The growing competition within manufacturing practices has motivated organizations to upgrade their conventional production system to a smart, sophisticated systems. This study evaluates the impact of lean manufacturing practices (LMP) and industrial revolution 4.0 technologies on sustainability in the food and beverages industry. Past literature has revealed that lean practices significantly affect sustainable performance. However, the integrated effects of lean manufacturing practices and IR 4.0 technologies on sustainable performance have not been examined empirically. In order to fill the void of this gap, this study intends to have a preliminary investigation of the combined effects of LMP and IR 4.0 technologies on sustainable performance, specifically in the food and beverages industry. Furthermore, the study aims to confirm the future direction of the food industry that is recently employing new technologies in its manufacturing systems. This study is underpinned by the theories of contingency and practice-based view by highlighting the contributions of operations management practices to implement successful strategies in enhancing sustainability performance in food and beverages companies through performance variations. This study extends the current literature on IR 4.0 technologies and lean manufacturing practices as enablers of economic, environmental, and social sustainability. Also, the study provides implications and future direction for industry consultants, practitioners, and academicians.

• Abdulmalek, F. A., Rajgopal, J., & Needy, K. L. (2006). A classification scheme for the process industry to guide the implementation of lean. Engineering Management Journal, 18(2), 15-25. https://doi.org/10.1080/10429247.2006.11431690

• Ahuett-Garza, H., & Kurfess, T. (2018). A brief discussion on the trends of habilitating technologies for Industry 4.0 and smart manufacturing. Manufacturing Letters, 15, 60-63. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mfglet.2018.02.011

• Akanmu, M. D., Bahaudin, A. Y. B., & Jamaludin, R. (2017). A partial least square structural equation modelling preliminary analysis on total quality management elements and environmental regulation and policy influencing organisational performance in the food and beverage companies of Malaysia. International Journal of Productivity and Quality Management, 22(1), 60-81. https://doi.org/10.1504/ijpqm.2017.085847

• Akanmu, M. D., Hassan, M. G., & Bahaudin, A. Y. B. (2020). A preliminary analysis modeling of the relationship between quality management practices and sustainable performance. Quality Management Journal, 27(1), 37-61. https://doi.org/10.1080/10686967.2019.1689800

• Akanmu, M. D., Hassan, M. G., Mohamad, B., & Nordin, N. (2021). Sustainability through TQM practices in the food and beverages industry. International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, 1-30. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJQRM-05-2021-0143

• Akdere, M., & Yilmaz, T. (2006). Team performance based compensation plans: Implications for human resources and quality improvement from agency theory perspective. International Journal of Human Resources Development and Management, 6(1), 77-91. https://doi.org/10.1504/ijhrdm.2006.009750

• Akkerman, R., & van Donk, D. P. (2007). Product prioritization in a two-stage food production system with intermediate storage. International Journal of Production Economics, 108(1-2), 43-53. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpe.2006.12.018

• Alhuraish, I., Robledo, C., & Kobi, A. (2016). Assessment of lean manufacturing and six sigma operation with decision making based on the analytic hierarchy process. IFAC-PapersOnLine, 49(12), 59-64. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ifacol.2016.07.550

• Ali, H. H., & Alkayed, A. A. (2019). Constrains and barriers of implementing sustainability into architectural professional practice in Jordan. Alexandria Engineering Journal, 58(3), 1011-1023. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aej.2019.09.003

• Andiç, E., Yurt, Ö., & Baltacıoğlu, T. (2012). Green supply chains: Efforts and potential applications for the Turkish market. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 58, 50-68. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2011.10.008

• Arawati, A. (2005). The structural linkages between TQM, product quality performance, and business performance: Preliminary empirical study in electronics companies. Singapore Management Review, 27(1), 87-105.

• Azizi, A. (2015). Evaluation improvement of production productivity performance using statistical process control, overall equipment efficiency, and autonomous maintenance. Procedia Manufacturing, 2, 186-190. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.promfg.2015.07.032

• Baker, B. L. (2003). TQM practice and theory: A meta-analysis of empirical studies. Colorado Technical University.

• Benavent, F. B., Cruz Ros, S., & Moreno‐Luzon, M. (2005). A model of quality management self‐assessment: An exploratory research. International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, 22(5), 432-451. https://doi.org/10.1108/02656710510598366

• Bergmiller, G. G. (2006). Lean manufacturers transcendence to green manufacturing: Correlating the diffusion of lean and green manufacturing systems (Doctoral dissertation). University of South Florida, USA. https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/etd/2457/

• Bicheno, J., & Holweg, M. (2009). The lean toolbox: The essential guide to lean transformation. PICSIE Book.

