Implementation of environmental lean six sigma framework in an Indian medical equipment manufacturing unit: a case study

Abstract

PurposeThe present environmental concern has enforced manufacturing firms to re-evaluate their business practices to reduce the adverse impact on the environment with optimum production. Therefore, the present study aims to deal with the implementation of the environmental lean six sigma (ELSS) framework in an Indian medical equipment manufacturing industry to obtain operational and environmental sustainability.Design/methodology/approachThe proposed ELSS framework is based on the DMAIC (Define–Measure–Analyze–Improve–Control) methodology, sustainability and lean tools. The efficacy of the developed framework is tested through a case study in an Indian medical equipment manufacturing unit.FindingsIn the case company, four major issues were reported, i.e. improper material handling, non-productive movement of men and material, poor indoor air quality and rework. The ELSS project facilitates the case organization to enhance their capacity utilization from 59.25% to 74.3%, defects per million opportunities reduce from 309,523 to 48,951.44 and indoor air quality levels decrease from 156.87 to 86.85 µgm3.Research limitations/implicationsThe efficacy of the developed ELSS framework is evaluated through a case study conducted only in one Indian manufacturing environment.Practical implicationsThe present study facilitates industrial managers and practitioners to achieve sustainability and process excellence through ELSS implementation. Organizations that intend to simultaneously improve operational and environmental performance can benefit from this paper as it can be used as a guide to conduct similar projects with both operational and environmental benefits.Originality/valueThis paper presents a successful implementation of the ELSS framework in the healthcare industry to achieve operational and environmental sustainability.