A hierarchical framework for the transition to sustainable manufacturing practices: Technical and social developments drive eco-friendly tanning in Ethiopia. (25th September 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Negash, Yeneneh Tamirat; Filketu, Sisay Addis
• Is Part Of: Journal of cleaner production. Volume 368(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-09-25
• Subjects: Sustainability transition -- Sustainable manufacturing practices -- Fuzzy delphi method -- Fuzzy decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory -- Leather industry; Factory and trade waste -- Management -- Periodicals; Manufactures -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Déchets industriels -- Gestion -- Périodiques; Usines -- Aspect de l'environnement -- Périodiques; 628.5
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2022.133208
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0959-6526

Abstract

Abstract: The leather industry is identified as the priority sector in Ethiopia's industrial development strategy for accelerating sustainable development. However, the transition to sustainable manufacturing practices (SMPs) has been disappointing. A framework that explains the process and pathways to guide the transition is lacking. This research adds to our understanding of the transition by building a valid hierarchical model and determining the causal links between sustainable leather processing attributes. This study also investigates the dynamics of sustainability transition attributes in leather tanning and identifies the driving factors in adopting SMPs. The causal attributes for transitioning to sustainable leather processing are highlighted, with recommendations for best practices. In addition, the drivers require qualitative assessment and are subject to uncertainty due to the linguistic preferences of experts. Thus, this study adopts the fuzzy Delphi method (FDM) to arrive at a valid set of attributes and the fuzzy decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (FDEMATEL) to address the interrelationships of the proposed attributes. The findings demonstrate that 15 relevant indicators are grouped into five categories, with technical performance and social development as causal factors capable of improving environmental, economic, and regulatory attributes. Therefore, in leather tanning, sociotechnical systems drive the transition to more sustainable alternatives. For decision-makers, the most critical indicators to improve practices are green design, electro-oxidization, regular supervision, site waste management plans, and increasing the level of regulatory compliance. The theoretical and managerial implications are discussed. Highlights: A framework for guiding the transition to sustainable manufacturing practices (SMPs) is proposed. Fuzzy Delphi method (FDM) and fuzzy decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (FDEMATEL) is utilized. In leather tanning, sociotechnical systems drive the transition to SMPs. Green design, electro-oxidization, regular supervision, and site waste management plans are strategies for implementing SMPs.