• Blome, C., Hollos, D., & Paulraj, A. (2014). Green procurement and green supplier development: Antecedents and effects on supplier performance. International Journal of Production Research, 52(1), 32-49. https://doi.org/10.1080/00207543.2013.825748

• Boiral, O., Guillaumie, L., Heras-Saizarbitoria, I., & Tene, C. V. T. (2017). Adoption and outcomes of ISO 14001: A systematic review. International Journal of Management Reviews, 20(2), 411-432. https://doi.org/10.1111/ijmr.12139.

• Brent, A. C., & Labuschagne, C. (2004). Sustainable life cycle management: Indicators to assess the sustainability of engineering projects and technologies. In 2004 IEEE International Engineering Management Conference (IEEE Cat. No. 04CH37574) (Vol. 1, pp. 99-103). IEEE. https://doi.org/10.1109/iemc.2004.1407084

• Bromiley, P., & Rau, D. (2016). Operations management and the resource based view: Another view. Journal of Operations Management, 41(1), 95-106. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jom.2015.11.003

• Buer, S. V., Strandhagen, J. O., & Chan, F. T. S. (2018). The link between Industry 4.0 and lean manufacturing: Mapping current research and establishing a research agenda. International Journal of Production Research, 56(8), 2924-2940. https://doi.org/10.1080/00207543.2018.1442945

• Burli, S., Bagodi, V., & Kotturshettar, B. (2012). TQM dimensions and their interrelationships in ISO certified engineering institutes of India. Benchmarking: An International Journal, 19(2), 177-192. https://doi.org/10.1108/14635771211224527

• Busse, C. (2016). Doing well by doing good? The self-interest of buying firms and sustainable supply chain management. Journal of Supply Chain Management, 52(2), 28-47. https://doi.org/10.1111/jscm.12096

• Busse, C., Schleper, M. C., Niu, M., & Wagner, S. M. (2016). Supplier development for sustainability: Contextual barriers in global supply chains. International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, 46(5), 442-468. https://doi.org/10.1108/ijpdlm-12-2015-0300

• Caiado, R. G. G., Quelhas, O. L. G., Nascimento, D. L. M., Anholon, R., & Filho, W. L. (2018). Measurement of sustainability performance in Brazilian organizations. International Journal of Sustainable Development and World Ecology, 25(4), 312-326.

• Chan, H. K., He, H., & Wang, W. Y. C. (2012). Green marketing and its impact on supply chain management in industrial markets. Industrial Marketing Management, 41(4), 557-562. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indmarman.2012.04.002

• Chang, W., & Taylor, S. (2016). The effectiveness of customer participation in new product development: A meta-analysis. Journal of Marketing, 80(1), 47-64. https://doi.org/10.1509/jm.14.0057

• Chen, C. C., Shih, H. S., Shyur, H. J., & Wu, K. S. (2012). A business strategy selection of green supply chain management via an analytic network process. Computers & Mathematics with Applications, 64(8), 2544-2557. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.camwa.2012.06.013

• Cherrafi, A., Elfezazi, S., Chiarini, A., Mokhlis, A., & Benhida, K. (2016). The integration of lean manufacturing, six sigma and sustainability: A literature review and future research directions for developing a specific model. Journal of Cleaner Production, 139, 828-846. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2016.08.101

• Chiarini, A. (2014). Sustainable manufacturing-greening processes using specific lean production tools: An empirical observation from European motorcycle component manufacturers. Journal of Cleaner Production, 85, 226-233.

• Chien, M. K., & Shih, L. M. (2007). An empirical study of the implementation of green supply chain management practices in the electrical and electronic industry and their relation to organization performance. International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology, 4(3), 383-394.

• Danarahmanto, P. A., Primiana, I., Azis, Y., & Kaltum, U. (2020). The sustainable performance of the digital start-up company based on customer participation, innovation, and business model. Business: Theory and Practice, 21(1), 115-124.

• Dev, N. K., Shankar, R., & Qaiser, F. H. (2020). Industry 4.0 and circular economy: Operational excellence for sustainable reverse supply chain performance. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 153, Article 104583.

• Diekola, A. M. (2016). The moderating effect of environmental regulation and policy on the relationship between total quality management (TQM) and organizational performance in the Malaysian food and beverage companies (Master Thesis). Universiti Utara Malaysia, Malaysia. http://etd.uum.edu.my/6578/

• Dora, M., Kumar, M., Van Goubergen, D., Molnar, A., & Gellynck, X. (2013). Food quality management system: Reviewing assessment strategies and a feasibility study for European food small and medium-sized enterprises. Food Control, 31(2), 607-616. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodcont.2012.12.006

• Dües, C. M., Tan, K. H., & Lim, M. (2013). Green as the new Lean: How to use Lean practices as a catalyst to greening your supply chain. Journal of Cleaner Production, 40, 93-100. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2011.12.023.

