Hierarchical Fuzzy Decision Support Methodology for Packaging System Design

In the field of logistics packaging (industrial-, or even customer packaging), companies have to take decisions on determining the optimal packaging solutions and expenses. The decisions often involve a choice between one-way (disposable) and reusable (returnable) packaging solutions. Even nowadays, in most cases the decisions are made based on traditions and mainly consider the material and investment costs. Although cost is an important factor, it might not be sufficient for finding the optimal solution. Traditional (two-valued) logic is not suitable for modelling this problem, so here the application of a fuzzy approach, because of the metrical aspects, a fuzzy signature approach is considered. In this paper a fuzzy signature modelling the packaging decision is suggested, based on logistics expert opinions, in order to support the decision making process of choosing the right packaging system. Two real life examples are also given, one in the field of customer packaging and one in industrial packaging.