Trends and gaps for integrating lean and green management in the agri-food sector

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyze gaps and trends, as well suggest approaches and methodologies that should be addressed by future studies for implementing the lean and green management in the agri-food sector. Design/methodology/approach Based on a sample with 117 papers, this paper presents a systematic review on the integration of lean and green in the agri-food sector. Findings Key findings indicate that research on lean and green topics has increased in recent years, an important gap in the integration of lean and green in the agri-food sector has been identified. Two paths that remain open for further research are detected: the lack of theoretical, prescriptive and quantitative research and the possibility of integrating the two most used tools of lean (i.e. value stream mapping) and green (i.e. life-cycle assessment). Practical implications This study does not only advance the theoretical knowledge of the lean and green field, but it is also beneficial for agri-food companies who aim to effectively deploy lean and green in their processes in order to improve both operational and environmental performances. Social implications No other industry matches in such a complete way the agri-food industry’s challenge of sustainability that is due to the amount of resources it consumes and its interrelatedness with the well-being of humanity. Originality/value There are separate streams of established research on lean and green management in the agri-food sector, yet very few authors have addressed the intersection of these strategic initiatives.

Lean 4.0 in the value co‐creation in agro‐industrial services: An agenda for future studies for the efficient resource use

“…Over the last few years, “Lean thinking” has been adapted to “Lean and green thinking”, this junction brings benefits to the production chain, such as cost reduction, losses and waste, which helps to reduce the impact on the environment (Caldera et al, 2017). However, Lean and Green are emerging in the industrial sector with potential; in this sense, advantages can be explored for the efficient use of natural resources (Caldera et al, 2017; Muñoz‐Villamizar et al, 2019).…”

Lean Optimization Techniques for Improvement of Production Flows and Logistics Management: The Case Study of a Fruits Distribution Center

“…The agri-food industry is of particular interest since it tries to deal simultaneously with a set of peculiar characteristics, often unseen in other industries (for example, the short shelf life of raw materials or seasonality of products) [41]. According to Lopes et al [42], despite numerous successful applications in various sectors, the particular characteristics of the food sector may have led to resistance to changing companies' practices and the implementation of new management philosophies.…”

Methodology to increase productivity in a production process in a textile company by means of 5S and Standard Work.

“…Asimismo, la estandarización contribuye a la reducción de costos; ya que se logra el uso eficiente de los recursos. [7].…”

“…Finalmente, otro autor propuso la reducción de la duración de las actividades (ciclo tiempo) en el proceso de producción, mediante el uso de Lean técnicas: Kaizen y 5S, en una PYME brasileña, como resultado, reportó una disminución considerable en los tiempos perdidos debido a tareas innecesarias, promoviendo, en el primer mes después de la implementación, un aumento del 10% en la producción de tapicería [7].…”