Implementing LEAN and Six-Sigma: a case study in developing the composites production process economically and ecologically

Abstract

An increasing demand for the composite structures made of fiber reinforced polymers (FRP) requires eco-efficient production process. In order to achieve that, both ecological and economic aspects should be assessed during the associated life-cycle stage in order to optimize the pro-duction processes performance by implementing the suitable management tools. The aim of this project is to explain the possibility of forming a comprehensive Sustainable Development (SD) framework for the decision-makers to achieve more environmentally friendly and cost efficient processes. In this project, several decision support tools are implemented such as the Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA), the Life-Cycle-Cost Analysis (LCCA), Lean, and Six-Sigma. This comprehen-sive SD framework is based on a framework that has been developed in a previous author thesis.