Enhanced Sustainability Assessment Framework for Plywood Manufacturing: A Multi-Method Approach Using Delphi Technique, BWM, and S-VSM

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Sustainable manufacturing has emerged as a critical priority in addressing the complex environmental, social, and economic challenges of modern industry. This study focuses on the plywood sector, a significant contributor to manufacturing, which faces distinct sustainability issues such as high energy consumption, material inefficiencies, and hazardous working conditions. To address these challenges, the research introduces workload and noise level as critical indicators for assessing sustainability, broadening the scope of traditional evaluation methods. A multi-method framework was employed, integrating the Delphi technique to identify key sustainability indicators, the Best Worst Method (BWM) to assign weights to these indicators, and Sustainable Value Stream Mapping (S-VSM) paired with a Traffic Light System (TLS) to evaluate and visualize the Manufacturing Sustainability Score (MSS). Applied to a plywood manufacturing case study, the framework highlighted areas requiring improvement, particularly in worker well-being and operational safety, while demonstrating the industry's moderate overall efficiency. By offering actionable insights for improving resource use, operational processes, and employee conditions, this framework provides a practical tool for industry managers aiming to enhance sustainability. Furthermore, its adaptability makes it a valuable reference for other manufacturing sectors seeking to implement resource-efficient and sustainable practices. This research not only fills critical gaps in sustainability assessment but also contributes to advancing industry practices by emphasizing holistic and innovative approaches to manufacturing efficiency.