DK202100343A1 - System for promoting the reuse or recycling of packaging material - Google Patents

System for promoting the reuse or recycling of packaging material Download PDF

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Publication number
DK202100343A1
DK202100343A1 DKPA202100343A DKPA202100343A DK202100343A1 DK 202100343 A1 DK202100343 A1 DK 202100343A1 DK PA202100343 A DKPA202100343 A DK PA202100343A DK PA202100343 A DKPA202100343 A DK PA202100343A DK 202100343 A1 DK202100343 A1 DK 202100343A1
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DK
Denmark
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packaging
packaging material
consumer
central database
labelled
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DKPA202100343A
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Hjort Hansen Rikke
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Teknologisk Inst
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Priority to DKPA202100343A priority Critical patent/DK202100343A1/en
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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q10/00—Administration; Management
    • G06Q10/30—Administration of product recycling or disposal
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02W—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO WASTEWATER TREATMENT OR WASTE MANAGEMENT
    • Y02W90/00—Enabling technologies or technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to greenhouse gas [GHG] emissions mitigation

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Human Resources & Organizations (AREA)
  • Operations Research (AREA)
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  • Economics (AREA)
  • Entrepreneurship & Innovation (AREA)
  • Marketing (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Quality & Reliability (AREA)
  • Sustainable Development (AREA)
  • Tourism & Hospitality (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Management, Administration, Business Operations System, And Electronic Commerce (AREA)

Abstract

This invention relates to a system for promoting the recycling of packaging material, in particular packaging materials made from environmentally harmful materials, e.g., food and beverage containers, disposable or for recycling, and often made from plastic materials, which represent a serious and growing environmental problem.

