A Grey-Fuzzy Programming Approach towards Socio-Economic Optimization of Second-Generation Biodiesel Supply Chains

Mohammad Kanan (), Muhammad Salman Habib (), Anam Shahbaz, Amjad Hussain, Tufail Habib, Hamid Raza, Zaher Abusaq and Ramiz Assaf
Additional contact information
Mohammad Kanan: Jeddah College of Engineering, University of Business and Technology, Jeddah 21448, Saudi Arabia
Muhammad Salman Habib: Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore 54890, Pakistan
Anam Shahbaz: Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore 54890, Pakistan
Amjad Hussain: Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore 54890, Pakistan
Tufail Habib: Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology, Peshawar 25000, Pakistan
Hamid Raza: Department of Chemistry, University of Management and Technology, C-II Phase 1 Johar Town, Lahore 54770, Pakistan
Zaher Abusaq: Jeddah College of Engineering, University of Business and Technology, Jeddah 21448, Saudi Arabia
Ramiz Assaf: Department of Industrial Engineering, An-Najah National University, Nablus P.O. Box 7, Palestine

Sustainability, 2022, vol. 14, issue 16, 1-28

Abstract: This study aims to develop a multi-objective second-generation-based socially responsible supply chain (SGB-SRSC) network design model that considers all dimensions of sustainability: economy, environment, and social. The dynamic nature of the biodiesel supply chain (SC) impairs the SGB-SRSC model decisions; thus, a grey-fuzzy solution approach is developed. Biodiesel is a promising renewable energy resource produced from a variety of easily accessible domestic wastes. For a swift transition towards commercially feasible biodiesel production, integrated optimization of the biodiesel SC system is critical. Using the latest social impact assessment tools, this study provides a decision-support system for developing a biodiesel SC network. A comprehensive computational analysis is performed on a case study to validate the proposed model. The results show that significant investment is required to achieve social well-being goals and secure decisions against uncertainty associated with SGB-SRSC model parameters. Further, it is observed that the expenses of biodiesel production and biodiesel plant installation accounted for a large portion of the overall SC cost. As a result, finding more cost-effective biodiesel production methods is critical to the industry’s economic viability. Regulators and policymakers involved in biodiesel production projects may find the framework useful in obtaining a compromise solution for socio-economic goals based on their preferences.

Keywords: second-generation feedstock; socio-economic decision-making; biodiesel supply chain cost; grey-fuzzy methodology (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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