Abstract:
The leather products industry is an emerging and promising sector in Bangladesh. However, the leather industry faces significant challenges in managing and reducing waste. This thesis focuses on identifying and prioritizing the factors influencing the decision-making process for selecting new products to recycle leather waste. The study aims to develop a framework using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to determine the optimal product for recycling leather waste. AHP is widely regarded for its effectiveness in decision-making, allowing for the assessment of multiple criteria and alternatives. Data for this study were collected through expert interviews, emails, and surveys within the leather industry. The Super Decision software and geometric mean method were utilized to calculate the weights based on expert opinions. Seven criteria were considered in this study: quality, cost, features, customer needs, market acceptance, design, and ease of production. These criteria were used to rank potential products using the AHP technique. By comparing the products against each criterion through a matrix, the study identifies the best product for recycling leather waste. The findings demonstrate the utility of AHP as a decision-making tool for selecting new products derived from waste materials. The results have been applied by a company on a small scale through their e-commerce platform, yielding profitable feedback. This research not only broadens consumer perspectives on sustainable products but also highlights advancements in the fashion industry. It underscores the positive impact on company profitability and brand reputation while contributing to a sustainable economy.