Description

DK 2021 00343 A1 1
SYSTEM FOR PROMOTING THE REUSE OR RECYCLING OF PACKAGING MATERIAL
TECHNICAL FIELD This invention relates to a system for promoting the reuse and recycling of packaging materials, in particular packaging materials made from single-use materials, e.g., food and beverage containers, and often made from plastic materials, which represent a serious and growing environmental problem.
BACKGROUND ART Different systems for receiving and identification of reusable and recyclable items, like returnable empty beverage containers, are described in the literature.
WO2006080851 discloses a reverse vending machine (RVM) for receiving, handling, sorting and storing returnable items or objects, and US2011180463 discloses a device for recognizing characteristic features of empty containers. WO2018138311 discloses a device for sorting used beverage or food containers, and WO2018224107 discloses a system for validation and authentication of recyclable containers.
Moreover, WO2014114469 describes a sensor device for remote monitoring of a waste container, and WO2016071561 describes a system for monitoring and communicating the fill rate of a container. WO2014079586 and WO2016071561 describe waste collection systems that include a server system for receiving signals, via a wireless communication network about the waste status, from sensor arrangements included in waste containers, and US7957937 discloses a system for scheduling the emptying or replacement of a waste container based on the fullness or the usage of the container.
Finally, WO2017007913 describes a system for tracking and managing waste or recyclable materials, and for managing information about numbers and variety of the stream of waste material.
However, a system for promoting the reuse and/or recycling of packaging material like the one described herein has never been disclosed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed to a system for implementing a sustainable reuse and recycling system for promoting the reuse and/or recycling of packaging material, in particular packaging materials made from indestructible or environmentally harmful materials.
DK 2021 00343 A1 2 The invention may be considered as the realization of a digitalized paper coupon and is based on technologies and equipment that most of the consumers already possesses, e.g., the use of smartphones. Moreover, all value management is centrally handled, and may take place, e.g., via a website and associated central database.
The system of the invention offers a simple workflow and low costs for running a business that supports the administration and operation of a recycling packaging system.
The deposit or value in question may be associated with a specific physical communication device, e.g., a smartphone, or it may be associated with the consumer through a centrally managed consumer login account.
The system of the invention is intended for any type of packaging registered and approved in the system and by an administration, e.g., reusable coffee cups, reusable takeaway food containers, shampoo bottles, and the like.
In connection with purchase of the item, the consumer pays a deposit determined by the administrative entity of the system, and the value of the deposit is redeemed digitally upon return of the container. Later, the container may be disposed of in a controlled and environmentally safe way, or it may go into a loop for washing and finishing and be used again.
Once the consumer has scanned the packaging for return and handed it in for reuse, e.g., by placing it in a collection container, the packaging has no real value, only the material value, if anyone should steal it. Digitally it is locked, as status for this specific packaging is waiting for approval from the administration, whereafter the deposit value can be redeemed.
Therefore, in its first aspect, the invention provides a system (1) for promoting the returning of a packaging material by a consumer (2), which consumer is associated with a financial transaction profile (2A), and which system is characterised by comprising the following elements: a. a uniquely labelled packaging material (3), affixed with a digitally readable packaging ID (3A) that can be read by a digital reading device (4, 6A), and which packaging ID enables the packaging material (3) to be assigned a particular status; b. a scanning and communication unit (4), in communication with the central database (5), capable of digitally reading or scanning the packaging ID (3A) of the labelled packaging material (3), and capable of transmitting the value read from the packaging ID, along with the financial transaction profile (2A) associated with the consumer (2), to the central database (5); and c. a central database (5), in communication with the scanning and communication unit (4) and, optionally, in communication with a collection bin (6), which central database (5) is capable of registering the status assigned to the packaging
DK 2021 00343 A1 3 material (3), and of registering the financial transaction profile (2A) of the consumer (2); which system enables the consumer (2) to regain a deposit made in respect of the packaging material (3), by use of the scanning and communication unit (4), to register the unique packaging ID (3A) affixed to the packaging material (3), and to communicate the packaging ID (3A) along with the financial transaction profile (2A) of the consumer (2) to the central database (5). In another aspect, the invention provides a method of handling the collection of valuable returnable packaging material (3), prior acquired by a consumer (2), which consumer is associated with a financial transaction profile (2A), and for the consumer (2) to regain/redeem a deposit made in respect of the packaging material (3), which method is characterised by comprising the following subsequent steps: i. the consumers (2) purchase of an item, packaged in a uniquely labelled packaging material (3), affixed with a digitally readable packaging ID (3A); ii. after use/consumption, and by use of a scanning and communication unit (4) in communication with the central database (5), the packaging ID (3A) labelled on the packaging material (3) is digitally read or scanned, and the value read from the packaging ID, along with the financial transaction profile (2A) associated with the consumer (2), is transmitted to a central database (5); iii. upon/after receipt of the packaging ID (3A) labelled on the packaging material (3) along with the financial transaction profile (2A) of the consumer (2), the central database (5) in communication with the scanning and communication unit (4) registers the status assigned to the packaging material (3) and the financial transaction profile (2A) of the consumer (2), and the central database (5) maintains/updates a status overview of the individual items; iv. by activating the consumer’s financial transaction profile (2A), the calculated deposit associated with the packaging ID (3A) labelled on the packaging material (3), the consumer (2) regain/redeem the deposit via a money transaction platform.
