A multi-stakeholder fuzzy best–worst method analysis of key factors in remanufacturing production processes

Abstract Remanufacturing is a core principle for achieving sustainable manufacturing. However, a comprehensive understanding of remanufacturing production process factors is lacking, as is adequate consideration of stakeholder perspectives and the relative importance of key factors. This study addresses these gaps by examining remanufacturing production processes from a multi-stakeholder viewpoint. It identified the key factors and then evaluated them using the Fuzzy Best-Worst Method (FBWM). The Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP) was used for secondary verification. Evaluation results were compared across five stakeholder groups: a scholar, an engineer, an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) manager, an independent remanufacturer (IR) manager, and a consumer. The analysis reveals that “Process Planning” (23.71% average weight) and “Generic Process” (20.24% average weight) are the foundational factors. While specific priorities differ slightly, the engineer and managers (OEM and IR) align on prioritizing these two factors. In contrast, the scholar focuses on innovation within a Specific Process, and the consumer prioritizes factors directly related to the final product. Based on these findings, the study proposes three guiding principles for implementing remanufacturing production processes and explores how stakeholder priorities influence academia, business operations, and the overall remanufacturing market. The main contribution lies in providing critical support for government policy-making and offering reference material for academic research in this area.