Search Results (162)

As environmental issues become increasingly prominent, the sustainable practices of enterprises, especially measures at the product level, have garnered widespread attention from scholars. Although numerous studies have explored suppliers’ sales strategies for green products, they often overlook the scenario where suppliers simultaneously sell both green and non-green products.This study focuses on the sales mode selection strategies of suppliers when providing green and non-green products through e-commerce platforms. Utilizing a game model, we analyze the equilibrium strategies between suppliers and e-commerce platforms, and conduct sensitivity analyses to evaluate the impact of key parameters on decision-making. The results reveal that there are significant differences in the strategic preferences of suppliers and e-commerce platforms. However, when commission rates are moderate and green products incur high production costs, these preferences tend to align, leading to Pareto optimal outcomes. Additionally, our findings demonstrate that adopting differentiated sales modes for the two product types can effectively mitigate the problem of double marginalization, thereby enhancing the efficiencyof supply chains. These insights provide valuable guidance for e-commerce platform managers and suppliers in making decisions on sales models for managing multiple types of products. Full article

Construction costs have increased significantly since the COVID-19 pandemic due to supply chain disruption, labour shortages, and construction material price hikes. The market is increasingly demanding innovative construction methods that can save construction costs, reduce construction time, and minimise waste and carbon emission. The prefabrication system has been used for years in industrial construction, resulting in better performance in regard to structure stability, the control of wastage, and the optimisation of construction time and cost. In addition, prefabrication has had a positive contribution on resource utilisation in the construction industry. There are various types of prefabricated wall systems. However, the majority of comparative studies have focused on comparing each prefabrication wall system against the conventional construction system, while limited research has been conducted to compare different prefabrication structures. This study examined four prominent prefabricated wall systems, i.e., precast walls, tilt-up walls, prefabricated steel-frame walls, and on-site-cut steel-frame walls, to determine which one is more suitable for the construction of industrial buildings to minimise cost, time delay, and labourer utilisation on construction sites, as well as to enhance structure durability, construction efficiency, and sustainability. One primary case project and five additional projects were included in this study. For the primary case project, data were collected and analysed; for example, a subcontractor cost comparison for supply and installation was conducted, and shop drawings, construction procedures, timelines, and site photos were collected. For the additional five projects, the overall cost data were compared. The main research finding of this study is that factory-made precast walls and tilt-up wall panels require similar construction time. However, on average, tilt-up prefabrication construction can reduce the cost by around 23.55%. It was also found that prefabricated frame walls provide cost and time savings of around 39% and 10.5%, respectively. These findings can provide architects, developers, builders, suppliers, regulators, and other stakeholders with a comprehensive insight into selecting a method of wall construction that can achieve greater efficiency, cost savings, and environmental sustainability in the construction of industrial and commercial buildings. Full article

Production involves processes such as raw material extraction, energy consumption, and waste management, which can lead to significant environmental consequences. Therefore, supplier selection based not only on technical performance but also on environmental sustainability criteria has become a fundamental component of eco-friendly manufacturing strategies. Moreover, in the selection of electric vehicle batteries, it is essential to consider customer demands alongside environmental factors. Accordingly, selected suppliers should fulfill company expectations while also reflecting the “voice” of the customer. The objective of this study is to propose an integrated approach for green supplier selection by taking into account various environmental performance requirements and criteria. The proposed approach evaluates battery suppliers with respect to both customer requirements and green criteria. To construct the relational structure, the DEMATEL method was employed to analyze the interrelationships among customer requirements (CRs). Subsequently, the Quality Function Deployment (QFD) model was used to establish a central relational matrix that captures the degree of correlation between each pair of supplier selection criteria and CRs. Finally, to evaluate and rank alternative suppliers, the Interval Type-2 Fuzzy VIKOR (IT2 F-VIKOR) method was applied. The hybrid approach proposed by us, integrating DEMATEL, QFD, and IT2 F-VIKOR, offers significant improvements over traditional methods. Unlike previous approaches that focus independently on customer preferences or supplier criteria, our model provides a unified evaluation by considering both dimensions simultaneously. Furthermore, the use of Interval Type-2 Fuzzy Logic enables the model to better manage uncertainty and ambiguity in expert judgments, yielding more reliable results compared to conventional fuzzy approaches. Additionally, the applicability of the model has been demonstrated through a real-world case study, confirming its practical relevance and robustness in the selection of green suppliers for electric vehicle battery procurement. Full article