Other objects of the invention will be apparent to the person skilled in the art from reading the following detailed description and accompanying drawings.
Any combination of two or more of the embodiments described herein is considered within the scope of the present invention.
DETAILED DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION The system of the invention The present invention relates to a redemption scheme capable of redeeming e.g., a previously paid deposit, when a used packaging is returned.
DK 2021 00343 A1 4 Therefore, in its first aspect, the invention provides a system for promoting the returning of a packaging material by a consumer (2), which consumer is associated with a financial transaction profile (2A).
The system of the invention may be characterised by comprising the following essential elements: a. a uniquely labelled packaging material (3), affixed with a digitally readable packaging ID (3A) that can be read by a digital reading device (4, 6A), and which packaging ID enables the packaging material (3) to be assigned a particular status or condition; b. a scanning and communication unit (4), in communication with the central database (5), capable of digitally reading or scanning the packaging ID (3A) of the labelled packaging material (3), and capable of transmitting the value read from the packaging ID, along with the financial transaction profile (2A) associated with the consumer (2), to the central database (5); and c. a central database (5), in communication with the scanning and communication unit (4), and — optionally — in communication with the collection bin (6), which central database (5) is capable of registering the status assigned to the packaging material (3), and of registering the financial transaction profile (2A) of the consumer (2); which system enables the consumer (2) to regain a deposit made in respect of the packaging material (3), by use of the scanning and communication unit (4), to register the unique packaging ID (3A) affixed to the packaging material (3), and to communicate the packaging ID (3A) along with the financial transaction profile (2A) of the consumer (2) to the central database (5).
The central database (5) may be operated by an administrative entity (5A), which administrative entity (5A) may also manage one or more physical collecting/distribution sites (5B). According to this embodiment, actual payment of the deposit may not take place until the packaging material (3) has in fact been collected and returned to the physical collecting/distribution site (5B), operated, or controlled, by the administrative entity (5A). Also, according to this embodiment, collection of the packaging may, e.g., take place in connection with the consumer returning the packaging locally, possibly in the store where the item was purchased.
At the collecting/distribution site (5B), the packaging material (3) may again be subjected to a scanning process, and the result hereof (scanning data/information) may be communicated to the central database (5). According to this embodiment, the status for the specific packaging (3) may appear as locked until the status has been changed by the administrative entity (5A) or by information otherwise submitted to the central database (5).
DK 2021 00343 A1
Also, during the time from the consumer first registers the unique packaging ID (3A) affixed to the packaging material (3) and communicates the packaging ID (3A), along with the financial transaction profile (2A) of the consumer (2), to the central database (5), and until the packaging material (3) has arrived at the 5 collecting/distribution site (5B) and received a new status value, and/or awaits approval by the administrative entity (5A), the status for the specific packaging may appear as locked.
Only after a change of status and/or approval by the administrative entity (5A), the deposit value may be redeemed.
In another embodiment, the system of the invention comprises an intelligent collection bin, and may be characterised by further comprising the following element: d. a collection bin (6), comprising a data processing unit in communication with the central database (5), for receiving the uniquely labelled packaging material (3), which collection bin (6) with associated data processing unit comprises a reading device (6A) capable of digitally reading or scanning the value of the packaging ID (3A) affixed to the uniquely labelled packaging material (3) and transmitting/reporting the read value/data to the central database (5). According to this embodiment, the status for the specific packaging (3) may appear as locked only until packaging material has been placed in the collection bin (6), and digitally processed by the reading device (6A) and the new value has been digitally recorded with the central database (5), whereafter the deposit value may be redeemed.
By ensuring the consumer a refund of their deposit, the system of the invention encourages the delivery of potentially environmentally harmful packaging materials for central collection and safe destruction and/or for reuse/recycling.
The system of the invention addresses suppliers/vendors of goods, that are packaged in materials, which for some reason, are desirable to collect centrally for proper destruction or for sustainable reuse or recycling, as well as consumers of such goods.
In one embodiment, the system of the invention includes that the consumer holds a kind of financial transaction profile, i.e., holds a financial account to which a possible deposit can be returned, or an account that can receive vouchers that may be redeemed and may give additional discounts, e.g., discounts on buying coffee or meals, or collected moneys may be donated to charity, etc.
