Sustainability and lean manufacturing: systematic literature review and conceptual framework

Authors
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47456/bjpe.v12i3.52706
Keywords:
Lean Manufacturing, Sustainability, Systematic Literature Review, Continuous Improvement
Abstract

The growing pursuit of competitiveness, operational efficiency, and socio-environmental responsibility has led organizations to integrate lean manufacturing and sustainability practices. In this context, lean manufacturing stands out through waste elimination, continuous improvement, and productivity enhancement. This study aims to develop a conceptual model that clarifies the main constructs of lean manufacturing and sustainability, exploring their relationships. To achieve this, a scientific mapping of the literature was conducted through descriptive bibliometrics and social network analysis, enabling the identification of themes, trends, and knowledge producers in the field. Subsequently, through a systematic literature review, a conceptual model was proposed. The results revealed three main thematic clusters: process mapping, lean manufacturing, and Industry 4.0. The interrelationship among the elements of these clusters may enhance sustainable practices and support continuous improvement in industrial organizations. Therefore, process mapping contributes to the identification of waste and improvement opportunities: lean manufacturing promotes operational efficiency and cost reduction; and Industry 4.0 expands technological integration and the sustainability of operations.

Author Biographies
  1. Rafaela B. Rodrigues, Minas Gerais State University

    Undergraduate student in the Production Engineering program at the State University of Minas Gerais (UEMG). Researcher in the areas of Quality Management and Sustainability.

  2. Paulo H. A. Santos, Federal University of Paraná

    Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering (UFPR, 2016) and Production Engineering (UniCesumar, 2022). Specialist in Production Engineering (UFPR, 2018), Higher Education Teaching (UniDomBosco, 2019), and Quality Engineering 4.0 (UFPR, 2022). Master’s degree in Production Engineering (UFPR, 2019). PhD in Production Engineering (UFSCar, 2025). Previously served as a lecturer in the Production Engineering and Business Administration programs (UEMG, 2024–2025), and in the Production Engineering program (UFMS, 2025). Currently serves as a lecturer in the Quality Management and Public Management programs (UFPR, 2026). Works in the areas of Quality Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Organizational Engineering, Sustainability Engineering, and Operations and Production Process Engineering.

           
  3. José S. Ferreira Junior, Minas Gerais State University

    PhD candidate in Production Engineering at the Federal University of Itajubá; Master’s degree in Production Engineering from UNIFEI with a scholarship provided by CAPES; specialist in Engineering Management and Industrial Logistics from University of Franca; specialist in Engineering and Innovation from Centro Universitário Uniseb; and holds a bachelor's degree in Production Engineering from UNIFRAN. Currently serves as an adjunct professor at the State University of Minas Gerais, Passos campus, in the Production Engineering program.

    Researcher in the areas of discrete-event simulation, agent-based simulation, and playful learning using building blocks in higher education. Works in the fields of Production Planning and Control (PPC), Project and Process Management, industrial organization, industrial costs, process and failure mapping, computational simulation, ERP implementation and maintenance, implementation and maintenance of lean manufacturing tools, and production layout improvement.

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Cover Image
Article cover of the Brazilian Journal of Production Engineering. The image features a human hand at the center, overlaid with electronic circuit patterns and digital technology graphics, representing the integration of people, processes, and Industry 4.0 technologies. In the center, a framed graphic prominently displays “INDUSTRY 4.0” and the enlarged number “4.0”. At the bottom, the title reads “Lean + Sustentabilidade + Indústria 4.0” (“Lean + Sustainability + Industry 4.0”), followed by “Rodrigues, Santos & Ferreira Jr. (2026)”. The lower section displays the logos of PPGCP, UFES – Pró-Reitoria de Pesquisa e Pós-Graduação, UFES – Campus São Mateus, Núcleo de Pesquisa em Gestão de Sistemas de Produção – NP GSP, Engenharia de Produção, and FAPES – Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa e Inovação do Espírito Santo. A gold banner at the bottom identifies the Brazilian Journal of Production Engineering.
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Published
2026-09-16
Issue
Vol. 12 No. 3 (2026): Regular Issue (July - September) Continuous Publication of Articles
Section
QUALITY ENGINEERING
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Copyright (c) 2026 Rodrigues, R. B., Santos, P. H. A., & Ferreira Junior, J. da S.

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How to Cite

Bomfim Rodrigues, R., Amorim Santos, P. H., & da Silva Ferreira Junior, J. (2026). Sustainability and lean manufacturing: systematic literature review and conceptual framework. Brazilian Journal of Production Engineering, 12(3), 121-140. https://doi.org/10.47456/bjpe.v12i3.52706