A fuzzy rule-based multi-criterion approach for a cooperative green supplier selection problem

Multi-criterion decision-making models are widely used in supplier selection problems. This study contributes to a green supplier selection problem considering the green manufacturing, green transportation, and green procurement. This study contributes to reverse logistics, eco-design, reusing, recycling, and remanufacturing with their high impact on the industries. In addition to the logistics costs and transportation costs, the carbon emissions are considered. With regard to the game theory, this paper uses a cooperative green supplier selection model. If transportation requirements of two or more companies are combined, it will help manufacturers to have less [Formula: see text] emissions with lower cost. After creating the optimization model to consider the uncertainty, this cooperative game theory model is established in a fuzzy environment. In this regard, a fuzzy rule-based (FRB) system is deployed and the set of fuzzy IF–THEN rules is considered. The proposed FRB model is contributed for the first time in the area of green supplier selection problem. Finally, some sensitivity analyses are conducted in a numerical example to evaluate the proposed model. With regard to the findings, although the cost of CO2 emission of horizontal cooperation is increased, the cost saving of companies is increased. It means our total cost is optimal in a logistic network using the cooperative game theory. The results also indicate that horizontal cooperation in logistic network causes less cost and benefits for each company. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11356-021-17015-2.