With over 180 million tons produced annually and a global market exceeding 500 billion dollars, beer is one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world, thanks to its broad variety of styles, traditions, ingredients, and brewing techniques. However, behind this widespread popularity lies a potentially impactful production chain, whose environmental impacts remain underexplored, particularly within the craft segment. This research evaluates the sustainability of a hemp-based craft beer produced in the Lazio region (Italy) using an integrated approach that combines life cycle assessment with environmental impact monetization. The results indicate that the main impacts in beer production are related to global warming potential (0.916 kg CO₂ eq/L), terrestrial ecotoxicity (0.404 kg 1.4-DCB eq/L), land use (0.841 m²a crop eq/L), and fossil resource scarcity (0.211 kg oil eq/L), primarily due to malt production and hop transportation. Packaging analysis revealed that including environmental costs, aluminum cans may add an additional environmental cost of €0.80–1.60 per unit, while glass bottles, despite their weight, incur a lower additional cost. For a beer priced at €3.50, this would translate to a real cost of €4.30–5.10, reflecting a 22–45% increase. Improving sustainability in the brewing sector requires strategic actions, such as careful supplier selection and appropriate packaging choices. Overall, sustainability in brewing emerges as a balance between production needs, distribution impacts, and systemic decisions. Full article

Disruptions in a single supplier’s operations can trigger cascading effects across the entire supply chain, highlighting the critical importance of effective supplier-focused risk management. While supply chain risk management (SCRM) frameworks encompass diverse dimensions—such as supply, products, demand, and information—risks specifically related to suppliers demand tailored strategies and analytical focus. Despite the growing volume of publications on this topic, the literature still lacks updated conceptual guidance on how to manage these risks, particularly in light of emerging challenges and practices. This study addresses this gap, with the primary objective of developing a contemporary conceptual framework for supplier risk management, reflecting recent academic and practical advances. The research methodology combines bibliometric analysis, the PRISMA systematic review protocol, and visualization tools including CiteSpace and CitNet Explorer. Key findings include the evolution of thematic clusters over time, with “supplier selection” identified as the most dominant theme, and simulation as the prevailing research method. The automotive industry emerges as the most frequently studied empirical context. Moreover, the study expands existing frameworks by introducing two emerging dimensions—environmental, social, and governance (ESG) and information technology (IT)—as key factors in supplier risk management. This framework contributes to theory and practice by offering an updated lens for understanding supplier-related risks and providing decision-makers with structured insights to enhance resilience in complex supply networks. Full article

Background: The agri-food sector is a major contributor to environmental degradation and emissions, highlighting the need for sustainable practices to mitigate its impact. Within this sector, perishable food crops require targeted efforts to reduce their environmental footprint. Vertical integration is crucial for ensuring alignment between strategic and tactical decision making in supply chain management. This article presents a multi-objective mathematical model that integrates both economic and environmental considerations within the perishable food supply chain, aiming to determine optimal solutions for conflicting objectives. Methods: In this research, we employed combining goal programming with the epsilon constraint approach; this comprehensive methodology reveals optimal solutions by discretizing the values derived from the payoff table. Results: The model is applied to a real case study of the tomato paste supply chain in Ethiopia. To identify Pareto-efficient points, the results are presented in two scenarios: Case I and Case II. Conclusions: The findings emphasize the significant influence of the geographical location of manufacturing centers in supplier selection, which helps optimize the trade-off between environmental impact and total cost. The proposed solution provides decision makers with an effective strategy to optimize both total cost and eco-costs in the design of perishable food supply chain networks. Full article

The transition toward sustainability in the construction industry requires integrated tools that align with circular economy principles. This study introduces the Interactive Stakeholder Journey Map in Construction (ISJMC), an innovative visual and systemic tool that supports waste management and circularity throughout the life cycle of construction assets. Although the sector is economically significant, it remains one of the main contributors to environmental degradation due to high resource consumption and low waste recovery rates. Developed according to EN 15643-3:2012, a European standard that provides a framework for assessing the social sustainability of construction works, focusing on aspects such as accessibility, health, and comfort and grounded in the Design Thinking methodology, ISJMC enables mapping stakeholder interactions, touchpoints, and responsibilities across all life cycle stages, including initiative, design, procurement, construction, use, and end of life. A systematic literature review and collaborative workshops guided the tool’s development and validation. The application in a real case involving a medium-sized Brazilian construction company helped identify significant pain points and opportunities for implementing circular practices. The results demonstrate that ISJMC (i) facilitates a systemic and visual understanding of material and information flows, (ii) promotes transparent mapping of resource value to support better decision-making, and (iii) encourages the identification of circularity opportunities while fostering collaboration among stakeholders. The tool revealed critical challenges related to waste generation and management. It supported co-creating sustainable strategies, including improved material selection, lean construction practices, and stronger supplier engagement. By translating complex standards into accessible visual formats, ISJMC contributes to the academic field, supports practical applications, and offers a foundation for expanding circular approaches in construction projects. Full article

