Enhancing Energy Efficiency in Printing Dryers Using Lean Principles: A Case Study
Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HCMUT), 268 Ly Thuong Kiet Street, Dien Hong Ward; Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City (VNU-HCM), Linh Xuan Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
* Corresponding Author
ORCID Details
Ngoc Hien Do: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9322-3518
Research Article
Open Access Research Journal of Engineering and Technology, 2026, 11(01), 099–109.
Article DOI: 10.53022/oarjet.2026.11.1.0068
Publication history:
Received on 15 August 2026; revised on 20 September 2026; accepted on 22 September 2026
Abstract:
This paper presents a practical lean improvement initiative aimed at reducing energy consumption and CO₂ emissions in the Heat Transfer Label (HTL) department of label manufacturing factory. Project targeted waste heat from infrared dryer systems. Gemba Kaizen and A3 problem-solving methodologies were applied. By installing crossflow heat exchangers and deploying Lean-based monitoring and control measures, the project achieved a 28% reduction in electricity usage per dryer and saved over 2.4 million kWh annually. The study illustrates the potential of Lean to drive both operational excellence and environmental sustainability.
Keywords:
Lean Manufacturing, Energy Efficiency, Heat Recovery, Sustainable Manufacturing, Gemba Kaizen, A3 Problem-Solving.
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Copyright © 2026 Author(s) retain the copyright of this article. This article is published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Liscense 4.0