Underpinning grey-connections for evaluating lean-green manufacturing barriers under integrated DEMATEL-MBWM model for transformations and sustainability

Purpose Lean and green (LG) principles provide ways for escalating the progress and ecological images of the manufacturing organisations (MO). LG strategies are effective for increasing performance and to build green environment solutions for improving the sustainability and operational outcomes in an industry. However, there are certain barriers towards implementing LG pathways in the manufacturing industry. The study demonstrated critical perspectives towards transforming supply chains based on integral LG manufacturing barriers for indeed Innovations and reinforcements. This study aims to determine these barriers by reviewing the literatures and evaluated grey-connections between them. Design/methodology/approach The study highlights 40 barriers that hinder the implementation of LG approaches in MO. In study, a six-phase methodology is used to analyse the challenges of LG implementation. Here, DEMATEL technique is used and grey-connections are determined by plotting cause-and-effect relationship diagram to examine the impact of barriers. Additionally, modified best–worst method (MBWM) is used and integrated to define the priority importance of each barrier. Findings In study, 40 barriers are presented, where nine barriers are classified according for cause-and-effect relationship. The findings presented the grey-connections between nine barriers. Here, significant ratings are attained, which affirmed “lack of top management commitment”, “Lack of human resources and technical expertise” and “High cost of disposing of harmful wastes” as the greatest barriers that hindered the implementation of LG approaches in MO. Practical implications The findings will assist manufacturing firms in simplifying the most essential and the least significant barriers by mapping grey-connections between these barriers. The study will assist practitioners and allow administrators to raise awareness towards barriers to LG implementation in developed economics. Grey-connections highlighted the commitment of the top management along with technical expertise and availability of human resources critical for implementing LG practices in the manufacturing organisation. Originality/value The current study uses the integration of DEMATEL and MBWM model to evaluate the order of barriers towards LG deployment and presented a greater understandability about LG barriers. The study categorised the grey-connection between barriers based on cause-and-effect relationship to portray the drivers and influencing barriers. This study landmark its achievement by setting the way for future research in the area of removing barriers to LG practices implementation.