Positive impacts of lean manufacturing tools on sustainability aspects: a systematic review

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the positive effects of lean manufacturing (LM) tools on sustainability aspects and to address the gap in studies that have examined the impacts of LM tools on sustainability. A systematic literature review (SLR) approach was used, which provides an evidence-based scientific method of searching and analyzing the literature. The study covered 101 relevant articles from 2010 to 2021. The study identified 36 LM tools impacting manufacturing sustainability and recognized the top 10 tools, such as six sigma and kaizen. Twenty sustainability metrics were also identified, such as eight wastes and air emissions. The greatest impact of LM tools was on the economic aspect, such as reducing costs. There is still a need to discover how LM tools can negatively affect sustainability. The findings will open up new avenues for researchers and manufacturers to support the effects of LM tools on sustainability.