Supplier selection in the medical device manufacturing (MDM) industry significantly affects quality, operational efficiency, and overall organizational performance. Due to the industry’s dependence on advanced technologies and rigorous regulatory standards, identifying critical success factors (CSF) for selecting suppliers is essential. This study aims to analyze relationships among critical success factors (CSF) influencing supplier selection and their influence on supplier quality and the performance outcomes of MDM companies. A structured survey was conducted among MDM companies in Mexico, and the collected data were analyzed through exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to quantify the relationships identified. Results indicate that information technology, reliable delivery, Industry 4.0 adoption, resilience, and environmental and social responsibility positively influence supplier quality, which subsequently enhances MDM firm performance. Supplier quality emerges as a critical mediator between supplier selection factors and company performance. Findings emphasize that prioritizing supplier quality, reinforced through Industry 4.0 technologies and resilient practices, ensures operational continuity, enhances competitive advantage, and supports sustainability. Companies incorporating these critical success factors into their supplier selection processes are better equipped to manage supply disruptions, achieve consistent quality, and sustain performance in highly regulated environments. Full article

The increasing demand for sustainable, economical, and environmentally friendly solutions has positioned microalgae as promising candidates in biotechnology, particularly in food, feed, nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, biofuel, and bioremediation applications. This review explores the role of the Nannochloropsis genus and other marine oleaginous microalgae in co-cultivation systems, highlighting their mechanisms of interaction with various microorganisms and their potential for various biotechnological purposes. Case studies of Nannochloropsis sp. co-cultures with other microalgae, bacteria, and fungi are presented. The different types of associations are described as alternative strategies to enhance biomass productivity, lipid accumulation, and nutrient recycling. A key focus of this review is the potential of Nannochloropsis microalgae co-cultivation in food, as it is part of the list of microalgae to be approved for consumption in the European Union, discussing their rich nutritional value, safety, and regulatory status. Additionally, the role of microalgae in the alternative protein sector is explored, with particular emphasis on their integration in cultivated meat products as nutrient suppliers and metabolic partners for animal cells. Despite their potential, several challenges, such as scale-up, contamination risk, and strain selection, remain key obstacles to the widespread adoption of microalgal biotechnology. Future research should focus on optimizing microalgae-based co-cultures for food applications, addressing safety concerns, and further investigating their integration into functional foods and cellular agriculture products. Full article

This study establishes a comprehensive framework for evaluating sustainability by integrating radar chart analysis with fuzzy linguistic methods, helping enterprises select suppliers that align with sustainable development principles. Testing within the textile industry confirmed the framework’s reliability, effectively identifying strengths and areas for improvement across key sustainability dimensions: environmental, social, economic, and governance. The analysis highlighted strong supplier performance in governance and social responsibility, particularly in human rights protection, while emphasizing the need for improvements in environmental aspects such as water resource management and product recycling. Economic factors, including product quality and delivery capability, demonstrated significant potential, though cost efficiency remained a challenge. Recommendations focus on enhancing board diversity, employee satisfaction, and circular economy initiatives. The framework demonstrates strong applicability within the textile industry and has the potential for adaptation in other sectors. Future research should conduct industry-specific validations to refine weight allocation for dynamic markets. Full article

Supplier selection plays a pivotal role in the mining industry, forming a key component of the supply chain management. It has been established that the integration of sustainability and resilience into this process can significantly enhance the industry’s ability to withstand economic, environmental, and social shocks. Despite a large body of literature investigating supplier selection, there is a notable gap in research specifically addressing the incorporation of sustainability and resilience criteria in the mining industry. The objective of this research is to bridge this knowledge gap and contribute to the understanding of sustainable and resilient supplier selection in the mining industry. A constructive research approach was employed, identifying both practical and theoretical problems and proposing a construction—a mathematical model. This model was developed in collaboration with industry key actors, ensuring its practical applicability and validity. The main result of this research is an optimization mathematical programming model that allows practitioners to evaluate and select suppliers considering both sustainability and resilience criteria. The model facilitates a comprehensive assessment of suppliers, incorporating a wide range of factors beyond cost, including environmental impact, social responsibility, and the ability to maintain supply under various potential disruptions. Full article

