) and the like.

[0114] In addition to the connection through material flows 104, the material participants 101.1-6 of the circular material loop 100 may be connected through data flows 105 via the decentral network 102. The decentral network 102 may include one or more decentral network nodes 103.1-6 associated with material participants 101.1-6 of the material loop 100. In a decentralized or decentral network 102, the decentral network nodes 103.1-6, in contrast to a centralized network, do not exclusively rely on a central network node. In other words, no single entity is the sole authority of the network. The decentral network 102 may include decentral and central network nodes. The decentral network 102 may include central network nodes that may control and / or monitor the decentral network nodes 103.1-6. For example, central network node(s) may provide authentication information, which allows at least two decentral network nodes 103.1-6 to establish a peer-to-peer communication channel between respective decentral network nodes 103.1-6.

[0115] The network nodes 103.1-6 may be computing nodes. The computing node may be any device or system that includes at least one physical and tangible processor, and a physical and tangible memory capable of having thereon computer-executable instructions that are executed by a processor. Computing nodes are now increasingly taking a wide variety of forms. Computing nodes may, for example, be handheld devices, monitoring systems, control systems, laptop computers, desktop computers, mainframes and / or data centers. The memory may take any form and depends on the nature and form of the computing node. The decentral network nodes 103.1-6 may be connected via a wired and / or wireless connection such as one of Ethernet, USB, LAN, WLAN and the like. Wireless communication may use, for example, WLAN, Wi-Fi, cellular, and / or Bluetooth. The decentral network nodes 103.1-6 may be configured to perform peer-to-peer data transactions, illustrated by the arrows 105 indicating data flow.

[0116] The decentral network nodes 103.1-6 may be configured as data consuming and / or providing network nodes. The decentral network nodes 103.1-6 may be configured to provide data to other network node(s) of the decentral network 102 and / or to consume data from other nodes of the decentral network 102. For instance, the decentral network node 103.1,3 associated with the part producer 101.1 or the OEM 101.3 may be configured to provide product data associated with properties of parts, components, and / or vehicles to downstream participants such as the waste collector or sorter 101.5 or the recycling operator 101.6. Further for instance, the decentral network node 103.5,6 associated with the waste collector or sorter 101 .5 or the recycling operator 101 .6 may be configured to access data from the network node 103.1-5 associated with upstream participants such as the monomer and / or polymer producer 101.1 or the polymer containing product producer 101.3.

[0117] The decentral network node(s) 103.1-6 may comprise computer-executable instructions configured to provide, consume and / or process data, such as product data associated with parts, components, and / or vehicles within the circular loop 100. The network node(s) may run a data providing service configured to provide data to another decentral network node 103.1-6 of the decentral network 102. The decentral network node(s) 103.1-6 configured to provide data may be associated with a data owner or a data generating node associated with a material or product produced or processed within the circular loop 100. The decentral network node(s) 103.1-6 may be connected to one or more dedicated data storage(s) storing the data associated with material or product produced or processed in the circular loop 100 (see for example Fig. 10). The dedicated data storage(s) may be under control of the data owner or data generating node associated with the material or product produced or processed in the circular loop 100. The data owner may be the respective participant 101.1-6 of the circular loop 100, the data generating node 103.1-6 is associated with. The data generating node 103.1-6 may have access to the dedicated data storage(s). Access to data associated with material or product produced or processed within the circular loop 100 may hence be under control of the data owner the respective decentral network node 103.1-6 is associated with. This allows to retain full control over data associated with material or product produced or processed within the circular loop 100 by the data owner. At the same time this enables sharing of data associated with material or product produced or processed within the circular loop 100 under controlled conditions, for example by using appropriate protocols including authorization and authentication mechanisms or schemes to establish peer-to-peer communication.

[0118] The decentral network node 103.1-6 configured to consume data may comprise computer-executable instructions for accessing and / or processing data within the decentral network 102, such as data associated with material produced or processed within the circular loop 100 and provided by a decentral data providing network node 103.1-6. The decentral data consuming network node 103.1-6 may be controlled or owned by or associated with any upstream or downstream participant of the circular loop 100. For instance, the decentral data consuming network node 103.3 may be associated with Vehicle OEM 101.3 to allow access to a digital credential representing at least a portion of a vehicle end-of-life assessment through, for example, the decentral data providing network node 103.6 associated with the recycling system operator 101.6.

