Lean Manufacturers' Transcendence to Green Manufacturing

A survey was administered to manufacturers recognized by the Shingo Prize as Lean to determine if they are transcending to a Greener state because of their commitment to Lean production. Results were compared with data published by Melnyk, et. al. [5] regarding the Greenness of over 1100 general manufacturing plants. The companies recognized by Shingo score significantly higher in Greenness than the manufacturers studied by Melnyk, et. al. This suggests that Lean companies are embracing Green objectives and transcending to Green manufacturing as a natural extension of their culture of continuous waste reduction, integral to world class Lean programs.