Sustainable Lean Practices in the Luxury Fashion Industry: A Case Study

The luxury fashion industry faces increasing inspections due to its significant environmental footprint and overproduction issues. In the last years, lean management principles have emerged as a potential solution to address sustainability challenges in manufacturing. This study investigates how lean practices can contribute to environmental sustainability in luxury fashion production processes, focusing on personal luxury goods due to their significant growth within the global luxury market. Employing a multiple case study approach, the study examines two Italian luxury fashion companies covering the entire production process. Thanks to an analytical framework which integrates lean practices with environmental performance indicators, it has been possible to collect information from the interviews conducted. The results indicated a comprehensive adoption of lean practices in both companies, with positive impacts on environmental sustainability, particularly in materials, energy, emissions, and waste management. However, certain lean practices exhibit nuanced effects, underscoring the need for tailored approaches in different production phases. The study contributes insights into sustainable practices in luxury clothing manufacturing, suggesting avenues for future research to enhance operational excellence while balancing environmental sustainability.