3D Printing for sustainable food supply chains: modelling the implementation barriers
Virendra Kumar Verma, Sachin Kamble, L. Ganapathy, Amine Belhadi, Shivam Gupta
Abstract
3D printing is estimated to play a significant role in offering tangible and commercial benefits to the supply chains. 3D printing application in food is becoming more complex and flexible putting pressure on printing companies. 3DP of food is expected to help in controlling the quality of food products, reduce waste, and increase food variety. Despite the vast potential of 3DP of food, the adoption is still in its nascent stage. Therefore, this study attempts to identify the various barriers that affect the adoption of 3DP in the food industry. The study identifies and investigates the interdependencies between 3D food printing implementation barriers for sustainable food supply chains. The hybrid ‘interpretive structural modeling (ISM) and decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL)’ methodology was employed to understand the hierarchical and contextual relationships between the identified barriers. Thirteen barriers were identified and validated by food printing experts. The cost of consumables was identified as a major barrier to implementing 3D food printing in supply chains. We also identified linkage barriers and dependent barriers. Our findings put forward suggestions for overcoming some of the implementation barriers, helping to advance the development of sustainable 3D food printing-based supply chains.