Such financial transaction may take place via conventional money transaction or money transfer platforms, e.g., MobilePay, PayPal, and similar digital services.
The status/condition of the packaging material Based on its unique identification value (ID), the packaging may be assigned a particular status/condition, e.g., in store/in stock at the suppliers’ premises, or sold to a customer, or locked, or returned by the customer for recycling.
DK 2021 00343 A1 6 In one embodiment, a status or condition associated with the packaging ID (3A) labelled on the packaging material (3) may be designated as “locked”, or a designation with a similar meaning, to the effect that the packaging material (3) has no monetary value until physical receipt of the particular item at the at the physical collecting site/distribution site (5B) or in an intelligent collection bin (6). The packaging material The system of the invention comprises a uniquely labelled packaging material (3), affixed with a digitally readable packaging ID (3A) that can be read by a digital reading device (4, 6A), and which packaging ID enables the packaging material (3) to be assigned a particular status/condition.
The packaging, e.g., a food or beverage container, must include some form of unique identification information (packaging ID) in order for the consumer to redeem the value of a deposit.
The packaging material (3) contemplated according to the present invention may be any valuable material that advantageously can be returned and possibly reused or recycled, as well as environmentally harmful materials, that should be submitted for reuse, recycling or for proper destruction. Examples of such materials include packaging materials made from environmentally harmful materials, e.g., single-use food and beverage containers including coffee cups, take-away food-containers, shampoo bottles, and the like, disposable or for reuse or recycling, and often made from plastic materials, which represent a serious and growing environmental problem.
For the packaging to be identified according to the system of the invention, the packaging needs to be uniquely labelled, e.g., applied with a Quick Response (QR) code or bar-code, or similar electronically readable information, that can pass on a unique identification value (ID) for the specific packaging.
Based on its unique identification value (ID), the packaging may be assigned a particular status/condition, e.g., in store/in stock at the suppliers’ premises, or sold to a customer, or locked, or returned by the customer for recycling.
The scanning and communication unit The system of the invention also comprises a scanning and communication unit (4), in communication with the central database (5), capable of digitally reading or scanning the packaging ID (3A) of the labelled packaging material (3), and capable of transmitting the value read from the packaging ID, along with the financial transaction profile (2A) associated with the consumer (2), to the central database (5).
The scanning and communication unit (4) for use according to the invention may be also regarded a user interface, comprising a data processing unit and a
DK 2021 00343 A1 7 communication interface, capable of quick and easy scanning of the packaging ID (3A) and configured for transmitting the value to the central database (5), e.g., via a wireless communication network. Such devices may include smartphones, that are widely distributed among consumers considered in the context of this invention.
The actual value collected from the packaging ID (3A) may eventually be associated only with the specific physical user interface (4) used, or it may be associated with a specific consumer login account, which the consumer has activated in advance. The central database The system of the invention further comprises a central database (5), in communication with the scanning and communication unit (4), and — optionally — in communication with the collection bin (6), which central database (5) is capable of registering the status assigned to the packaging material (3), and of registering the financial transaction profile (2A) of the consumer (2).
The central database (5) may be operated by an administrative entity (5A), which administrative entity may also manage one or more physical collecting/distribution sites (5B), i.e., physical locations where the packaging material (3) may be collected for identification and status check, and possibly further processing, e.g., washing and/or drying.
The central database (5) may be also regarded a digital platform, i.e., a server system, optionally a cloud-based solution, capable of communicating with various registration points, and configured for receiving and processing digital information via a wireless communication network (WiFi)/internet connection.
The collection bin/physical collection container/return basket In another embodiment, the system of the invention may further comprise an intelligent collection bin (6), comprising a data processing unit in communication with the central database (5), for receiving the uniquely labelled packaging material (3), which collection bin (6) with data processing unit comprises a reading device (6A) capable of digitally reading or scanning the value of the packaging ID (3A) affixed to the uniquely labelled packaging material (3), and transmitting the data obtained to the central database (5).
In one embodiment, the collection bin (6) for use according to the invention also comprises a power supply for maintaining the function of the electronic components in question.
In another embodiment, the collection bin (6) for use according to the invention further comprises one or more sensing devices/sensors (6B) capable of detecting the
DK 2021 00343 A1 8 amount of packaging material (3) collected in the collection bin (6), and of calculating a degree of filling of the container.
By use of this device, this intelligent collection bin (6) may inform the central database (5), and let the system know when it is time to empty the collection bin (6).
