During 5S, items that are not needed are red-labeled and then removed from the shop floor or from an office.
Red labels can be attached to tools, equipment and supplies. Labeled items are placed in a storage area, where they are reviewed to see if they can serve other purposes within an establishment or company. Items for which no alternative can be found are discarded. Red labeling helps carry out the first S of 5S: separating needed and unnecessary items.