EFFECTS OF LEAN METHOD APPLICATION ON COMPANY ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE

Abstract

The strong commitment of the world's strongest economies to actively combat global warming has "forced" companies around the world to include in their long-term development strategies goals to reduce their own negative impact on the environment. In this regard, the question of the impact of certain production approaches on the environmental performance of companies has arisen. Lean production, whose philosophy with embed goals is to reduce waste, has prompted a number of authors to investigate the positive correlation between its implementation and the reduction of environmental pollution caused by emissions to water, land and air. Following these efforts, the aim of the paper is to, through a focus on relevant papers in this field, present the various conclusions reached by the authors in their research. Special emphasis is placed on the identification of Lean methods and tools that have proven to be the strongest tool in companies' efforts to reduce emissions and thus contribute to the fight against climate change. The paper uses scientific methods of description and compilation in order to highlight the basic characteristics of Lean production, on the one hand, and academically correct presentation of other people's conclusions and knowledge, on the other hand. The results of the research showed that the largest number of authors, who dealt with this topic, identified the existence of a positive impact of Lean production on the environmental performance of companies. What's more, the application of certain Lean methods or tools has enabled companies to exceed both business and Lean waste reduction goals. In this regard, it is concluded that, in addition to increasing profitability and competitiveness, environmental results have emerged as reasons for the implementation of Lean production.