Money transaction platforms In one embodiment, the system of the invention includes that the consumer a kind of financial transaction profile, i.e., holds a financial account to which a possible deposit can be returned, or an account that can receive vouchers that may be redeemed and may give additional discounts, e.g., discounts on buying coffee or meals, or collected moneys may be donated to charity, etc. Such financial transaction may take place via conventional money transaction or money transfer platforms, e.g., MobilePay, PayPal, and similar digital services.
The method of the invention In another aspect, the invention provides a method for a consumer (2) to regain or to redeem a deposit made in respect of the packaging material (3).
Therefore, in another aspect, the invention provides a method of handling the collection of valuable returnable packaging material (3), prior acquired by a consumer (2), which consumer is associated with a financial transaction profile (2A), and for the consumer (2) to redeem a deposit made in respect of the packaging material (3).
The method of the invention may be characterised by comprising the following steps: i. the consumers (2) purchase of an item packaged in a uniquely labelled packaging material (3), affixed with a digitally readable packaging ID (3A); ii. after use/consumption, and by use of a scanning and communication unit (4) in communication with the central database (5), the packaging ID (3A) labelled on the packaging material (3) is digitally read or scanned, and the value read from the packaging ID, along with the financial transaction profile (2A) associated with the consumer (2), is transmitted to a central database (5); iii. following submission of the product/consumer information according to Step ii, (i.e., the value of the packaging ID (3A) labelled on the packaging material (3) together with the financial transaction profile (2A) associated with the consumer (2)), and following consumption of its content, the packaging material (3) may be: a) collected locally for later transfer or transport to a physical collecting site or distribution site (5B);
DK 2021 00343 A1 9 b) is delivered to an intelligent collection bin (6), configured for digitally reading the value of the packaging ID (3A) affixed to the uniquely labelled packaging material (3) and transmitting or reporting the read value or data to the central database (5); iv. upon or after receipt of the packaging ID (3A) labelled on the packaging material (3) along with the financial transaction profile (2A) of the consumer (2), the central database (5) in communication with the scanning and communication unit (4) registers a status assigned to the packaging material (3) and the financial transaction profile (2A) of the consumer (2), and the central database (5) maintains/updates a status overview of the individual items; v. the status or condition associated with the packaging ID (3A) labelled on the packaging material (3) remains locked until physical receipt of the packaging material (3), either: a) at the physical collecting site/distribution site (5B) of Step iii, a; or b) in the intelligent collection bin (6) of Step iii, b; and vi. upon or after physical receipt as defined in Step v, and/or after change of status/condition associated with the packaging ID (3A) labelled on the packaging material (3), the consumer (2) regain/redeem a deposit calculated deposit associated with the packaging ID (3A) labelled on the packaging material (3), by activating the consumer's financial transaction profile (2A), and the deposit is returned via a money transaction service.
Step i In Step i of the method of the invention the consumer (2) acquires an item, locally at a vendor or at a similar place of purchase, packaged in a uniquely labelled packaging material (3), affixed with a digitally readable packaging ID (3A), e.g., applied with a Quick Response (QR) code or bar-code, or similar electronically readable information, that can pass on a unique identification value (ID) for the specific packaging.
Packaging materials (3) contemplated according to the present invention may be any valuable material that advantageously can be returned and possibly reused or recycled, as well as environmentally harmful materials, that should be submitted for reuse, recycling or for proper destruction.
Step ii In Step ii of the method of the invention, the consumer (2) transmits the value of the packaging ID (3A) labelled on the packaging material (3) to the central database (5). This is accomplished using the scanning and communication unit (4) that is configured for communication with the central database (5), and which communication
DK 2021 00343 A1 10 unit (4) is also configured to digitally read or scan the value of the packaging ID on the packaging, while also configured to transmit the financial transaction profile (2A) associated with the consumer (2). For easy reference, the value of the packaging ID (3A) labelled on the packaging material (3) together with the financial transaction profile (2A) associated with the consumer (2), may be designated product/consumer information.
The actual value collected from the packaging ID (3A) may eventually be associated only with the specific physical user interface (4) used, or it may be associated with a specific consumer login account, which the consumer has activated in advance, and that is recognised by an administrative entity (5A) operating the database (5).
The scanning and communication unit (4) for use according to the invention may be also regarded a user interface, comprising a data processing unit and a communication interface, capable of quick and easy scanning of the packaging ID (3A) and configured for transmitting the value to the central database (5), e.g., via a wireless communication network. Such devices may include smartphones, that are widely distributed among consumers considered in the context of this invention.
Step iii According to Step iii of the method of the invention, when the product/consumer information described in Step ii (i.e., the value of the packaging ID (3A) labelled on the packaging material (3) together with the financial transaction profile (2A) associated with the consumer (2)), has been received and processed in the database (5), and — usually — following consumption of the content of the purchased item, the packaging material (3) may be: a) collected locally, i.e., left at the point of purchase or at a similar place of purchase for later transfer or transport to the physical collecting site or distribution site (5B); or b) delivered to an intelligent collection bin (6) configured for digitally reading the value of the packaging ID (3A) affixed to the uniquely labelled packaging material (3) and transmitting/reporting the read value/data to the central database (5).
