Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

Global food supply chains need to become more efficient in terms of decreasing resource use and minimising food waste. With this objective some food enterprises in UK have started to adopt ‘lean thinking’. Little academic evidence exists on whether or not this is a sustainable strategy. Sustainability can be defined through the ‘triple bottom line’ including economic, environmental and social aspects. A literature review was conducted to explore the applicability of lean thinking as a sustainable strategy in food supply chains. It showed that lean has potentials, but would require trade-offs where lean principles are adapted to the characteristics of food supply chains and where it also includes environmental and social aspects to a greater extent. Collaboration and shared benefits between all participants is necessary for the success of lean. This is currently the issue in existing food supply chains in the UK.