This paper seeks to identify the various applications of lean strategies in food companies through a systematic review of the literature between 2017 and 2021, since many authors affirm that the application of these strategies improves the efficiency of the process by eliminating waste and operations that do not generate added value.

According to the findings, a significant proportion of the retrieved articles (62%) are from European countries that address issues pertaining to sustainability, cost reduction, and waste management. This observation highlights the importance and focus of European countries towards adopting sustainable practices and reducing their ecological footprint. The prevalence of articles on this topic suggests that there is a growing interest in the region to develop innovative and practical solutions to environmental challenges. It also underscores the need for greater collaboration and knowledge-sharing among countries to foster sustainable development and reduce global environmental impact. The strategies found with broader applicability were lean six sigma, 5S and VSM.