Analytical Hierarchy Process/Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution-based approach to the generation of environmental improvement options for painting process e Results from an industrial case study

•We explore possibilities for environmental improvements in the painting of boilers.•We propose the approach to establish weighting criteria by taking expert opinions.•The integrated approach is applied to make multi-criteria decisions in the painting.•The applied approach (AHP + TOPSIS) considers facility and operation characteristics.

The paper, based on an industrial case study, explores possibilities for environmental improvements in the painting process of the manufacture of central heating boilers. The goal is to identify opportunities to prevent or limit the environmental impacts of the painting process. The evaluation problem was formulated as a multi-attribute decision-making model and solved using a combined approached of analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and the technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) approach. AHP was used to determine the essential weighting factors. Alternatives ranking was conducted using TOPSIS. This evaluation summarized benefits of a clean, non-polluting technology that effectively eliminates the use of hazardous solvents and prevents the generation of volatile organic emissions and hazardous solid waste. Results show that the most appropriate improvement option to be implemented in the considered company is a paint shop equipped with its own air supply, exhaust fans and heating system.

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