A Decision Framework for Sustainable Fiber Selection in Sportswear Integrating Kano, QFD and MCDM Approaches

This study proposes an integrated Kano–QFD–MCDM decision-support framework for sustainable fiber selection in sportswear by combining user-oriented evaluation with environmental and technical performance criteria. User requirements are classified using the Kano model and translated into technical criteria through Quality Function Deployment (QFD), enabling criterion weights that reflect both user priorities and product performance. Six fiber alternatives—soy, bamboo, Tencel, modal, cotton, and polyester—are evaluated based on nine criteria covering mechanical properties, comfort-related attributes, environmental impact, and economic factors, with emphasis on carbon footprint and biodegradability. The evaluation is performed using three multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods—TOPSIS, EDAS, and VIKOR—supported by statistical analyses including Spearman correlation and the Friedman test to assess ranking consistency. Results indicate that soy fiber achieved the highest aggregated ranking under the proposed weighting and aggregation framework, followed by bamboo and Tencel, while polyester ranks lowest due to its environmental disadvantages. Overall, the proposed framework provides a transparent and statistically validated approach that integrates sustainability considerations into fiber selection, supporting more informed and responsible decision-making in sportswear design.