[0119] The decentral network 102 may include further decentral network nodes (not shown in Fig. 1). The further decentral network nodes may not be associated with further participants of the circular loop 100. The further nodes may be decentral infrastructure service nodes (not shown in Fig. 1). The decentral infrastructure service nodes may provide services for decentral participant nodes 103.1-6, such as verifying the identity of the decentral network participant nodes 103.1-6 prior to performing a data ex-change. The decentral network participant node(s) 103.1-6 may be associated with or include certificate(s), such as X.509 certificate(s). The certificate(s) may be associated with an identity manager including e.g. a certificate issuing service and / or a dynamic provisioning service providing dynamic attribute tokens (e.g. OAuth Access Tokens). This way the decentral network node(s) 103.1-6 may be associated or connected to a unique identifier embedded in a X.509 certificate that identifies the respective decentral network node(s)

[0120] 103.1-6. The information required to verify the certificate may be provided via an authentication registry associated with the certificate issuing service and / or a dynamic provisioning service. For instance, in the IDSA Reference Architecture Model, Version 3.0 of April 2019, a decentral data providing network node associated with the data owner, a Certification Authority (CA), a Dynamic Attribute Provisioning Service (DAPS) and a decentral data consuming network node associated with the data consumer are used to verify the identity prior to performing a data exchange (not shown).

[0121] The material or product produced by participant(s) 101.1-6 of the circular loop 100 may be associated with material or product data associated with properties of the material or product produced by participant(s) 101.1-6 of the circular loop 100. The material or product data may be provided for access by the decentral data providing network node

[0122] 103.1-6 associated with the material or product producer. Access to the material or product data may be controlled by the decentral data providing network node 103.1-6. The material or product data may be accessed by decentral data consuming network node(s) 103.1-6 associated with further participants 101.1-6 of the material loop 100, such as any downstream participant 101.1-6.

[0123] The data flow 105 between decentral network nodes 103.1-6 may be directly or indirectly associated with the material flow 104, 106 between the participants 101.1-6 of the material loop 100. For instance, the data flow 105 may be directly associated with the material flow 104, if data associated with a chemical product provided from the chemical product producer 101.1 to the chemical product user 101.2 is accessed by a decentral data consuming network node

[0124] 103.1-6 associated with said chemical product user 101.2. For instance, the data flow 105 may be indirectly associated with the material flow 104, 106, if data associated with a chemical product produced by chemical product producer 101.1 is accessed by a decentral data consuming network node 103.1-6 associated with the recycling system operator 101.6.

[0125] Data transactions between decentral network nodes 103.1-6 may be based on a decentral identifier associated with the material or product data to be accessed. The decentral identifier may be associated with the physical entity of the material or product. The decentral identifier may be uniquely associated with the physical entity of the material or product. The decentral identifier may uniquely identify the material or product within the decentral network 102. The decentral identifier may be associated with further decentral identifier(s), such as decentral identifier(s) of material(s) or product(s) used to produce the end product. This may allow to track the material(s) or product(s) used to produce a product, such as an end-product. The decentral identifier may be included in a digital certificate associated with the material or product as is described in more detail in the context of Figs. 2-7.

[0126] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram illustrating selected aspects of transmitting a digital credential with at least a portion of a vehicle end-of-life assessment, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0127] The present disclosure comprises the step (210) selecting, by a credential holder, a digital credential representing at least a portion of a vehicle end-of-life assessment, wherein the digital credential includes a digital identifier associated with a vehicle and circularity data associated with the vehicle end-of-life assessment (as shown in FIG. 2). In an embodiment, a digital system may present the available certificates to a user, along with any relevant metadata, such as the issuer (e.g., via text and / or a graphical user interface) and / or the expiration date. The user may then choose the desired certificate from the available options and instruct the digital system to use it for the current interaction. The selection process may involve additional steps, such as verifying the identity of the user, checking the validity and status of the selected certificate, and establishing a secure connection with the intended recipient or service provider.

