Mass Production:

Mass production is production of a large number of products that are the same, or very similar.
 This type of production often uses assembly lines where either people or machines perform the
same tasks repeatedly to create as many of a single product as possible, as quickly as possible,
and with as few variations or defects as possible.
The main characteristics of mass production are:
 Specialized machines
 Interchangeable parts
 Division of labor
 History of Mass production

Before the Industrial Revolution, people produced goods using general tools or basic machinery within their homes or shops –
mass production was not a part of everyday life. Several innovations in the 1700s, particularly within the textile industry, played
important roles in industrialization. Other inventions, such as the development of the steam engine which was used to power
machinery and locomotives, led to the Industrial Revolution. In turn, the Industrial Revolution generated new concepts which
eventually gave birth to mass production techniques.
 Increased productivity: Mass production makes it possible to manufacture large volumes in
less time. There’s no need for workers to run around to gather supplies or tools when
manufacturers use mass production techniques
 Uniformity: Mass production helps ensure each product is the same. As a result,
manufacturers have greater control over quality, and consumers know what to expect. On the
contrary, if a product is made by hand, consumers might get a product that has greater flaws
than the next.
 Lower cost: Mass production enables companies to produce larger quantities with fewer
workers. Instead of having to pay several workers to complete a task by hand, manufacturers
use machines to produce goods much faster. This allows companies to sell their products at a
Higher quality of life: Due to mass production, more people can afford products that make life easier and
more comfortable. Consumers can afford new shoes, clothes, household items and other goods when they
need them rather than having to wait to save up enough money. When common goods are less expensive,
people can save money and build their wealth in other ways.
Faster production: When companies use machinery and mass production techniques, they can develop
and produce products much faster. This means they can beat competitors in a race to distribute and market
new products, giving them an edge they might not have otherwise.
Safer medicine: Mass production of pharmaceuticals and medical equipment leads to higher accuracy and
standardization. Consumers do not have to worry about human error affecting their medical products.
Rapid production of medicine and equipment also helps ensure medical facilities won’t run out of supplies.
 Less error: Machines are designed to perform specific tasks, and they are less likely to make mistakes than
humans during production.
 Job specialties: The Industrial Revolution and mass production have led to the creation of specialized jobs. For
example, factory workers are trained to perform highly specialized tasks.. Mass production has also helped create
jobs for individuals to teach special skills and train workers.
 Increased worker safety: Manufacturers who mass produce goods often employ automation technology to
complete strenuous or dangerous tasks. For example, robots used in mass production can safely handle and
assemble large and heavy parts. This helps keep employees safe from accidents or injuries.
 Rapid evolution: Imagine a world where everything was still made by hand and produced in small shops. This is
how it was before the Industrial Revolution, and it took a lot longer to spread new products and ideas than it does
today. Mass production speeds up evolution across all industries, and one innovation leads to the next.
 Mass Production Disadvantages

 Initial costs: It takes a lot of capital and time to build a factory equipped with specialized machinery. Specialized
machinery costs a lot of money, and so does the factory floor space needed to hold assembly-line machinery
 Less flexibility: . Specialized machinery used in mass production is designed to do one specific job. This level of
inflexibility can sometimes be problematic. For example, if there’s an error in production, companies may have to
redesign their process. This can be costly. Or, if regulations change, manufacturers may have to make significant
adjustments. Lastly, it can be hard to keep up with ever-changing consumer demands if a company does not have
the means to be flexible.
 Energy consumption: Factories that mass produce goods use powerful machinery which requires substantial
amounts of energy..
 Pollution: Simply said, factories cause pollution. During the Industrial Revolution, for example, factories
polluted the water and air by burning coal and producing metals and chemicals. They also directly released
pollutants into rivers and streams. Industrial pollution is still an issue today.
 Lack of product uniqueness: Mass-produced goods lack uniqueness.
 Loss of jobs for unskilled workers: Mass production fosters innovation and has led to the development of
advanced machinery. Today’s systems are less physically demanding than they used to be, and instead, require
special skills and knowledge. This means that manufacturers are hiring high-skilled workers, such as engineers
and computer programmers, and leaving low-skilled workers without a job.
 The Effects of Mass Consumption

The costs of excessive consumption of the world’s resources are huge. Some resources are in finite supply and could
simply run out.
The vast amounts of energy required to drive the consumerist lifestyle of the developed world is producing large amounts
of carbon dioxide leading to climate change and global warming.
Precious agricultural land in the developing world is being used to grown so called cash crops such as coffee, tea, cotton
and cocoa for the developed world, instead of being used sustainably to feed the local communities.
 The mass production of all our materialistic desires is using large amounts of energy, creating large amounts of pollution,
and in many cases, exploiting many of the world’s poorest workers.
Towns and cities in the developed world generate huge amounts of waste.
An additional cost of consumerism is that more and more people are becoming trapped on a vicious cycle. They are
working increasingly long hours to earn more money to buy more things, which ultimately aren’t making them feel any
happier.
Mass production and Environment

• Greenhouse gas emissions and Climate Change.

• Waste generation.
• Land, air and water pollution.
• Biodiveristy destruction.
• Altered land use and deforestation.
Sustainable Development Goal 12 

 SDG 12 titled "responsible consumption and

production", is one of the 17 Goals established by
the UN in 2015.
 Itis meant to ensure good use of resources, improving
energy efficiency, sustainable Infrastructure and
providing access to basic services.
Assignment

 Highlight the environmental impacts of mass production in meat or textile industry. Use
the Toyota flow chart as a reference .