Green supplier evaluation and selection using VIKOR method embedded in fuzzy expert system with interval-valued fuzzy numbers

Abstract

Green supplier selection is a key phase in green supply chain management. Green supply chain management is defined as integrating environmental thoughts into supply-chain management, including product design, material sourcing and selection, manufacturing processes, delivery of the final product as well as end-of-life management of the product after its useful life. With worldwide growing awareness of environmental protection, green production is becoming an important issue for every manufacturing company and will determine the sustainability of a company in the long term. A performance evaluation system for green suppliers is felt indeed necessary to determine the suitability of suppliers to cooperate ‘greenly’ with the firm. In this paper, a methodology for the evaluation of suppliers’ environmental performances (green supplier selection) has been reported in order to evaluate and select the best candidate supplier. An interval-valued fuzzy set coupled with VIKOR method has been utilised. A case study h...