LEAN AND GREEN NPD IN THE LATIN AMERICAN ALUMINIUM INDUSTRY

Abstract

Over the decades, companies have been taking cooperative actions in organized groups (clusters). They seek to gain mutual benefits, as they can be more innovative and create more jobs. This exploratory study investigated the 35-company cluster of Aluminium utensils and products (CAUP), located in Latin America, in Brazil. First, through a qualitative approach, the cluster coordinator explained the upcoming challenges and difficulties. The research suggests the potential implementation of a both lean and green strategy for the new product development processes (NPD) of the studied cluster. Secondly, a case study is presented investigating how an SME of the CAUP addressed the NPD maturity level. The maturity analysis suggests that the NPD processes need to evolve. This paper has shown that there is potential for the implementation of lean and green practices. The wide variety of products urges for more efficient portfolio management in this cluster.