Hybrid Analytical Hierarchy Process and Continuous Improvement Methodology to Enhance Sustainability: A Case Study on a Beverages Industry

Abstract

Aims of sustainability in the industries are to create manufactured products, which use processes and practices that maximize profits, reduce waste, minimize resource use, minimize negative economic and environmental impacts, and are safe for consumers and employees. These aims can achieve through continuous improvement methodologies (CI). Therefore, CI have emerged as a major part of the sustainability answer. The purpose of this research is to investigate the application of hybrid methodology consist of analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and continuous improvement methodology in the beverages industry, and to evaluate the impact of this methodology on sustainability. The proposed methodology framework consists of five steps (Identity, Measure, Analyze, Prioritize, and Implement). This research highlights some of the important elements that should be considered when using AHP and CI as a contributor toward greater environmental sustainability in the beverages industry. The results show that the main causes of waste relate to machines, materials and others cause. This paper present observations and experiences from the application of AHP and CI at a beverages industry, with the aim of bringing out pertinent factors and useful insights that help us to understand how AHP and CI can contribute toward greater sustainability in this industry type.