Title: Sustainable inventory policies for green cosmetic products with combined advantages of the exhibition and free sample of products

Authors: Ritu Pujara; Kunal T. Shukla; Dharmesh K. Katariya

Addresses: Gujarat Technological University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, 382424, India ' Vishwakarma Government Engineering College, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, 382424, India ' Shantilal Shah Engineering College, Bhavnagar, Gujarat, 364060, India

Abstract: The proposed research deals with that the seller is offering eco-friendly cosmetics to the consumer. In order to catch the attention of new customers, the seller is selling items at a nearby exhibition and giving away free samples of his main product during the exhibition. The main product and free sample of main product are two inventories, with actual market demand are taken into account. Exhibition, distribution of free samples of the main item and green investment all have a direct effect on product demand. In order to maximise profit of seller with respect to optimum value of selling price, green investment, cycle time and order quantity, the problem is formulated as a mathematical model. The findings indicate the exhibition and distribution of free samples of main product significantly increased sales and total profit. Numerical example and sensitivity analysis validated the model and derived the outcome and finally concluded the article with future scope of study.

Keywords: inventory; price dependent demand; sustainability; green investment; exhibition; free sample.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPM.2025.149402

International Journal of Procurement Management, 2025 Vol.24 No.3, pp.279 - 300

Received: 14 Jul 2024
Accepted: 07 Aug 2024
Published online: 29 Oct 2025 *

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