[0128] In some embodiments, the digital credential may be a verifiable credential and the digital identifier may be a decentralized identifier (DID). FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating selected aspects of a system for transmitting a digital credential with at least a portion of a vehicle end-of-life assessment, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. Issuer 310 may be a network node for an entity that issues a verifiable credential to another entity (e.g., a company, institution, or individual, an association, a governmental body, etc.). Issuer 310 may be associated with a certification body, an SSO, an auditor, a regulator (or other governmental entity), or any other organization that is authorized to issue credentials. Issuer 310 may create verifiable credential 312, which may contain information about holder 320. Holder 320 is a network node for an entity (e.g., a company, institution, or individual, an association, a governmental body, a recycling system operator, etc.) that receives and holds verifiable credential 312. Holder 320 may control its credentials and may share them with others (e.g., with Verifier 330). In some embodiments, verifiable credential 312 is a digital representation of a certificate representing at least a portion of a vehicle end-of-life assessment. The verifiable credential may include a digital identifier associated with a vehicle and circularity data associated with the vehicle end-of-life assessment. Verifier 330 is a network node for an entity that may decide to verify the authenticity of verifiable credential 612. For example, Verifier 330 may be a network node of a vehicle OEM and verifiable credential 612 may include a representation of a vehicle end-of-life assessment for a vehicle made by that OEM. The verification process is further described below with reference to FIG. 9. Verifiable credential 312 may include one or more claims 314 as shown by FIG. 3. In an embodiment, a claim may refer to an element of data that is contained within credential 612. Each claim may represent a specific attribute or characteristic of the credential holder and / or the vehicle end-of-life assessment (e.g., holder 320, shown in FIG. 3). In some embodiments, verifiable credential 312 represents a certificate issued by a certification body. The claims that may be included in verifiable credential 312 may depend on the vehicle (or components and / or parts thereof), the type of assessment, the applicable R-strategy, standard(s) and / or certification body.

[0129] FIG. 4 illustrates verifiable credential 400 which has a hierarchical structure in which a top-level claim (e.g., claim 402) corresponds to a vehicle (e.g., includes a vehicle-level end-of-life assessment). Within the top-level claim, credential 400 may include subclaims (e.g., subclaims 404-406) corresponding to, for example, components of the vehicle (with a component-level end-of-life assessment). The component subclaims may, in turn, include productlevel subclaims (e.g., 408-410) corresponding to parts of the components (with a component-level end-of-life assessment). In alternative embodiments, credential 400 may be structured differently (and may or may not have a hierarchical structure).

[0130] Credential 400 may include one or more claims such as: vehicle identifier 402a, assessment of recyclability 402b (which may be at the vehicle level, component level, and / or part level), scoring (or recyclability index) 402c, and recommendation(s) (or circularity enhancement data) 402d. In alternative embodiments, credential 402 may have more claims, fewer claims, and / or different claims. For example credential 402 may include one or more of the following claims: name of the certifying body or organization, name of the standard or certification scheme, name of the company or individual that performed the assessment, date of certification or expiration date , scope of the certification (e.g., scope of the end-of-life assessment), results of any tests or inspections conducted as part of the assessment process, any relevant environmental or sustainability metrics or indicators, and / or the level or grade of compliance achieved. Claim 402 may be structured as key-value pairs, where the key represents the name of the attribute and the value represents the actual information. For example, a claim for a vehicle identifier could have a key of "vehicle identifier" and a value of "123456789." Claims 402a-402d may be digitally signed by issuer 310 using a cryptographic key to ensure their integrity and authenticity. In an embodiment, claims 402a-402d can be selectively disclosed to different parties depending on the needs of holder 320 and the requirements of verifier 330.

[0131] Component-level subclaims 404-406 and part-level subclaims 408-410 may include data applicable to particular components and / or parts of the vehicle (as illustrated in FIG. 4). Claims 404-410 may be structured as key-value pairs, where the key represents the name of the attribute and the value represents the actual information. For example, a claim for an assessment of recyclability could have a key of " assessment of recyclability" and a value of "123456789." Claims 404-410 may be digitally signed by issuer 310 using a cryptographic key to ensure their integrity and authenticity. In an embodiment, claims 404-410 can be selectively disclosed to different parties depending on the needs of holder 320 and the requirements of verifier 330. FIGs. 5A-5C illustrate an alternative embodiment in which separate digital credentials may be generated for the end- of-life assessments of a vehicle, its components and / or parts. Each of the digital credentials may include one or more claims as respectively illustrated by FIGs 5A-5C. In yet other embodiments, a mix of hierarchical and / or separate digital credentials may be generated to provide end-of-life assessments for a vehicle and its constituent components and / or parts.

[0132] Returning to FIG. 3, decentralized identity service 340 may be a platform or network that provides services for managing and exchanging decentralized identities and verifiable credentials. In an embodiment, decentralized identity service 340 may provide identity creation and management as well as identity registration. In some embodiments, decentralized identity service 340 may create decentralized identifiers (DIDs) for issuer 310, holder 320, and / or verifier 330. A DID may be a unique identifier that is used to represent a digital identity on a decentralized network. In some embodiments, a DID may be used to link the verifiable credential to the holder's digital identity. The DID can be used as a reference to the holder's public key, which is used to sign and verify the verifiable credential.

