Why Did Mass Production Begin?
Vol.2―Introduction: The Question Before the Circular Economy
In recent years—especially in discussions about the circular economy and moving beyond mass consumption—a certain reflective question has begun to emerge:
Why have we built a society so deeply predicated on “throwing things away”?
To face this question, we must go beyond topics of eco-awareness or environmental technology. We need to look deeper—into the structures of industrial history, economics, capitalism, and even human desire itself.
Industrialization Liberated Time and Labor
In the late 18th century, the Industrial Revolution began in the UK. With the invention of the loom, steam engine, and railways, society shifted from human labor to mass production by machines.
This transformation brought immense benefits:
- Affordable and uniform goods (clothing, utensils, tools)
- Urbanization and new employment
- Leisure time and expanded education
Mass production was originally a symbol of progress — freeing people from manual labor.
Full Bio
Then Came Capitalism
As industries expanded, businesses emerged, and maximizing profit became the goal. Capital investment, efficient production, and bulk selling created the equation: Growth = Good.
From that point on, our economy entered a cycle of: Production → Consumption → Disposal → More Production This loop became the engine of economic growth, enveloping nations, businesses, and workers alike.
■ Why Did Mass Consumption Become a Cultural Norm?
🇺🇸 The American Dream and Post-War Capitalism
After World War II, the U.S. became the wealthiest country in the world, and consumption came to symbolize freedom and democracy.
- Refrigerators, washing machines, TVs, cars...
- Suburban homes, shopping malls, the dream of homeownership
- A lifestyle where "whatever you want, you can have now"
Mass-produced goods were embraced as symbols of happiness and desire. Consumption shifted from economic activity to a form of self-expression.
■ Why Did Mass Disposal Become the Norm?
Disposal Became the Premise for Creating New Value
- New clothes for every fashion season
- Upgrading smartphones for each new release
- Buying a new product is faster and cheaper than repairing the old one
All of these behaviors are based on product designs that assume disposability. “Planned obsolescence” and the “disposable culture” were intentional strategies for growth.
Psychological Factors: “Old = Inferior”
We’ve grown accustomed to associating “new,” “clean,” and “latest” with appeal — while viewing “old,” “recycled,” or “used” negatively. This mindset may be the psychological infrastructure behind mass disposal.
■ Why Is Circularity Being Reconsidered?
Now, the world is rethinking economic systems through the lens of sustainability:
- Planetary boundaries and finite resources
- Systemic risks from climate change
- Changing values among younger generations
- Strengthened international regulations (EU Green Deal, CSRD, etc.)
Above all, a shared realization: “We can’t go on like this.”
The circular economy is no longer just environmental awareness — it is becoming a new normal humanity must structurally embrace.
■ Summary: Circularity Is Not “Anti-Growth”
The circular economy does not deny mass production, consumption, or disposal. Rather, it seeks to redesign the next form of growth by understanding its historical and societal background.
- Use models to replace mass consumption
- Circular systems to replace mass disposal
- Co-creation of value to replace mass production
We are finally entering a time to rethink how we build our economies from the ground up.
Next in the Series… We'll explore “The 5 Deep Costs of the Mass Consumption/Disposal Society.”
Afterword This article deliberately avoids villainizing the economy — instead aiming to understand it honestly. We welcome your thoughts, reflections, and stories of change within your organization.