An integrated multi-criteria decision-making framework for the selection of sustainable biodegradable polymer for food packaging applications

Abstract

Manifold aspects, such as the booming market for superior quality food items with increased shelf life and the escalating concern to mitigate plastic trash due to plastic packaging have motivated researchers and food industrialists to explore sustainable eco-friendly packaging solutions extensively. Biodegradable polymers are being rigorously investigated to replace conventional plastics that are toxic, non-biodegradable, and detrimental to the marine ecosystem. The scientific methodology for the prudent selection of biodegradable polymer among the frequently used biopolymers for food packaging is being reported here. The data were extracted from the available literature. A hybrid multi-criteria decision-making framework has been developed to address the problem of material selection owing to the multiple conflicting criteria involved. Assignment of equal weights to primary criteria was selected to establish the criteria weights. Different decision-making techniques (weighted sum method (WSM), weighted product method (WPM), weighted aggregated sum product assessment method (WASPAS), and technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS)) were used for the comparative analysis. Thereon, the different ranks obtained for each alternative were aggregated using the degree of membership technique. The robustness of the solution was checked using sensitivity analysis which was conducted by varying weights of importance using the entropy method, the CRITIC method, and the equal weights to secondary criteria. The analysis reported polylactic acid (PLA) as the most reliable polymer for food packaging applications. The sensitivity analysis concluded that the solution was without prejudice, and water vapor permeation rating was the most critical decision criterion in deciding the optimal polymer. Graphical Abstract

Bioactive gelatin-sheets as novel biopapers to support prevascularization organized by laser-assisted bioprinting for bone tissue engineering

“…To address these multi-criteria decisionmaking (MCDM) problems, Zakeri et al proposed a mathematical method called 'simple ranking process' [59]. Other authors have also developed their own MCDM methods to solve material selection issues [60,61]; however, no consensus has been reached to date. Therefore, there is a critical need to develop a standardized and user-friendly tool to rank biomaterial choices and improve selection procedures.…”

Promoting Green Supply Chain Management With Optimal Selection Of Packaging Materials Using Integrated Fuzzy MCDM and Rl Model

“…Muenjitnoy and Sonthipermpoon [7] applied AHP in selecting food packaging materials. Mahajan et al [8] applied integrated MCDM in selecting sustainable materials. Xie et al [9] employed a three stage fuzzy network and DEA method.…”