Bi-objective optimization of a supply chain: identification of the key impact category and green management

In the present work, a bi-objective optimization model is proposed for the green management of the supply chain of fresh fruit considering transportation costs, and environmental impact categories given by the ReCiPe methodology. The e-constraint method is used to convert the bi-objective function into a single-objective optimization problem and it is applied to two case studies to test the model in a tomato supply chain, providing a set of Pareto solutions. Results showed that the most affected environmental impact category is “climate change” from the emission of greenhouse gases and that there are greater CO2 emissions at the stage of transportation from producers to warehouses. Solutions obtained by the proposed approach provided useful information such as the best operating points for the green management of the supply chain. Moreover, the model can be used in similar situations for regional development.