Lean Green ‒ Integration of Lean Manufacturing and Sustainable Development in the Light of the Pursuit of Economically and Environmentally Efficient Operations

Abstract

The concept of Lean Manufacturing is a set of techniques, methods and tools, whose application in manufacturing processes is expected to eliminate wastes and improve their economic efficiency. The challenges of Sustainable Development determine a new approach to conducting manufacturing activities. Issues related to caring for the environment and the social aspects of the business are becoming crucial from the point of view of business stakeholders. The article attempts to juxtapose the classical approach to Lean Manufacturing, presenting its main principles. The authors also highlighted the key legal and formal requirements that determine a different approach to Lean Manufacturing. The main sources of green wastage were then presented and possible ways of correlating the Lean Manufacturing (classical) concept with Lean Manufacturing seen in the light of Sustainability challenges were analysed. This combination was presented as Lean Green, thus indicating the possible relationship between Lean Manufacturing and Sustainability, in its environmental part. Using examples of specific companies, the potential benefits of implementing a Lean Manufacturing concept oriented not only on economic aspects, but above all on environmental benefits, are summarised. A review of the Polish and world literature, an analysis of available sources and the authors' own experience were used.