Lean Manufacturing and the Sustainability of Pharmaceutical Supply Chains

This work studies how Lean Manufacturing principles influence the sustainability performance of pharmaceutical supply chains, a sector challenged by stringent regulatory constraints, high waste levels, and significant environmental impact. The thesis aims to determine whether Lean tools and practices can simultaneously advance environmental, social, and economic objectives in line with the Triple Bottom Line framework. The findings from a systematic review and meta-analysis reveal a statistically significant positive correlation (with a mean r of ≈ 0.25) between Lean implementation and environmental performance, indicating moderate but consistent improvements in resource efficiency, waste reduction, and emissions control. The benefits are particularly strong when Lean initiatives extend beyond the factory floor to encompass supply chain coordination, supplier collaboration, and quality management systems. Limitations include methodological heterogeneity and the underrepresentation of the social dimension of sustainability in current research. Overall, the evidence supports the view that Lean Manufacturing acts as a practical enabler of sustainability when implemented with strategic alignment, employee engagement, and systemic integration. The study concludes that integrating Lean thinking with frameworks based on sustainability indicators offers a viable path toward more resilient and environmentally responsible pharmaceutical supply chains.