An integrated pythagorean fuzzy delphi-AHP-CoCoSo approach for exploring barriers and mitigation strategies for sustainable supply chain in the food industry

This study analyses the barriers hindering the implementation of sustainable supply chain practices within the food industry while proposing effective mitigation strategies. Employing an extensive literature review as a foundation, the study utilizes the Pythagorean fuzzy Delphi approach to identify and finalize key barriers and strategies. The identified barriers are categorized into six main groups: technological, economic, regulatory, environmental, organizational, and market barriers. The study employs the Pythagorean fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) technique to prioritize these barriers, assigning priority weights to each barrier. Subsequently, eight mitigation strategies are identified and ranked based on these priority weights using the Pythagorean fuzzy Combined Compromise Solution (CoCoSo) technique. The study reveals that a lack of professional expertise is the most significant barrier to implementing sustainability practices in the food supply chain. Sustainable technology development is recommended as the top mitigation strategy, followed by others. This research contributes valuable insights into the food industry’s challenges in adopting sustainable supply chain practices. It provides a roadmap for effective mitigation strategies to foster environmental responsibility and resilience within the sector.