Network Visualization of Design Variables and Functions for Sustainable Packaging Design

Abstract We visualized the network between design variables and product functions in a supply chain of product for sustainable packaging design. The multi-functional product design affects multiple processes in the supply chain including consumption process, while there are trade-offs between product functions because enhancing one functionality for sustainable supply chain could decrease another functionality. Visualizing the relationships between product functions and design variables as network structure supports to grasp the trade-offs in the design stage and to perform sustainable process and product design. Several case studies were performed to verify the proposed network structure, and design condition of the case studies was to decrease the content losses in consumption process. As a result, the proposed network structure reflected the difference of the product function and identified the loss reduction to decrease total environmental impacts by scenario analysis of consumption process.