Barriers for an Integrated Lean and ISO 14001 Implementation for Sustaining Environmental Performance in the Manufacturing Industry

The manufacturing industry is facing ever increasing adverse challenges of operational waste generation, environmental issues and inefficient utilization of raw material in the last few decades. These environmental and operational challenges can be minimized by adopting new management strategies and streamlining processes in the manufacturing facilities. An integrated lean and ISO 14001 implementation as an innovative approach can be employed for achieving operational performance, a healthier environment and business profits in manufacturing firms. Literature on a combined lean and ISO 14001 implementation is limited, and no research has investigated the barriers which hinder the implementation of these strategies as a holistic approach. This paper explores the potential barriers for deploying an integrated lean and ISO 14001 approach for optimizing the manufacturing processes and improving environmental performance. Twenty barriers are identified in areas of management approach, cultural and external aspects, technical aspects and financial resources which if overcome, can lead to the successful implementation of a combined lean and ISO 14001 strategy in manufacturing firms.