In the context of this invention an intelligent collection bin (6) is a collection bin comprising a data processing unit in communication with the central database (5), for receiving the uniquely labelled packaging material (3), which intelligent collection bin (6) also comprises a reading device (6A) capable of digitally reading/scanning the value of the packaging ID (3A) affixed to the uniquely labelled packaging material (3), and capable of transmitting the loaded data to the central database (5).
DK 2021 00343 A1 11 Step iv In Step iv according to the method of the invention, the central database (5), registers a status assigned to the packaging material (3) and the financial transaction profile (2A) of the consumer (2), and the central database (5) maintains and/or updates a status overview of the individual items.
This registration may take place following i.a. receipt of the product/consumer information described in Step ii and Step iii and following receipt of the physical packaging material (3) at the physical collecting site or distribution site (5B), as described in Step iii.
Based on communication with the scanning and communication unit (4), the central database (5), registers a status assigned to the packaging material (3) along with the associated financial transaction profile (2A) of the consumer (2), and the central database (5) maintains and/or updates a status overview of the individual items.
The status or condition that may be assigned to the specific and unique identification value (ID) may be, e.g., in store/in stock at the suppliers’ premises, or sold to a customer, or locked, or returned by the customer for reuse or recycling, e.g9., according to a classification scheme administered by the administrative entity (5A). Step v According to Step v of the method of the invention the status/condition associated with the packaging ID (3A) labelled on the packaging material (3) remains locked until physical receipt of the packaging material (3).
As described in Step iii above, physical receipt of the packaging material (3) may take place either: a) at the physical collecting site/distribution site (5B) of Step iii, a; or b) in the intelligent collection bin (6) of Step iii, b.
According to this embodiment, the status for the specific packaging (3) may appear as locked until the status has been changed by the administrative entity (5A) or by information otherwise submitted to the central database (5).
Only after a change of status and/or approval by the administrative entity (54), the deposit value may be redeemed.
In the context of this invention a status or condition associated with the packaging ID (3A) labelled on the packaging material (3) may be designated as “locked”, or a designation with a similar meaning, to the effect that the packaging material (3) has no monetary value until physical receipt of the particular item at the at the physical collecting site/distribution site (5B) or in an intelligent collection bin (6).
DK 2021 00343 A1 12 Step vi According to Step vi of the method of the invention the consumer (2) regains or redeem a deposit as scheduled by a scheme in the database, and/or as calculated by the administration or administrative entity (5A) and associated with the packaging ID (3A) labelled on the packaging material (3).
This refund may be accomplished by activating the consumer's financial transaction profile (2A), and the deposit may be repaid via a money transaction service. The administrative entity The system and method of the invention typically involves an administrative entity (5A) responsible for operating the database (5) and with an overview of one or more physical collecting/distribution sites (5B).
Tasks for the administrative entity (5A) may also include administration and registration of consumers or buyers (2) along with their financial transaction profile (2A), of vendors, of packaging materials (3) and associated packaging ID's (3A), of collection bins or physical collection containers or return baskets (5), and of the central database (5) and associated networks. Also, the administrative entity (5A) may keep an overview of the various logistics involved in the system and the method of the invention and may in addition be responsible for maintaining and/or updating a status overview of the various items involved.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention is further illustrated by reference to the accompanying drawing, in which: Fig. 1 illustrates the essential elements of the system according to the invention: The consumer (2); The uniquely labelled packaging material (3) along with a digitally readable packaging ID (3A); The scanning and communication unit (4); The central database (5); and Fig. 2 illustrates another embodiment of the system of the invention: The consumer or buyer (2); The uniquely labelled packaging material (3) along with an affixed digitally readable packaging ID (3A); The scanning and communication unit (4); The central database (5); The collection bin/physical collection container/return basket (6); The reading device, sensor, (6) for reading/scanning the value of the packaging ID (3A).
DK 2021 00343 A1 13 List of reference signs This is a listing of various elements relating to the present invention and shown in the appended figures. Alternative/synonymous designations are separated by slashes.
1. The digital redemption/collection system of the invention
2. Consumer/buyer 2A. Financial transaction profile
3. Uniquely labelled packaging material 3A. Digitally readable packaging ID 4, Scanning and communication unit
5. Central database accessible via wireless communication network (WiFi)/internet connection 5A. Administrative entity/administration 5B. Physical collecting site/distribution site
6. Collection bin/physical collection container/return basket 6A. Reading device, sensor, for reading/scanning the value of the packaging ID (3A) 6B. Sensing device/sensor, for remote monitoring of the collection bin (6)