• Dunphy, D. (2011). Chapter 1 conceptualizing sustainability: The business opportunity. In G. Eweje & M. Perry (Eds.), Business and sustainability: Concepts, strategies and changes (pp. 3-24). Emerald Group Publishing Limited. https://doi.org/10.1108/s2043-9059(2011)0000003009

• Ellram, L. M., Tate, W., & Carter, C. R. (2008). Applying 3DCE to environmentally responsible manufacturing practices. Journal of Cleaner Production, 16(15), 1620-1631. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2008.04.017

• Eltayeb, T. K., Zailani, S., & Ramayah, T. (2011). Green supply chain initiatives among certified companies in Malaysia and environmental sustainability: Investigating the outcomes. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 55(5), 495-506. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2010.09.003

• Escrig-Tena, A. B. (2004). TQM as a competitive factor. International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, 21(6), 612-637. https://doi.org/10.1108/02656710410542034

• Fatorachian, H., & Kazemi, H. (2018). A critical investigation of Industry 4.0 in manufacturing: Theoretical operationalisation framework. Production Planning & Control, 29(8), 633-644. https://doi.org/10.1080/09537287.2018.1424960

• FMM. (2017). Member Directory, Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers, Selangor. Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers.

• Foerstl, K., Azadegan, A., Leppelt, T., & Hartmann, E. (2015). Drivers of supplier sustainability: Moving beyond compliance to commitment. Journal of Supply Chain Management, 51(1), 67-92. https://doi.org/10.1111/jscm.12067

• Fotopoulos, C. V., & Psomas, E. L. (2010). The structural relationships between TQM factors and organizational performance. The TQM Journal, 22(5), 539-552. https://doi.org/10.1108/17542731011072874

• Glover, J. L., Champion, D., Daniels, K. J., & Dainty, A. J. D. (2014). An institutional theory perspective on sustainable practices across the dairy supply chain. International Journal of Production Economics, 152, 102-111. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpe.2013.12.027

• Green, K. W., Zelbst, P. J., Meacham, J., & Bhadauria, V. S. (2012). Green supply chain management practices: Impact on performance. Supply Chain Management: An International Journal, 17(3), 290-305. https://doi.org/10.1108/13598541211227126

• Guan, Y. H., Cheng, H. F., & Ye, Y. (2010). Performance evaluation of sustainable supply chain based on AHP and fuzzy comprehensive evaluation. In Applied Mechanics and Materials (Vol. 26, pp. 1004-1007). Trans Tech Publications Ltd. https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/amm.26-28.1004

• Haigh, N., & Hoffman, A. J. (2014). The new heretics: Hybrid organizations and the challenges they present to corporate sustainability. Organization & Environment, 27(3), 223-241. https://doi.org/10.1177/1086026614545345

• Hallam, C. R., & Contreras, C. (2016). The interrelation of Lean and green manufacturing Practices: A case of push or pull in implementation. In 2016 Portland International Conference on Management of Engineering and Technology (PICMET) (pp. 1815-1823). IEEE Publishing.

• Hassan, M. G., Akanmu, M. D., & Yusoff, R. Z. (2018). Technological integration and sustainable performance in manufacturing firms. International Journal of Technology, 9(8), 1639-1650. https://doi.org/10.14716/ijtech.v9i8.2747

• Herrero, S. G., Saldaña, M. A. M., del Campo, M. A. M., & Ritzel, D. O. (2002). From the traditional concept of safety management to safety integrated with quality. Journal of Safety Research, 33(1), 1-20. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0022-4375(02)00008-7

• Hofmann, H., Busse, C., Bode, C., & Henke, M. (2014). Sustainability-related supply chain risks: Conceptualization and management. Business Strategy and the Environment, 23(3), 160-172.

• Iranmanesh, M., Zailani, S., Hyun, S. S., Ali, M. H., & Kim, K. (2019). Impact of lean manufacturing practices on firms’ sustainable performance: Lean culture as a moderator. Sustainability, 11(4), Article 1112. https://doi.org/10.3390/su11041112

• Jakhar, S. K., Rathore, H., & Mangla, S. K. (2018). Is lean synergistic with sustainable supply chain? An empirical investigation from emerging economy. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 139, 262-269.

