Identifying And Prioritizing Barriers To Circular Supply Chain Management Adoption In Indian Manufacturing: A Fuzzy AHP-Based Analysis

Abstract

The transition from a linear to a circular supply chain model is a vital strategic move for achieving sustainable development in Indian manufacturing industries. However, this transformation is fraught with significant challenges that obstruct the effective adoption of Circular Supply Chain Management (CSCM) practices. This study aims to identify, categorize, and prioritize critical barriers that hinder CSCM implementation in the Indian context. Through an extensive literature review and expert consultations, thirty key barriers were identified and classified into five thematic categories: Structural & Technical, Resource & Financial, Policy & Regulatory, Organizational & Strategic, and Awareness & Cultural. The Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (Fuzzy AHP) was applied to systematically evaluate the relative significance of each barrier, incorporating expert judgment and addressing the inherent uncertainty in decision-making. The results reveal that "Lack of Awareness and Understanding," "High Initial Investment Costs," and "Resistance to Change" are the most influential barriers to CSCM adoption. Structural and technical issues such as "Inadequate Recycling Facilities" and "Inefficient Reverse Logistics" also emerged as significant impediments. Furthermore, the study presents visual insights through charts and tables, aiding in understanding the hierarchical influence of these barriers. The findings are corroborated with existing literature and offer valuable guidance to policymakers, supply chain managers, and sustainability strategists in formulating targeted interventions. This research contributes to the growing body of knowledge on sustainable supply chain transformation and provides a decision-support framework for overcoming practical challenges in implementing CSCM in developing economies like India.