A decision model to select facial tissue raw material: A case from Iran

The objective of this research is to design an approach for selecting appropriate raw materials for facial tissues in Iran. There are three possibilities to maintain raw materials: (1) imported virgin pulp; (2) bagasse (sugar cane residue) plus some imported raw materials; and (3) recycled paper plus some imported raw materials. Owing to the shortage of raw materials as well as the high rate of forest destruction, it is vital to select the most appropriate raw materials. To reach this goal, we develop a decision-making model by applying the Analytic Network Process. A hierarchy is developed to prioritize benefits, opportunities, costs and risks by applying the Analytic Hierarchy Process ratings approach. To evaluate the ‘control criteria’ of the system, a control hierarchy is also created and prioritized. This way, a total of four major control criteria in the system are prioritized where each one controls a decision network. The final synthesis of the system shows that recycled paper is the best choice among three potential alternatives. OR Insight (2010) 23, 207–232. doi:10.1057/ori.2010.12