مهدی حاجیابوکاهکی

Environmental instability and sustainability deficits remain critical threats to the continuity of small and medium‑sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly in pollution‑intensive sectors such as paints and resins. In Iran, the vulnerability of SMEs in this sector is largely rooted in unsustainable production practices and limited access to environmentally compatible raw materials. This study aims to identify and prioritize sustainability challenges and strategies, and to analyze their influence on sustainable performance criteria—integrating environmental, social, and economic dimensions. A two‑phase fuzzy Quality Function Deployment (QFD) model was employed under uncertainty. In the first phase, relationships between sustainability strategies and challenges were examined, with the fuzzy SWARA method applied to determine the relative weights of strategies in Isfahan’s paint and resin SMEs. The second phase analyzed interrelations between challenges and sustainable performance using the QFD “House of Quality” to map strategic leverage points. Findings from the fuzzy Delphi stage confirmed the validity of three primary constructs—strategies, challenges, and performance criteria. Results show that implementing sustainability strategies significantly mitigates core challenges such as financial constraints, volatility in raw‑material supply, and competitive market pressures. The analysis further identified emission reduction, energy efficiency, and product quality and durability as the most influential sustainability performance criteria. The study concludes that enhancing access to sustainable raw materials, supported by green financing and policy incentives, enables SMEs to reduce pollutant and greenhouse gas emissions, optimize resource use, and improve product longevity. Overcoming financial and sourcing barriers fosters technological innovation and operational efficiency, strengthening firms’ competitiveness in domestic and international markets. By integrating targeted fiscal, technological, and managerial interventions, Iran’s paint and resin SMEs can advance toward sustainability while contributing to national environmental and economic objectives.