A novel multi-objective robust possibilistic flexible programming to design a sustainable apparel closed-loop supply...

Area of Science:

• Operations Research
• Supply Chain Management
• Environmental Science

Background:

• The apparel industry faces significant economic, environmental, and social challenges due to its linear supply chain model.
• Developing a sustainable Closed-Loop Supply Chain (CLSC) is essential to mitigate these adverse impacts.
• Existing CLSC models often struggle to address the complexities of diverse return types and uncertain quantities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel tri-objective optimization model for designing a sustainable apparel CLSC network.
• To simultaneously minimize costs and environmental impacts while maximizing social benefits under uncertain demand and return conditions.
• To incorporate unique apparel industry facilities and optimize production environmental performance levels.

Main Methods:

• A hybrid robust possibilistic flexible programming model is developed, extending previous methodologies.
• The model uniquely utilizes hexagonal fuzzy numbers to represent uncertain epistemic parameters.
• The AUGMECON method with lexicographic optimization is employed to manage the multi-objective nature of the problem.

Main Results:

• The proposed model demonstrates superiority over methods using triangular fuzzy numbers, validated through comparative analysis.
• Commercial and End Of Use (EOU) returns were found to have a more significant negative impact on sustainability than End Of Life (EOL) returns.
• The model successfully optimizes environmental performance and considers flexible demand fulfillment constraints.

Conclusions:

• The developed model offers a robust framework for designing sustainable apparel CLSCs, effectively handling uncertainties and multiple objectives.
• Hexagonal fuzzy numbers provide a more advanced approach for modeling uncertainty in CLSC parameters compared to triangular fuzzy numbers.
• Addressing commercial and EOU returns is critical for enhancing the overall economic, environmental, and social sustainability of apparel CLSCs.