A multiple goal blending problem

This paper concerns itself with the production process of blending several raw materials into products conforming to given specifications. Typically, this problem is solved by determining the least cost blend of materials that will result in satisfactory products. However, a multiple goal model structure will be developed that also considers other goals, such as: (i) the minimization of the amount of imported raw materials used in the blends; (ii) the minimization of a certain property of the products blended; (iii) the minimization of the amount of impurities in the products blended; and (iv) the minimization of the use of volatile materials. The development of an example model structure was based on sample data from a large chemical corporation which used a similar formulation in its production planning for blended products.