A holistic sustainability framework for remanufacturing under uncertainty

Abstract

The manufacturing and remanufacturing sectors are increasingly embracing sustainability as a critical aspect of their operations. However, existing sustainability frameworks often fall short of capturing the multifaceted nature of sustainability and addressing uncertainties. To address these limitations, this paper proposes a novel holistic sustainability assessment framework specifically tailored for remanufacturing systems. By integrating economic, environmental, and social dimensions, the framework provides a comprehensive approach to decision-making under uncertainty. The framework incorporates a flexible weighting scheme, allowing customization based on organizational priorities, and addresses uncertainties through stochastic optimization techniques. The applicability and effectiveness of the framework are demonstrated through case studies in diverse industries, including consumer electronics, automotive, and industrial machinery remanufacturing. Sensitivity analyses provide insights into the robustness of the framework and the impact of varying sustainability indicator weights, uncertain parameter distributions, and environmental regulations. The proposed framework offers a valuable tool for remanufacturing companies, enhancing their sustainability performance and navigating the complexities of uncertain operating environments.