A comprehensive sustainability-based framework for locating net-zero manufacturing facilities

Achieving net-zero manufacturing requires robust strategies that balance environmental, economic, and operational priorities while aligning with global sustainability targets. Integrating advanced decision-making methodologies with comprehensive sustainability frameworks is crucial for guiding climate-neutral industrial transformation. This study develops a modular decision-aid model, namely the Net-Zero Manufacturing Location Decision-Aid Model, for evaluating net-zero manufacturing facility locations from a production-system and logistics-readiness perspective. The model systematically incorporates ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) and HSE (Health, Safety, Environment) criteria and operationalises them through Picture Fuzzy Stepwise Weight Assessment Ratio Analysis (PiF-SWARA) and Picture Fuzzy Additive Ratio Assessment (PiF-ARAS). Expert judgments are aggregated through picture fuzzy logic, capturing uncertainty and subjectivity inherent in real-world decision environments. Results demonstrate that environmental and safety dimensions are the most influential factors in site selection for net-zero manufacturing, while governance and health play a moderate role, and social criteria are relatively less impactful. Sensitivity analysis confirms the stability and robustness of the model across various weighting scenarios. The proposed framework provides actionable insights for decision-makers and policymakers aiming to enable climate-neutral manufacturing investments. This study contributes a scalable, transparent, and replicable methodology, supporting the strategic alignment of industrial development with circular economy principles and smart production technologies.