225 – Shady Dealings in a Bright Industry: Phoebus Cartel
Oct 28, 2024
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Discover the intriguing history of the Phoebus cartel and their shady tactics to limit light bulb lifespans for profit. Explore how planned obsolescence shaped the consumer landscape, leading to monopolies and ongoing effects on product durability. The discussion also delves into the legacy of these business decisions, reflecting on the shift from incandescent bulbs to energy-efficient alternatives. The narrative highlights the emotional impact of these revelations, inviting listener feedback to gauge its resonance.
The Phoebus cartel exemplifies planned obsolescence, as it intentionally shortened light bulb lifespan to enhance profitability through monopolistic practices.
The historical manipulation of light bulb longevity reflects broader themes of capitalism and the ethical implications of corporate decision-making.
Deep dives
The Origins of Planned Obsolescence
The discussion highlights the historical context surrounding the invention and evolution of light bulbs, starting from Thomas Edison’s initial creation in 1879. While early light bulbs had an impressive lifespan of 2,000 to 2,500 hours, the situation shifted dramatically by the 1920s as various companies began to consolidate into monopolies across different countries. Realizing that longer-lasting bulbs would negatively impact their profits, a group of manufacturers, including Osram and GE, formed the Phoebus cartel in 1924. This cartel set a standard lifespan of merely 1,000 hours for light bulbs, demonstrating how businesses can manipulate product longevity for increased sales, marking a key example of planned obsolescence.
Long-Term Impacts of Business Decisions
The consequences of the Phoebus cartel's actions have lasted well into the present, as evidenced by the average lifespan of incandescent bulbs remaining around 1,000 hours even today. The podcast draws attention to the lasting implications of seemingly small business decisions, illustrating how they can shape industry standards for generations. Furthermore, the discussion touches on broader themes of capitalism, conspiracy theories, and the ethical considerations of such decision-making processes. Although there is a recognition that incandescent bulbs are gradually being replaced by more efficient lighting options, the story of the cartel serves as a poignant reminder of how collective choices can resonate through time in unforeseen ways.
1.
The Cartel Behind the Light Bulb: A History of Planned Obsolescence
In Episode 225 of Anecdotally Speaking, Mark explores why lightbulbs don’t last forever and the implications of planned obsolescence. In Episode 225 of Anecdotally Speaking, …