Applying lean tools and principles to reduce cost of waste management: an empirical research in Vietnam

Lean is one of the systematic approach to achieve higher value for organizations through eliminate non-value-added activities. It is an integrated set of tools, techniques, and principles designed to optimize cost, quality and delivery while improving safety. In Vietnam, industry waste management and treatment has become serious issue. The aim of this research is to present the effective of Lean application for industrial wastes collecting and delivery improvement. Through a case study, this paper showed the way of Lean tools and principles applied for wastes management and treatment such as Value Stream Mapping, Pull system, Visual Control, and Andon to get benefit on both economic and environment. In addition, the results introduced a good experience for enterprises in Vietnam and other countries have similar conditions to Vietnam in cost saving and sustainable development in waste management.