[0133] Decentral network 350 may be a digital network that is designed to operate in a distributed and decentralized manner, without relying on any central authority or intermediary. In some embodiments, decentral network 350 is a distributed ledger. A distributed ledger refers to a type of database that is maintained by a network of computers, rather than a central authority. The ledger records transactions between participants in the network, and these transactions are stored in a tamper-evident and immutable manner. Decentral network 350 may be based on blockchain technology, which uses cryptographic algorithms to ensure the security and integrity of the transactions recorded on the ledger. These algorithms ensure that the ledger cannot be altered or tampered without detection, and that all participants in the network can verify the authenticity of the transactions. Decentral network 350 may be used to store and manage the credentials themselves, as well as the associated metadata, such as the identity of issuer 310 and the date of issuance. This can provide a secure and tamper-proof record of the credential, which can be verified by anyone with access to, for example, ledger. In alternative embodiments, decentral network 350 may be implemented in a data-sharing network using distributed databases with a centralized identity layer like Catena-X. In yet other embodiments, decentral network 350 may be implemented on other decentral technologies.

[0134] In some embodiments, issuer 310 may create and digitally sign verifiable credential 312 with the following process: (i) creating a DID using, for example decentralized identity service 340, (ii) generating a public / private key pair associated with the DID, (iii) creating a verifiable credential that includes information about the holder 320, the credential itself, and issuer 310, (iv) signing verifiable credential 312 with the private key, (v) attaching the DID to verifiable credential 312 to show that issuer 310 is issuing verifiable credential 312, (vi) transmitting verifiable credential 312 to holder 320, and (vi) publishing verifiable credential 312 to decentral network 350.

[0135] In some embodiments, holder 320 may store verifiable credential 312 in digital wallet 325. Digital wallet 325 may be a digital application that allows holder 320 to store, manage, and present its digital certificates from one or more issuers (e.g., issuer 310). Digital wallet 325 may include a user interface that displays the digital certificates and allows holder 320 to view and manage them. The wallet may also include features such as search functionality, filtering options, and the ability to sort the certificates by issuer, date, or other criteria. Digital wallet 325 may be stored on the holder 320's network node, system, device (such as a smartphone or computer) or in the cloud, and it may be secured with a password or other form of authentication to ensure that only the holder can access the certificates. Digital wallet 325 may also include features for presenting and sharing the certificates with others. For example, holder 320 may be able to generate a QR code or share a link that allows others to view the certificates, or the wallet may include integration with other applications or platforms that require verification of the holder's credentials.

[0136] Holder 320 may prepare and present verifiable credential 312 to verifier 330 with the following process: (I) select verifiable credential 312 from wallet 325, (II) generate digital proof using, for example, holder 320's private key and the DID associated with verifiable credential 312, (ill) transmitting variable credential 312, the digital proof, and the DID associated with verifiable credential to verifier 330. Verifier 330 can then verify the authenticity and validity of verifiable credential 312 using the digital proof and the DID associated with verifiable credential 312.

[0137] In some embodiments, holder 320 may gather additional metadata to provide supporting information for verifiable credential 312. The metadata may provide context to the verifiable credential, helping verifier 330 to understand verifiable credential 312 in a broader context. For example, if verifiable credential 312 shows (at least a portion of) a vehicle end-of-life assessment, holder 320 might provide additional data from an audit to help verifier 330 understand the credential in the context of an auditing process. The additional data may also increase the trust and confidence of verifier 330 in holder 320 (and in verifiable credential 312). For example, holder 320 may provide additional information about its data quality to increase trust in verifiable credential 312. The additional metadata (or data) may also help holder 320 meet additional requirements or criteria that are necessary for verifier 330 to accept the verifiable credential. For example, if verifier 330 requires specific data about GHG emissions holder 320 might provide additional data related to carbon emissions along with verifiable credential 312. The additional data may also provide evidence to support verifiable credential 312 and the claims made in the credential. For example, if verifiable credential 312 includes a claim about the state of a component and / or part, holder 320 might provide additional data in the form of photographs that document the state of the component and / or claim.

