An Integrated AHP–DEMATEL Decision-Support Framework for Sustainable Closed-Loop Apparel Supply Chain Design and Stakeholder Alignment
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: To establish an effective closed-loop apparel supply chain (CLASC), it is essential to achieve a workable balance across environmental, social, and economic priorities while also addressing the varied expectations of participating actors. This study proposes an integrated application of the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and the Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) to support consensus-building during the planning and design stages of Community-Led Action for Sustainable Communities (CLASC). Within the AHP stage, specialist panels evaluate and prioritise the principal criteria from the standpoint of manufacturers, retailers, consumers, and regulatory authorities. The DEMATEL phase then clarifies how these criteria interact, particularly in terms of influence and dependence among system elements. Considering the insights jointly derived from both models enables stakeholders to recognise the underlying factors and relational pathways that shape the functioning and performance of the closed-loop structure. To verify the usefulness of the framework, empirical evidence and professional perspectives from supply chain practitioners were incorporated. The findings indicate that environmental regulation adherence, well-organised reverse logistics, effective stakeholder coordination, and consumer awareness are central considerations when establishing a CLASC. Additionally, DEMATEL exposes key causal linkages and dominance patterns that must be managed so that the priorities of various supply chain participants can be harmonised. The combined AHP–DEMATEL approach therefore strengthens decision clarity and promotes unified strategic direction. It contributes to circular economy research by offering a practical multi-criteria decision-support tool tailored for the apparel industry, and provides valuable guidance for both supply chain managers and policy developers aiming to implement sustainability-oriented, stakeholder-driven closed-loop arrangements.
Institution: Silpakorn University
Subfield: Strategy and Management
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7166328511