Adoption of Lean Manufacturing in Italian Mechanical Engineering Industry: Impacts on Sustainability and Barriers to Implementation

This study explores the adoption of Lean Manufacturing within the Italian mechanical engineering industry, aiming to assess awareness, adoption levels, perceptions, and impacts on sustainability, while also analyzing the challenges faced by non-adopters. A survey was conducted among 115 Italian companies to evaluate their implementation of Lean practices and its effects on the economic, environmental, and social pillars of sustainability. Descriptive statistical analysis was employed to synthesize the findings. Results reveal that only 16.5% of the surveyed companies have adopted Lean practices, reporting significant benefits, including enhanced productivity, operational efficiency, and resource utilization. Lean adopters also highlight improvements in employee satisfaction, health and safety, and waste reduction, demonstrating alignment with sustainability objectives. Conversely, non-adopters face critical barriers such as time constraints, insufficient knowledge, and resistance to change, which are particularly pronounced in micro and small enterprises. Despite these challenges, many non-adopters recognize Lean as a valuable opportunity, underscoring the potential for broader implementation through targeted support. The study emphasizes the importance of customized interventions, such as training programs and institutional support, to facilitate the adoption of Lean practices and overcome barriers. It also confirms that Lean Manufacturing, when effectively implemented, serves as a strategic enabler for sustainability by fostering operational, environmental, and social improvements. By offering insights into both adopting and non-adopting companies, this research contributes to the understanding of Lean Manufacturing’s role in advancing sustainability within the mechanical engineering sector, providing actionable recommendations for practitioners and policymakers.