Interrelation of Lean and Green Management in Croatian Manufacturing Companies

Abstract

The goal of this article is to explore the link between lean and green management, reasons for their implementation, their effect throughout the whole life cycle, as well as the current state of use of lean tools, economic and environmental indicators in the context of Croatian manufacturing companies. A semi-structured interview was used in this research. As a result, the frequency of economic and environmental performance indicators and lean tools in Croatian companies has been defined, as well as the reasons for the implementation of lean management. Additionally, the understanding of the use of Life Cycle Assessment methods, environmental standards has been obtained and the integration of lean and green management in Croatian companies has been explored. Further on, results were compared to the similar study done in the UK. Finally, it can be concluded that the integration of lean and green management is not yet sufficiently present in manufacturing companies, although there are cases in which these two approaches are integrated, primarily in the process and food industry. It is for these reasons that in the integration of these two approaches lies great potential.

Exploring the relationship between Lean and Green for further research

“…The work from Inman and Green (2018) confirms the positive Lean/Green relationship through Lean practices. Similarly, Hegedić et al . (2018) found the relationship between Lean practises and the environment; and the work from Rothenberg et al .…”

“…The theoretical implications of the hypothesis are related to the research gap. As explained in the literature review, there are several examples in the literature that establish the relationship Lean/Green from different perspectives (Florida, 1996; Hegedić et al ., 2018; Inman and Green, 2018; Kleindorfer et al ., 2005; Rothenberg et al ., 2001). However, evidence remains inconclusive about which specific Lean practice has a stronger association with environmental issues (see Table 1).…”

“…However, this is still a conversation about a dichotomy. Green and Lean implementation are separate organisational efforts that must be integrated (Hegedić et al ., 2018; Hallam and Contreras, 2016).…”

“…Nevertheless, a research gap remains in the need for more empirical evidence to establish the relationship between Lean and Green (Caldera et al ., 2017; Hallam and Contreras, 2016; Kleindorfer et al ., 2005; Verrier et al ., 2016), but most importantly into the specific Lean practises than facilitate Green outputs (Hegedić et al ., 2018; Inman and Green, 2018; Rothenberg et al ., 2001). Thus, this paper presents research that explores the relationship between Lean and Green in manufacturing companies, aiming to determine which Lean practices have a higher association with improving Green efficiency and to identify the practices that facilitate the integration of both management approaches.…”

Construction of lean-green coordinated development model from the perspective of personnel integration in manufacturing companies

“…Enterprises can then realise three bases for sustainable development, namely, personnel, environment, and profit. 3–5 In the current fiercely competitive globalised business environment, the above three bases must be met simultaneously to gain a dominant position in the market. 6 Traditionally, organisations have focused on profits but have given little consideration to personnel (society) and the environment.…”