• Joo, J., & Shin, M. (2017). Building sustainable business ecosystems through customer participation: A lesson from South Korean cases. Asia Pacific Management Review, 23(1), 1-11. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apmrv.2017.01.001

• Kamble, S. S., Gunasekaran, A., & Gawankar, S. A. (2018a). Sustainable Industry 4.0 framework: A systematic literature review identifying the current trends and future perspectives. Process Safety and Environmental Protection, 117, 408-425. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psep.2018.05.009.

• Kamble, S. S., Gunasekaran, A., & Sharma, R. (2018b). Analysis of the driving and dependence power of barriers to adopt Industry 4.0 in Indian manufacturing industry. Computers in Industry, 101, 107-119. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compind.2018.06.004

• Kamble, S. S., Gunasekaran, A., & Gawankar, S. A. (2020). Achieving sustainable performance in a data-driven agriculture supply chain: A review for research and applications. International Journal of Production Economics, 219, 179-194. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpe.2019.05.022

• Kolberg, D., & D. Zühlke (2015). Lean automation enabled by Industry 4.0 technologies. IFAC-PapersOnLine, 48, 1870-1875. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ifacol.2015.06.359

• Konig, G., Silva, C. A., & Mhlanga, N. (2013). Enabling environments for agribusiness and agro-industries development. National Center for Agricultural Research and Documentation.

• Kovilage, M. P. (2018, August 12-13). Influence of lean and green paradigms on supply chain performance: An interpretive structural modelling approach. In International Conference on Multidisciplinary Researches. Maldives National University, Maldives.

• Kovilage, M. P. (2020). Influence of lean-green practices on organizational sustainable performance. Journal of Asian Business and Economic Studies, 28(2), 121-142. https://doi.org/10.1108/jabes-11-2019-0115

• Krause, D. R., Scannell, T. V., & Calantone, R. J. (2000). A structural analysis of the effectiveness of buying firms’ strategies to improve supplier performance. Decision Sciences, 31(1), 33-55. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1540-5915.2000.tb00923.x

• Kumar, M., Antony, J., Singh, R. K., Tiwari, M. K., & Perry, D. (2006). Implementing the lean sigma framework in an Indian SME: A case study. Production Planning & Control, 17(4), 407-423. https://doi.org/10.1080/09537280500483350

• Laureani, A., & Antony, J. (2017). Leadership characteristics for lean six sigma. Total Quality Management & Business Excellence, 28(3-4), 405-426. https://doi.org/10.1080/14783363.2015.1090291

• Longoni, A., & Cagliano, R. (2015). Cross-functional executive involvement and worker involvement in lean manufacturing and sustainability alignment. International Journal of Operations & Production Management, 35(9), 1332-1358. https://doi.org/10.1108/ijopm-02-2015-0113

• Martínez-Jurado, P. J., & Moyano-Fuentes, J. (2014). Lean management, supply chain management and sustainability: A literature review. Journal of Cleaner Production, 85, 134-150. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2013.09.042

• Meudt, T., Metternich, J., & Abele, E. (2017). Value stream mapping 4.0: Holistic examination of value stream and information logistics in production. CIRP Annals, 66(1), 413-416. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cirp.2017.04.005

• MyCC. (2019). Strategic plan for competition advocacy & communication. Malaysia Competition Commission. www.Mycc.gov.my

• Neuman, R. P., & Cavanagh, R. (2000). The six sigma way: How GE, Motorola, and other top companies are honing their performance. McGraw Hill Professional.

• Nordin, N., Deros, B. M., & Wahab, D. A. (2014). Lean manufacturing implementation in malaysian automotive industry: An exploratory study. Operations and Supply Chain Management: An International Journal, 4(1), 21-30. https://doi.org/10.31387/oscm090053

• Panwar, A., Nepal, B., Jain, R., Rathore, A. P. S., & Lyons, A. (2017). Understanding the linkages between lean practices and performance improvements in Indian process industries. Industrial Management & Data Systems, 117(2), 346-364. https://doi.org/10.1108/imds-01-2016-0035

• Pei, Y. L., Amekudzi, A. A., Meyer, M. D., Barrella, E. M., & Ross, C. L. (2010). Performance measurement frameworks and development of effective sustainable transport strategies and indicators. Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board, 2163(1), 73-80. https://doi.org/10.3141/2163-08

• Sagandira, C., Nqeketo, S., Mhlana, K., Sonti, T., Watts, P., & Gaqa, S. (2022). Towards 4th industrial revolution efficient and sustainable continuous flow manufacturing of active pharmaceutical ingredients. Reaction Chemistry & Engineering, 7(2), 214-244. https://doi.org/10.1039/D1RE00483B

• Saleh, A. S., & Ndubisi, N. O. (2006). An evaluation of SME development in Malaysia. International Review of Business Research Papers, 2(1), 1-14.

