An integrated group fuzzy inference and best–worst method for supplier selection in intelligent circular supply chains

Circular supplier evaluation aims at selecting the most suitable suppliers with zero waste. Sustainable circular supplier selection also considers socio-economic and environmental factors in the decision process. This study proposes an integrated method for evaluating sustainable suppliers in intelligent circular supply chains using fuzzy inference and multi-criteria decision-making. In the first stage of the proposed method, supplier evaluation sub-criteria are identified and weighted from economic, social, circular, and Industry 4.0 perspectives using a fuzzy group best–worst method followed by scoring the suppliers on each criterion. In the second stage, the suppliers are ranked and selected according to an overall score determined by a fuzzy inference system. Finally, the applicability of the proposed method is demonstrated using data from a public–private partnership project at an offshore wind farm in Southeast Asia.