[0138] Fig. 6 illustrates what could be referred to as an "individual” configuration for different digital certificates of a circular manufacturing value chain (e.g., credential 402, shown in FIG. 4). For multiple stages in the value chain individual digital certificates may be generated, among them a digital certificate associated with a vehicle end-of-life assessment. Each digital certificate may include a respective digital, particularly decentral, identifier and data relating to a respective item at a respective stage of the value chain. The different digital certificates may be concatenated through hash values based on different data sets, specifically the different data included in the respective digital certificates. As shown in Fig. 6, for instance, hash 1 may be based on data of a digital certificate associated with a vehicle part ("part digital certificate”), hash 2 may be based on data of the digital certificate associated with a different vehicle part and hash 3 may be based on data of a component digital certificate in combination with, particularly concatenated with, data of the two part digital certificates. The hashes may be used to generate a hash chain allowing to determine the waste materials bundled into a waste material package. Further combination and particularly concatenation may be done for other combinations of digital certificates up to hash n, which combines, particularly concatenates, digital certificates up to the digital certificate associated with the vehicle ("vehicle digital certificate”). The sequence of hashes from hash 1 to hash n can be viewed as a "mirror” of the value chain from the parts and / or components to the vehicle, since it reflects the relationships between the respective digital certificates. Concatenation via hashes is only one example concatenation via which a digital certificate can be linked to digital certificates of vehicle parts and / or components following in the value chain. Moreover, instead of an "individual” configuration as shown in Fig. 6, other configurations leading to other combinations of the data being hashed and thus to other hash chains.

[0139] Fig. 7 shows the digital certificates of Fig. 6 including concatenation information indicating the concatenation of the digital certificates using hash values as described with reference to Fig. 6. That is to say, in this case the digital certificates comprise concatenation information in the form of respective hash values as explained with reference to Fig. 6.

[0140] FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating selected aspects of presenting a digital certificate representing at least a portion of a vehicle end-of-life assessment, according to an embodiment of the invention. System 800 includes decentral network 350 with issuer 310, holder 320, and verifier 330 (described in more detail above with reference to FIG. 3). Issuer 310 issues digital credential 312 to holder 320. Holder 320 stores digital credential 312 in digital wallet 325. In the illustrated embodiment, digital wallet 325 may be part of end-of-life assessment system 810. End-of-life assessment system 810 may monitor and / or control a vehicle end-of-life assessment process for a participant in a circular manufacturing value chain.

[0141] In an embodiment, data sources 820 are communicatively coupled to end-of-life assessment system 810 via a digital network (e.g., any combination of wired and / or wireless networks suitable for exchanging digital data). Data sources 820 includes data sources 820a-820d. Data sources 820a-820d may be systems from which data can be retrieved or obtained. A data source can be any type of system or technology that collects, stores, and / or provides access to data, such as a database, a file system, a web service, a sensor network, a camera, a satellite, an loT device, production equipment, and the like. Applications or other systems within end-of-life assessment system 810 may access data 814, for example, through a query interface or through a data transfer mechanism such as a file transfer protocol (FTP), a web API, and / or a message queue. Data sources 820a-820d can be either internal or external to a system, depending on the specific context and use case. For example, a data source could be an internal database that is used by an application to store and retrieve data, or it could be an external web service that provides data to a third-party application. Digital credential presentation logic 816 generates presentations for holder 320. A presentation refers to a digital process in which holder 320 presents digital credential 312 to verifier 330, to provide a vehicle end-of-life assessment (e.g., to an OEM). The presentation may involve holder 320 generating a digital proof or signature that proves the authenticity and integrity of digital credential 312. Holder 320 may then present digital credential 312 and the digital proof to verifier 330 in a secure and verifiable manner (as shown by 830). Additional data 814 may include additional claims, context information, or other relevant data that helps to verify the authenticity and validity of verifiable credential 312. The presentation process may enable secure and selective disclosure of data and attributes, while preserving privacy and control for holder 320.

[0142] Referring again to FIG. 2 and 3 together the present disclosure includes the step 215 generating, with the credential holder's private key, digital proof that the credential holder is presenting the digital credential representing the at least a portion of the vehicle end-of-life assessment. Holder 320 may generate, with its private key, digital proof that holder 320 is presenting the digital credential representing at least a portion of a vehicle end-of-life assessment. In some embodiments, Issuer 310 may be a network node for a certification body (e.g., that provides third-party verification of the vehicle end-of-life assessment). Verifiable credential 312 may include one or more claims 314 that show issuer 310 has certified holder 320 as presenting a vehicle end-of-life assessment. In some embodiments, holder 320 may store verifiable credential 312 in digital wallet 325. Holder 320 may receive an instruction (e.g., via a user interface) to present (i.e., share) verifiable credential 312 (or one or more claims 314) with, for example, verifier 330. Holder 320 may use its private key and the DID associated with verifiable credential 312 to generate digital proof. In alternative embodiments, holder 320 may generate the digital proof with a different digital signature mechanism such as Zero-Knowledge Proofs (ZKP), OpenPGP, JSON Web Token (JWT), or JSON Web Signature (JWS).

