Prioritizing Water Footprint Reduction in Gray Cardboard Manufacturing: An Integrated Quality Function Deployment and Pareto Approach

Abstract

Water shortage poses a critical challenge to sustainable economic growth, particularly in water-intensive sectors such as paper and cardboard manufacturing. This study explores the importance of controlling water footprints in the production of gray cardboard and identifies the key technical factors affecting water consumption in a paper manufacturing company located in Türkiye's Marmara Region. Methodologically, empirical data gathered from production managers and technical staff through structured questionnaires and expert interviews were analyzed using an integrated decision-support framework combining Water Footprint Assessment (WFA), Quality Function Deployment (QFD), the House of Quality (HoQ), and Pareto analysis. The QFD and HoQ matrix evaluated the trade-offs between customer requirements and technical characteristics, while Pareto analysis prioritized high-impact variables. The findings reveal that a small set of high-priority technical factors accounts for the vast majority of water footprint impacts. To address these dominant issues, targeted practical recommendations are proposed, specifically focusing on mitigating high-weight technical bottlenecks identified in the HoQ matrix through closed-loop water recirculation, improved water-use efficiency, process-water treatment optimization, and automated consumption monitoring at critical production stages. Overall, the proposed methodology provides a systematic decision-support structure for improving industrial sustainability and water resource management in the paper industry.