Extension of process mapping to identify “green waste”

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to develop an approach to process mapping (Pmapping) that incorporates the identification of environmental wastes. Design/methodology/approach – The proposed extension of the PMapping technique is independently trialled by ten Industrial Engineers in manufacturing SMEs in South Wales. Interviews were conducted with each Engineer after the mapping technique was trialled, in order to understand the benefits and difficulties of using the approach. Findings – Integrating the identification of “green wastes” within the PMapping tool is found to be an effective way of focusing attention upon the environmental impact of activities within processes. Combining “green and lean” is also an approach that cements environmental issues into an organisation's continuous improvement efforts and can assist in it becoming part of its improvement philosophy. Research limitations/implications – The tool has been trialled within a limited number of small- to medium-sized manufacturing organisations. Further examination of the tool should be conducted in organisations in different business sectors utilising a range of process technologies. Practical implications – The proposed tool appears effective in aiding the identification of environmental wastes in manufacturing processes. It also has value in integrating environmental improvement initiatives with other process improvement initiatives. Originality/value – PMapping techniques are well known in the literature, and in practice, but none have been identified that incorporate the identification of environmental wastes.