The manufacturing of textile products is part of light industry.
Light industry is that which is dedicated to the manufacturing of consumer goods . It is characterized by the development of activities that, compared to other types of industry, consume a low level of energy and have a limited impact on the environment.
It can be said that light industry carries out manufacturing processes that use only partially processed materials. It is part of the so-called secondary sector of the economy and offers the mass production of goods that are in high demand, such as processed foods, preserves, beverages, clothing , footwear , medicines, cosmetics and personal hygiene products.
What is light industry
To understand what light industry is, we must first consider several issues. An industry is the set of actions, procedures and techniques that allow obtaining, transporting and transforming a raw material.
Industries require human resources, machines, materials and energy sources to function. Depending on their characteristics, they can be classified in different ways.
The classification of light industry has to do with the resources that are used to carry out the transformation of a raw material into a product and the type of goods they generate. In this case, investment in energy and raw materials is reduced and the goods produced are aimed at the final consumer.
In heavy industry , on the other hand, there is high energy consumption and high demand for machinery. Their assets, in turn, make the functioning of other types of industries possible.
The wine industry , the soft drink industry , the pharmaceutical industry and the furniture industry ( carpentry and joinery to produce wooden products) are included in this group, as are publishing houses, appliance manufacturers, opticians and producers of office supplies, for example. In heavy industry, on the other hand, we can recognize oil companies, metallurgical companies and cement companies, among many others.
Printing publications and posters is one of the activities of light industry.
The supply chain
The light industry supply chain is simple compared to what happens in heavy industry. The activities and resources needed for the good to reach the buyer are not that many, so its logistics are also usually less complicated.
The amount of raw materials, labor and capital is relatively moderate. This allows small and medium-sized enterprises ( SMEs ) to intervene and the geographical distribution to be broader compared to heavy industry.
On the other hand, these particularities mean that light industry can have a presence in the interior of a city . The same does not happen with heavy industry, which generally demands large spaces and greater infrastructure .
Although it is common for the bulk of light industry production to be destined for national trade , the main economic actors in the sector also participate in international trade . Thus, export and import of light industry products are common.
Another issue to highlight is that, due to inputs and demand, the light industry production chain is usually constant. This way you deliver your products quickly.
Light industry, like other economic sectors, must aim for sustainability.
Light industry and food
Light industry is very important in food production . Many of the products eaten daily in homes around the world come from these types of activities.
Preserved foods such as canned legumes or fruits in syrup, ham, snacks (such as potato chips), drinks such as soft drinks or soft drinks, instant soups, jams and ultra-pasteurized dairy products are provided by this industry.
Many times whether an economic activity is considered part, or not, of light industry depends on how it develops its production process. Take the case of baking : a company that uses machines; uses preservatives, flavorings and colorings as ingredients; and markets its products in containers and packaging of different kinds, it can be classified as industrial. On the other hand, if a person makes four kilograms of homemade bread per day at home, kneading with his hands, and then distributes it walking through his neighborhood to make sales directly, this undertaking does not contemplate any industrial procedure.
This type of distinction can also be made with other foods. A confectionery can be artisanal or industrial , just like a brewery . When production already has an industrial scale, greater economic development is usually aimed at, with investments in marketing and advertising , incorporation of technology for innovation , registration of trademarks and licenses or even the establishment of franchises, to mention a few possibilities.
Its economic importance
Light industry has great economic importance. Due to its extension and the variety of products it covers, it generates an enormous number of jobs and mobilizes large sums of money.
Companies, of course, must comply with current regulations to operate. To distinguish good practices or recognize quality , there are also certifications to which they can aspire if they meet the necessary requirements.
Corporate social responsibility , on the other hand, is key as in any other sector of the industry. Entities are expected to respect the environment and take measures to ensure that their operations are positive for the community or, at least, not harmful.