Fuzzy Approach for the Decision on Disposable or Returnable Packaging

Abstract

In modern logistics, companies and packaging engineers have to make decisions to find the optimal sustainable product-packaging system with adequate protection. The decision most often involves a decision option between disposable (single-trip) and reusable (returnable) packaging solutions. In practice, in most cases, this decision is based on historical data and traditions and only considers the packaging material and investment expenses. Although cost is an important factor, it is not the only one needed to find the optimal solution. Several other alternative factors further complicate the situation. Traditional (two-valued) logic is not able to model this problem. This study presents a novel technique to help the decision-making process using the application of fuzzy approach. The authors used three different fuzzy signatures connected by fuzzy rules to model the packaging decisions, which were based on logistics expert opinions. Practical examples are presented concerning both customer packaging (primary packaging) and industrial transport packaging (secondary packaging) as well.