Green Supplier Selection in Supply Chains: Application of the MEREC Method in the Maquiladora Industry

Abstract

In the current context, where corporate sustainability has become a critical factor for business competitiveness, the selection of green suppliers plays a pivotal role in the efficient and responsible management of supply chains. This research proposes a model based on multicriteria methods, such as MEREC, to evaluate and prioritize suppliers according to environmental, economic, and social criteria, thereby contributing to the strengthening of sustainable practices within the maquiladora industry. The primary objective of this study is to develop a decision-support model for green supplier selection in supply chains. The methodology includes an extensive review of the literature and the identification of relevant environmental criteria to prioritize suppliers that demonstrate greater environmental commitment, without compromising costs or delivery times. Preliminary results, obtained from a pilot study in the industrial sector of Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, Mexico, show that the model facilitates a pragmatic classification between sustainable and traditional suppliers, allowing for decisions aligned with corporate social responsibility and sustainability strategies.