Model of efficient and sustainable improvements in a lean production system through processes of environmental innovation

Globalization has changed the world as well as how a customer judges the value of a product, which has created a new business focus. Different approaches have been oriented on this direction, such as the lean manufacturing system and the concept of sustainability. However, these two notions are not easy to implement simultaneously; besides several authors have declared doubts with respect to reaching this target. Difficulty persists in identifying the tools required and quantifying the improvements achieved. This research develops a general approach, based on environmental innovation, to help firms harmonize efficiency and sustainability. The goal is to add extra value to the product, which provides the potential to enhance competitiveness in the 21st century globalized market. A case study demonstrates that the costs, the incomes, the social responsibility and the sustainability can be improved when environmental innovation is applied, transforming the traditional production system into a lean system. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.