Claims (4)

DK 2021 00343 A1 1 CLAIMS
1. A system (1) for promoting the returning of a packaging material by a consumer (2), which consumer is associated with a financial transaction profile (2A), and which system is characterised by comprising the following elements: a. a uniquely labelled packaging material (3), affixed with a digitally readable packaging ID (3A) that can be read by a digital reading device (4, 6A), and which packaging ID enables the packaging material (3) to be assigned a particular status or condition; b. a scanning and communication unit (4), in communication with the central database (5), capable of digitally reading the packaging ID (3A) of the labelled packaging material (3), and capable of transmitting the value read from the packaging ID, along with the financial transaction profile (2A) associated with the consumer (2), to the central database (5); and c. a central database (5), in communication with the scanning and communication unit (4) and, optionally, in communication with a collection bin (6), which central database (5) is capable of registering the status assigned to the packaging material (3), and of registering the financial transaction profile (2A) of the consumer (2); which system enables the consumer (2) to regain a deposit made in respect of the packaging material (3), by use of the scanning and communication unit (4), to register the unique packaging ID (3A) affixed to the packaging material (3), and to communicate the packaging ID (3A) along with the financial transaction profile (2A) of the consumer (2) to the central database (5).
2. The system of claim1, which system further comprises the following element: d. a collection bin (6), comprising a data processing unit in communication with the central database (5), for receiving the uniquely labelled packaging material (3), which collection bin (6) with associated data processing unit comprises a reading device (6A) capable of digitally reading the value of the packaging ID (3A) affixed to the uniquely labelled packaging material (3) and transmitting/reporting the read value/data to the central database (5).
3. The system of claim 2, wherein the collection bin (6) further comprises one or more sensing devices (6B) for remote monitoring and communicating information concerning the collection bin (6) to the central database (5).
DK 2021 00343 A1 2
4. A method of handling the collection of valuable returnable packaging material (3), prior acquired by a consumer (2), which consumer is associated with a financial transaction profile (2A), and for the consumer (2) to regain/redeem a deposit made in respect of the packaging material (3), which method is characterised by comprising the following steps: i. the consumers (2) purchase of an item, packaged in a uniquely labelled packaging material (3), affixed with a digitally readable packaging ID (3A); ii. after use and/or consumption, and by use of a scanning and communication unit (4) in communication with the central database (5), the packaging ID (3A) labelled on the packaging material (3) is digitally read/scanned, and the value read from the packaging ID, along with the financial transaction profile (2A) associated with the consumer (2), is transmitted to a central database (5); iii. following submission of the product/consumer information according to Step ii, and following consumption of its content, the packaging material (3) may be: a) collected locally for later transfer/transport to a physical collecting site/distribution site (5B); b) is delivered to an intelligent collection bin (6), configured for digitally reading the value of the packaging ID (3A) affixed to the uniquely labelled packaging material (3) and transmitting/reporting the read value/data to the central database (5); iv. upon/after receipt of the packaging ID (3A) labelled on the packaging material (3) along with the financial transaction profile (2A) of the consumer (2), the central database (5) in communication with the scanning and communication unit (4) registers a status assigned to the packaging material (3) and the financial transaction profile (2A) of the consumer (2), and the central database (5) maintains/updates a status overview of the individual items; v. the status/condition associated with the packaging ID (3A) labelled on the packaging material (3) remains locked until physical receipt of the packaging material (3), either: a) at the physical collecting site/distribution site (5B) of Step iii, a; or b) in the intelligent collection bin (6) of Step iii, b; vi. upon/after physical receipt as defined in Step v, and/or after change of status/condition associated with the packaging ID (3A) labelled on the packaging material (3), the consumer (2) regain/redeem a deposit calculated deposit associated with the packaging ID (3A) labelled on the packaging material (3), by activating the consumer's financial transaction profile (2A), and the deposit is returned via a money transaction service.
DKPA202100343A 2021-04-06 2021-04-06 System for promoting the reuse or recycling of packaging material DK202100343A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

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DKPA202100343A DK202100343A1 (en) 2021-04-06 2021-04-06 System for promoting the reuse or recycling of packaging material

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

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DKPA202100343A DK202100343A1 (en) 2021-04-06 2021-04-06 System for promoting the reuse or recycling of packaging material

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