Lean and Green: practices, paradigms and future prospects

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present an overview of the conceptual framework related to the Lean and Green practices, paradigms, future prospects and problems, indicating points of convergence and divergence between them. Design/methodology/approach Based on this premise, through vast literature systematization, the authors sought to categorize studies in order to consolidate constructs, reinforcing aspects regarding the positive and negative approaches and pointing out the gaps in the current state of the art. Broad literature systematization was carried out; the authors found 107 articles published between 2014 and 2018, separated into 10 categories. Findings The main constructs confirmed are the positive approximation of the Lean and Green union, evidenced by studies premised on the independent variable category demonstrating that their union influences other environmental performance variables. Research limitations/implications The present research is a systematization of the literature, so its results have to be confirmed by other studies. Practical implications The study supports the Lean and Green theme, confirming converging issues between the two areas and launching new topics for future research. Social implications The study contributed to the environmental theme by confirming synergies of the Lean and Green union and presenting new research themes. Originality/value To assert that Lean and Green systems union is sustainable, with regard to the tripod of sustainability, more studies on the social category are necessary.