[0143] The present disclosure comprises the step (220) selecting a digital representation of additional data associated with the recyclability information of a vehicle (as shown in FIG. 2). In an embodiment, a digital system may present the available additional data to a user, along with any relevant metadata, such as the data type (e.g., via text and / or a graphical user interface) and / or the description of the additional data (and / or of the data elements therein) The user may then choose the desired additional data (and / or data elements) from the available options and instruct the digital system to use it for the current interaction. The selection process may involve additional steps, such as verifying the identity of the user, checking the validity and status of the selected certificate, and establishing a secure connection with the intended recipient or service provider.

[0144] Holder 320 may then generate, with its private key, digital proof that holder 320 is presenting (I) the digital credential representing recyclability information of a vehicle and / or the digital representation of additional data associated with the recyclability information of the vehicle and (II) the applicable digital proof. Holder 320 may receive an instruction (e.g., via a user interface) to present (i.e., share) verifiable credential 312 (or one or more claims 314) and additional data 316 (or one or more primary data elements 318) with, for example, verifier 330. Holder 320 may use its private key and the DID associated with verifiable credential 312 to generate digital proof. Alternatively, holder 320 may generate separate digital proofs for each of verifiable credential 312 and additional data 316 using DIDs associated with verifiable credential 312 and additional data 316, respectively. In alternative embodiments, holder 320 may generate the digital proof with a different digital signature mechanism such as Zero-Knowledge Proofs (ZKP), OpenPGP, JSON Web Token (JWT), or JSON Web Signature (JWS).

[0145] FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram illustrating selected aspects of the interactions between network nodes according to an embodiment of the invention. Issuer 310 creates a verifiable credential at 905 and provides it to holder 320 at 910. Issuer 310 may create the verifiable credential by assembling the data that will be included in the credential, formatting it according to a data model (e.g., as shown in FIG. 5A) and signing it with its private key. In some embodiments, issuer 310 may send the verifiable credential as a JSON-LD document. The JSON-LD document is a machine-readable format that contains information about the verifiable credential, such as the issuer's name, the credential type, the holder's name, and the expiration date, among other things. Issuer 310 may digitally sign the JSON-LD document to support the integrity and authenticity of the information contained in it. Once the JSON-LD document is signed, it can be transmitted to holder 320 using any secure communication method, such as email or a secure messaging service. Holder 320 can then store the credential in a digital wallet or other application designed to manage verifiable credentials.

[0146] Holder 320 may create one or more claims using the verifiable credential as shown by 915. In some embodiments, holder 320 may extract the relevant information from the verifiable credential (for one or more claims) and create a JSON-LD document that contains the claim(s), along with other contextual information, such as the verification method to be used. Holder 320 may also create additional data (e.g., associated with the verifiable credential) as shown by 920. Holder 320 may create the additional data by extracting relevant information from a data source containing the additional data (for example from digital wallet 325 as shown in FIG. 3). Holder 320 may add the additional data to the JSON-LD document that contains the claim(s). Alternatively, holder 320 may add the additional data to a separate JSON-LD document (or use a different format for the additional data).

[0147] Referring to FIGs. 3 and 9 together, holder 320 may transmit the digital credential, the digital representation of additional data and / or the digital proof that the credential holder is presenting the digital credential to a verifier 330 (e.g., to provide a digital representation of at least partial compliance with a standard). For example, holder 320 may sign a JSON-LD document(s) that contains the verifiable credential and the additional data using its own cryptographic signature. Holder 320 may then transmit the signed JSON-LD document to verifier 330 (as shown by 925 in FIG. 9 as well as 230 in FIG. 2) over any combination of wired and wireless networks (and the applicable protocols for the wired and / or wireless networks). For example, in an embodiment, holder 320 may transmit the signed JSON-LD document by any secure communication method, such as email or a secure messaging service.

[0148] Verifier 330 may verify the cryptographic signatures of the JSON-LD document as shown by 930-935. For example, verifier 330 may check the DIDs of issuer 310 and holder 320 as shown by 330. Verifier 330 may then verify the signature(s) on the JSON-LD document(s) at 335. In some embodiments, verifier 330 also check whether the verifiable credential (and / or the additional data) is still valid. FIG. 10 illustrates schematically an example of a method or apparatus for providing digital credentials representing at least a portion of a vehicle end-of-life assessment with products (e.g., vehicle, component(s), and / or part(s)) to a data consumer via a decentral network.

[0149] The product 1072 as produced by a circular production network may be provided in association with a digital asset such as a digital credential as described in the context of FIGs 1-9. The digital asset may include the product identifier. The digital asset may include one or more digital credentials such as verifiable credentials representing at least a portion of a vehicle end-of-life assessment. The digital asset may include a digital credential and / or additional data associated to the credential. The digital asset may include a digital identifier associated with a vehicle and circularity data associated with the vehicle end-of-life assessment. The digital asset may also include a digital representation of additional data associated with the one or more certificates.

