Beyond tools and strategies: assessing the philosophical maturity in the integration of lean manufacturing and circular economy

Purpose This paper examines the integration of Lean Manufacturing (LM) principles with Circular Economy (CE) strategies through a systematic literature review (SLR), grounded in the Knowledge Maturity Theory (KMT) framework. The study traces the evolution from initial applications of LM tools (e.g. Value Stream Mapping, 5S, and cellular manufacturing) for CE objectives, to a more strategic, philosophical, and holistic integration of both paradigms. Design/methodology/approach An SLR was conducted, encompassing 42 peer-reviewed studies from diverse industries, to demonstrate the broad applicability of LM and CE principles in both manufacturing and service sectors. Findings Our findings indicate that while LM tools are widely adopted for CE goals, the more profound philosophical integration of LM and CE, which seeks to embed sustainable practices culturally, is underexplored and represents a significant opportunity for advancement. Additionally, the strategic incorporation of LM and CE principles into organizational strategies significantly enhances sustainability, although their effectiveness varies widely by industry and region. Practical implications This study suggests employing LM methodologies to foster broader CE goals, advocating sustainability as a core business strategy, and calling for a deeper integration of these principles into organizational strategies and cultures. Social implications Advancing LM and CE practices supports sustainable development by enhancing resource efficiency and reducing waste, benefiting society through improved environmental stewardship. Originality/value This work applies KMT to assess the maturation of LM-CE knowledge. It presents a novel perspective on the transition from operational to strategic implementations, highlighting the synergy between LM tools and CE for sustainable business practices. We develop a research agenda addressing current literature gaps for each phase of the maturity model, providing scholars and practitioners with clear pathways for advancing LM-CE integration.