Assessing the Ceramic Industry for Sustainable Supply Chain Management in Bangladesh: An Insight Using the Fuzzy DEMATEL Method

Abstract

This study looks closely at Bangladesh's ceramic industry's sustainable supply chain management. It analyzes the intricate cause-and-effect relationships that affect sustainability using the Fuzzy Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) technique. The ceramic industry, which is vital to Bangladesh's economy, is currently facing significant environmental challenges, including high greenhouse gas emissions, resource depletion, and waste management challenges. These environmental issues highlight how urgently a systematic approach to sustainability is required. The study identifies important causal factors that have a major impact on the dynamics of the industry's supply chain, such as Supplier Partnership Development, Collaborative Sustainable Initiatives, and Sustainable Industry Resilience. Conversely, the effects under investigation— Cost Optimization, Greenhouse Gas Emissions Assessment, and Competitive Edge in the Market—showcase the industry's present state of sustainability as well as its room for improvement. The study highlights complex relationships across the supply chain, initially based on the perspective of a single expert. For industry participants looking to reconcile environmental stewardship with economic growth, it offers insightful information. The research proposes to use Flexsim simulation tools in the future to validate and enhance our theoretical findings. This method provides practical, scenario-driven insights that are critical for successfully putting sustainable principles into practice. Future versions of the study will include a wider spectrum of expert opinions to solve the disadvantage of relying only on one expert perspective, ensuring a more thorough and accurate analysis. This work serves as both an important guide for Bangladesh's ceramic industry and a significant addition to the understanding of sustainable supply chain management in poor nations. It provides a way to mitigate environmental impacts while maintaining economic viability, making it an essential component of the global movement toward sustainable industrial practices