Lean Production Systems as a Framework for Sustainable Manufacturing

The constantly rising consumption of resources, global warming and a growing population force the society towards more sustainability regarding ecologic, economic and social aspects. Especially manufacturing industries are challenged to adapt their processes since they play a major role in resource consumption and green house gas emission. Besides more sustainable products, principles of shop floor management have to be redesigned towards more sustainable processes. State of the art manufacturing is usually designed according to enterprise-specific Lean Production Systems. These systems are considered to ensure a comprehensive and sustainable design of production. However, the general goals of an LPS focus on economic aspects. Ecological and social sustainability are rarely considered. Therefore, this paper analyzes Lean Production Systems concerning sustainable aspects. Furthermore, the given structure of these systems provides a framework, where goals and principles of ecological and social sustainability can be incorporated.