Addressing the sustainability challenge with lean thinking and practice: an action learning approach in Cotonificio Albini S.p.A.

To conduct business without compromising future generations' ability to meet their own needs, businesses are increasing their efforts and investments in practices related to energy conservation, the use of renewable energy, waste reduction, pollution avoidance, and recycling. The elimination of waste is not simply an environmental goal, but it is also a component of lean management. Lean management has risen in popularity in recent years, and more industrial and service organisations are using its principles to improve productivity. This research aims to provide empirical insights into practical activities which address sustainability challenges with lean thinking and practices. All three triple bottom line elements are examined using specific metrics: CO2 air emissions from an environmental stance, inventory level from an economic standpoint, and staff training and development levels from a social standpoint. This study was conducted using the action learning research approach and contributes to lean theory and practice by presenting an actual case study of a sustainable lean transdevelopment method in the textile industry.