[0150] The digital asset may further include or relate to authentication and / or authorization information linked to the chemical product identifier, the digital credential, and / or the digital representation of the additional data. The authentication and / or authorization information may be provided for authentication and / or authorization of a data providing service 1008 and / or data consuming service 1010. The product identifier may include or relate to a decentral identifier, that is uniquely associated with the product (and / or the digital credential and / or the digital representation of additional data). The decentral identifier may be connected to the digital representation of the environmental attributes. The digital representation may include a representation for accessing the digital credential or parts thereof. The decentral identifier may include a Universally Unique IDentifier (UUID) or a Digital IDentifier (DID). The decentral identifier may include any unique identifier uniquely associated with a data owner and / or chemical product. The data owner may be the producer of the chemical product. Via the decentral identifier and its unique association with the data owner and / or chemical product, access to the digital credential and / or the digital representation of additional data may be controlled by the data owner.

[0151] The digital asset including the digital credential and / or the digital representation of additional data may be stored in a decentral database 1000. The one or more digital credentials and / or the additional data may be stored in a database 1002 associated with the data owner, such as the producer of the product 1072.

[0152] The product 1072 may be physically delivered to a customer (or other user of the product). The product may be connected with a QR-code having encoded the chemical product identifier. The user of the product may read the QR- code through a QR-code reader 1006. The product identifier may be provided to a database 1024 associated with the user or customer of the chemical product 1072. In other embodiments the user or customer of the chemical product may retrieve the product identifier through the decentral data base 1000.

[0153] The data owner in this example may be the product producer, the product customer / user, or the end product producer. The data owner may comprise any entity generating data. The data generating node may be coupled to the data owner or the entity owning or producing physical products from or for which data is generated. The data may be generated by a third-party entity on behalf of the entity owning physical products from or for which data is generated.

[0154] The data consuming service 1010 may comprise computer-executable instructions for accessing and / or processing data, such as product data, associated with the data owner. The data providing service 1008 may comprise computer-executable instructions for providing and / or processing data associated with the data owner for accessing and / or processing by the data consuming service 1010.

[0155] The present invention further relates to a non-transitory computer readable data medium storing a computer program including instructions for executing steps of the method according to the present invention. Computer readable data medium include hard drives, for example on a serv-er, USB storage device, CD, DVD or Blue-ray discs. The computer program may contain all functionalities and data required for execution of the method according to the present invention or it may provide interfaces to have parts of the method processed on remote systems, for example on a cloud system.

[0156] The present invention further relates to a system or apparatus for transmitting a digital credential with circularity data in a manufacturing value chain. Unless explicitly described differently hereafter, the description relating to the method also applies to the system or apparatus. The system or apparatus can be a computing device, for example a computer, tablet, or smartphone, or a distributed computing system or apparatus or apparatus such as a cloud system. Often the computing device has a network connection in order to communicate with other computing devices, such as servers or a cloud network.

[0157] The present disclosure has been described in conjunction with preferred embodiments and examples as well. However, other variations can be understood and effected by those persons skilled in the art and practicing the claimed invention, from the studies of the drawings, this disclosure and the claims.

[0158] Any steps presented herein can be performed in any order. The methods disclosed herein are not limited to a specific order of these steps. It is also not required that the different steps are performed at a certain place or in a certain computing node of a distributed system, i.e. each of the steps may be performed at different computing nodes using different equipment / data processing.

[0159] As used herein "determining” also includes "initiating or causing to determine”, "generating” also includes "initiating and / or causing to generate” and "providing” also includes "initiating or causing to determine, generate, select, send and / or receive”. "Initiating or causing to perform an action” includes any processing signal that triggers a computing node or device to perform the respective action. In the claims as well as in the description the word "comprising” or "including” does not exclude other elements or steps and the indefinite article "a” or "an” does not exclude a plurality. A single element or other unit may fulfill the functions of several entities or items recited in the claims. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in the mutual different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used in an advantageous implementation.

[0160] Any disclosure and embodiments described herein relate to the methods, the systems, devices, the computer program element lined out above and vice versa. Advantageously, the benefits provided by any of the embodiments and examples equally apply to all other embodiments and examples and vice versa.

[0161] All terms and definitions used herein are understood broadly and have their general meaning.

[0162] Any disclosure and embodiments described herein are mere examples for implementing the method, the system or application device disclosed herein and shall not be considered limiting.