The degradation of rubber materials under environmental and mechanical stress presents a significant challenge, particularly due to UV (ultraviolet light) exposure, which severely impacts the material’s physical properties. This study aims to enhance the UV stability and longevity of rubber by evaluating the performance of modified polyurethane and silicone coatings as protective stabilizers. Natural rubber—styrene–butadiene rubber (NR-SBR), known for its exceptional mechanical properties, was selected as the base material. To ensure strong adhesion, cold atmospheric plasma treatment was applied, increasing the surface energy by 250%, primarily through an enhancement of the polar component. After treatment, supplier-recommended coatings were applied and tested for adhesion using the pull-out method. Aging tests under UV exposure, water immersion, and high temperatures were conducted to assess durability, with tensile tests used to monitor changes over time. Coatings exhibiting cracking after UV exposure were excluded from further analysis. A silicone coating demonstrating superior moisture resistance and durability under extreme conditions was identified as a promising candidate for future UV stabilization applications. These findings provide a foundation for developing advanced coatings to significantly extend the service life of rubber materials in demanding environments. Full article

Tourism is the key economic sector of and contributor to employment in Zanzibar. However, tourism growth creates a demand for more hotels, contributing to more waste. Meanwhile, food waste in the hospitality sector remains a concern due to its impact on food sustainability and its economic and environmental footprint. This study examines food waste management in selected tourist hotels located along the east coast and north districts of the island and recommends strategies for improvement. Mixed methods, including surveys and key informants’ interviews and observations, were used for data collection to map the waste flow along the food value chain, analyze the selected hotels’ management practices, and consider stakeholders’ perspectives. The findings reveal that food wastage occurs at each stage of business operations, and the largest waste stream is located at hotels, with an average estimate of 1.8 kg per guest per day. Most waste is generated during food preparation and when serving customers, constituting both avoidable and unavoidable food fractions. Moreover, the implementation of sustainable practices is scarce due to challenges, such as a lack of food waste minimization and management plans and a low level of knowledge and coordination among staff and other stakeholders. However, hotel managers’ knowledge, experience, and willingness to change, as well as the ongoing Greener Zanzibar Campaign, are driving forces for enhancing circular and sustainable practices at tourist hotels. Based on the findings, strategies, such as involving local suppliers close to the hotels for perishable products, reusing leftover food for staff and donations to local communities, and staff training on handling food waste are recommended. The practical implications of this study will help hoteliers reduce food wastage and contribute to more sustainable tourism development in Zanzibar. Full article

This study applies Info-Gap Decision Theory (IGDT) to manage uncertainties in early-stage lifecycle assessment (LCA) in the building sector, focusing on carbon emissions and cost optimization. The building industry significantly contributes to global carbon emissions, making robust LCA models crucial for achieving environmental improvements. Traditional LCA methods often overlook deep uncertainties, leading to unreliable outcomes. To address this, this research integrates IGDT, providing a non-probabilistic approach that enhances decision-making under uncertainty. The study develops an optimization model that considers uncertainties in material choices, supplier selection, and transportation logistics, demonstrated through a case study of a Science and Technology Expo Pavilion in Chongqing, China. The results show that manufacturing processes are the main source of carbon emissions, with transportation having a smaller but notable impact. Significant emission reductions can be achieved by using alternative materials like fly ash and volcanic ash in cement production. Strategic supplier selection, based on the cost per ton of CO₂ reduction, balances environmental impact with economic feasibility. IGDT provides a robust framework for managing uncertainty, helping building projects to achieve sustainability targets even under deep uncertainty, thereby supporting the industry’s efforts towards net-zero emissions. Full article

In the food manufacturing industry, which is critical to national economies, there is a growing imperative to meet heightened safety, quality, and environmental standards, particularly in the face of supply chain disruptions. This study addresses the gap in literature by integrating sustainable and resilient supply chain theories with risk management and low-carbon principles into a supplier selection framework. Utilizing the Delphi method, fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP), and fuzzy multi-objective programming (FMOP), we develop a decision-making model specifically calibrated for the food sector. Initially, the study establishes a comprehensive criteria system encompassing quality, cost, delivery, low-carbon, and risk management through a literature review and expert consultation. Subsequently, FAHP is employed to determine the relative importance of each criterion in supplier selection. Furthermore, FMOP is utilized to develop a decision-making model for optimizing supplier selection and order allocation. Validated through a numerical study based on a Chinese food manufacturer, the framework presents a practical tool for food manufacturers, ensuring supply chain stability while aligning with sustainability objectives. This research refines decision making and strengthens the competitive stance of food manufacturers, significantly propelling the industry’s green transformation. Full article