• Salim, H. K., Padfield, R., Lee, C. T., Syayuti, K., Papargyropoulou, E., & Tham, M. H. (2018). An investigation of the drivers, barriers, and incentives for environmental management systems in the Malaysian food and beverage industry. Clean Technologies and Environmental Policy, 20(3), 529-538. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10098-017-1436-8

• Sancha, C., Longoni, A., & Giménez, C. (2015). Sustainable supplier development practices: Drivers and enablers in a global context. Journal of Purchasing and Supply Management, 21(2), 95-102. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pursup.2014.12.004

• Sanders, A., Elangeswaran, C., & Wulfsberg, J. (2016). Industry 4.0 implies lean manufacturing: Research activities in industry 4.0 function as enablers for lean manufacturing. Journal of Industrial Engineering and Management, 9(3), 811-833. https://doi.org/10.3926/jiem.1940

• Shah, R., & Ward, P. T. (2002). Lean manufacturing: Context, practice bundles, and performance. Journal of Operations Management, 21(2), 129-149. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0272-6963(02)00108-0

• Shah, R., & Ward, P. T. (2007). Defining and developing measures of lean production. Journal of Operations Management, 25(4), 785-805.

• Simpson, D., Power, D., & Samson, D. (2007). Greening the automotive supply chain: A relationship perspective. International Journal of Operations & Production Management, 27(1), 28-48. https://doi.org/10.1108/01443570710714529

• Snee, R. D. (2010). Lean six sigma – getting better all the time. International Journal of Lean Six Sigma, 1(1), 9-29. https://doi.org/10.1108/20401461011033130

• Sousa, R., & Voss, C. A. (2008). Contingency research in operations management practices. Journal of Operations Management, 26(6), 697-713. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jom.2008.06.001

• Thoben, K. D., Veigt, M., Lappe, D., Franke, M., Kück, M., Kolberg, D., Fahl, I., Zimmerling, R., Schlick, J., Stephan, P., & Guth, P. (2014, June 4). Towards networking logistics resources to enable a demand-driven material supply for lean production systems-basic concept and potential of a cyber-physical logistics system. In 7th International Scientific Symposium on Logistics (pp. 42-69). Cologne, Germany.

• Tortorella, G. L., & Fettermann, D. (2018). Implementation of Industry 4.0 and lean production in Brazilian manufacturing companies. International Journal of Production Research, 56(8), 2975-2987. https://doi.org/10.1080/00207543.2017.1391420.

• Vachon, S. (2007). Green supply chain practices and the selection of environmental technologies. International Journal of Production Research, 45(18-19), 4357-4379. https://doi.org/10.1080/00207540701440303

• Vachon, S., & Klassen, R. D. (2006). Green project partnership in the supply chain: The case of the package printing industry. Journal of Cleaner Production, 14(6-7), 661-671. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2005.07.014

• Womack, J. P., Jones, D. T., & Roos, D. (2007). The machine that changed the world: The story of lean production - Toyota’s secret weapon in the global car wars that is now revolutionizing world industry. Free Press.

• Yang, C., Lan, S., Shen, W., Huang, G. Q., Wang, X., & Lin, T. (2017). Towards product customization and personalization in IoT-enabled cloud manufacturing. Cluster Computing, 20(2), 1717-1730. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10586-017-0767-x.

• Yusuf, Y., Gunasekaran, A., & Dan, G. (2007). Implementation of TQM in China and organisation performance: An empirical investigation. Total Quality Management & Business Excellence, 18(5), 509-530. https://doi.org/10.1080/14783360701239982

• Zelbst, P. J., Green Jr, K. W., Sower, V. E., & Abshire, R. D. (2014). Impact of RFID and information sharing on JIT, TQM and operational performance. Management Research Review, 37(11), 970-989. https://doi.org/10.1108/mrr-10-2014-273

• Zhu, Q., Geng, Y., & Lai, K. (2010). Circular economy practices among Chinese manufacturers varying in environmental-oriented supply chain cooperation and the performance implications. Journal of Environmental Management, 91(6), 1324-1331. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2010.02.013

• Zhu, Q., Sarkis, J., & Lai, K. (2012). Green supply chain management innovation diffusion and its relationship to organizational improvement: An ecological modernization perspective. Journal of Engineering and Technology Management, 29(1), 168-185. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jengtecman.2011.09.012

• Zikmund, W. G., Babin, B. J., Carr, J. C., & Griffin, M. (2010). Business research methods (8th Ed.). Nelson Education, Ltd.