Claims

Claims:1 . A computer-implemented method for transmitting a digital credential with circularity data in a manufacturing value chain, the method comprising: selecting, by a credential holder, a digital credential representing at least a portion of a vehicle end-of-life assessment, wherein the digital credential includes a digital identifier associated with a vehicle and circularity data associated with the vehicle end-of-life assessment; generating, with the credential holder's private key, digital proof that the credential holder is presenting the digital credential representing the at least a portion of the vehicle end-of-life assessment; transmitting the digital credential representing the at least a portion of the vehicle end-of-life assessment and the digital proof that the credential holder is presenting the digital credential from the credential holder to a network node of a verifier to provide a digital representation of the at least a portion of a vehicle end-of-life assessment.

2. The computer-implemented method of claims 1 , wherein the circularity data associated with the vehicle end-of- life assessment includes a recyclability index representing a recycling feasibility of the vehicle.

3. The computer-implemented method of claims 1 or 2, wherein the circularity data associated with the vehicle end-of-life assessment includes circularity enhancement data, wherein the circularity enhancement data represents a recommendation to improve performance with respect to an R-strategy of at least one of a vehicle, a component of the vehicle, or a part of the vehicle.

4. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 wherein the digital credential representing the at least a portion of a vehicle end-of-life assessment represents an assessment of the recyclability of at least one of a vehicle, a component of the vehicle, or a part of the vehicle.

5. The computer-implemented method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein selecting, by the credential holder, the digital credential representing the at least a portion of a vehicle end-of-life assessment comprises selecting, by the credential holder, two or more digital credentials wherein each of the two or more digital credentials are associated with at least one of a vehicle, a component of the vehicle, or a part of the vehicle.

6. The computer-implemented method of claim 5, wherein the two or more digital credentials includes a first digital credential associated with the vehicle and a second digital credential associated with a component of the vehicle.

7. The computer-implemented method of claim 6, wherein the two or more digital credentials includes the first digital credential associated with the vehicle, the second digital credential associated with a component of the vehicle, and a digital credential associated with a part of the component of the vehicle.

8. The computer-implemented method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the network node of the verifier is the network node of an original equipment manufacturer that manufactured the vehicle.

9. The computer-implemented method according to any of the preceding claim, wherein the vehicle end-of-life assessment is an automotive end-of-life assessment and the vehicle is an automobile.

10. A non-transitory computer readable data medium storing a computer program including instructions for executing steps of the method according to any of the preceding claims.

11. A system for transmitting a digital credential with circularity data in a manufacturing value chain, the system comprising: an input configured to receive an instruction to transmit from a credential holder (i) a digital credential, selected by a credential holder, representing at least a portion of a vehicle end-of-life assessment, wherein the digital credential includes a digital identifier associated with a vehicle and circularity data associated with the vehicle end-of-life assessment and (ii) digital proof that the credential holder is presenting the digital credential from the credential holder to a network node of a verifier to provide a digital representation of the at least a portion of a vehicle end-of-life assessment; a processor configured to (i) select, by the credential holder, the digital credential representing at least a portion of a vehicle end-of-life assessment, wherein the digital credential includes the digital identifier associated with a vehicle and circularity data associated with the vehicle end-of-life assessment and (ii) generate, with the credential holder's private key, digital proof that the credential holder is presenting the digital credential representing certification of at least partial compliance with a sustainability standard; and an output configured to transmit, from the credential holder, the digital credential representing the at least a portion of the vehicle end-of-life assessment and the digital proof that the credential holder is presenting the digital credential from the credential holder to a network node of a verifier to provide a digital representation of the at least a portion of a vehicle end-of-life assessment.

12. The system according to claim 10, wherein the circularity data associated with the vehicle end-of-life assessment includes a recyclability index representing a recycling feasibility of the vehicle.

13. The system according to any of the claims 10-11, wherein the circularity data associated with the vehicle end- of-life assessment includes circularity enhancement data, wherein the circularity enhancement data representsa recommendation to improve performance with respect to an R-strategy of at least one of a vehicle, a component of the vehicle, or a part of the vehicle.

14. The system according to any of the claim 10, wherein the digital credential representing the at least a portion of a vehicle end-of-life assessment represents an assessment of the recyclability of at least one of a vehicle, a component of the vehicle, or a part of the vehicle.

15. The system according to any of the claims 10-14, wherein the processor configured to select, by the credential holder, the digital credential representing the at least a portion of a vehicle end-of-life assessment comprises the processor configured to select, by the credential holder, two or more digital credentials wherein each of the two more digital credentials is associated with at least one of a vehicle, a component of the vehicle, or a part of the component of the vehicle.

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