Keywords
operational efficiency
Industry 4.0
Lean Manufacturing
How to Cite
Abstract
The contemporary business landscape demands that organizations integrate operational efficiency, technology, and ESG practices to remain competitive. This article proposes the Lean 4.0 ESG framework, an integrated structure that systematizes the union between Lean Manufacturing principles, Industry 4.0 technologies, and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) parameters. The methodology was based on an exploratory and qualitative systematic literature review, analyzing publications from 2016 to 2026. The results present a structured model in which Industry 4.0 provides the technological infrastructure, Lean optimizes operational efficiency, and ESG defines the guidelines for shared value and sustainability. The discussion indicates that technological integration mitigates greenwashing by providing immutable and auditable metrics, transforming sustainability into a competitive advantage. It is concluded that the Lean 4.0 ESG framework offers a strategic roadmap for business resilience, allowing productivity and positive socio-environmental impact to coexist in a synergistic and transparent manner.
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