Lean and Green Paradigms in Logistics: Review of Published Research

Abstract

This paper provides a systematic review of published research on lean logistics, green logistics and the combination of both paradigms. Although prior research on all three topics exists, only a few have focused on the field of logistics as such. The present analysis comprises an examination of 98 scientific articles from 35 international journals, published between the years 1994 and 2015. The published studies are classified by next divisions: journal, paradigm, time distribution, research stream and sector-wise focus. Although key findings indicate that over the last couple of years research on all three topics has increased, a research gap regarding the studies of lean and green logistics when combined, has been identified. For all three topics the domination in research typology has been extracted. The findings indicate that most papers examined on the topic of lean logistics come from the manufacturing industries, whereas for the topic green logistics and a combination of green and lean topics no specific sector was identified.

Keywords

• logistics
• lean
• green
• review of research