Resolving contradictions in green supply chain management: A combined TRIZ and DEMATEL approach

Abstract

Companies are increasingly required to adopt green supply chain practices to enhance their ecological footprint and financial viability, driven by global environmental concerns. This research focuses on resolving the contradictions faced in green supply chain management (GSCM) implementation through a combined application of the Theory of Inventive Problem Solving (TRIZ) and the Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) methods. Five key contradictions were identified: regulatory enhancements vs. resource limitations, technological unreadiness vs. regulatory refinement, profitability vs. customer trust, collaboration vs. competitiveness, and green material prioritization vs. scarcity. The study proposes 18 inventive principles to address these contradictions, including strategies such as flexible technology adoption and market segmentation. DEMATEL is then applied to analyze the interactions between these principles, offering a structured model for strategic decision-making. The DEMATEL analysis revealed that government support plays the most critical role in driving green supply chain adoption, influencing other strategies significantly. This integrated approach provides practical guidance for stakeholders, helping to shape policies and improve GSCM implementation in industries, particularly within the packaging and paper products sector in Indonesia.