The “lightbulb conspiracy” is often associated with the idea that companies intentionally design products with a limited lifespan to increase their sales—a concept known as “planned obsolescence.” One of the most famous examples is the Phoebus cartel, which was an actual cartel formed by major lightbulb manufacturers in the 1920s. The cartel allegedly agreed to reduce the lifespan of lightbulbs to around 1,000 hours, far less than what was technically possible, to increase sales by forcing consumers to buy replacements more frequently.
Key Points about the Phoebus Cartel:
- Formation: The cartel was established in 1924 and included companies like General Electric (U.S.), Osram (Germany), and Philips (Netherlands).
- Goal: The goal was to control the production, pricing, and lifespan of lightbulbs globally.
- Lifespan Reduction: The cartel agreed to cap the lifespan of incandescent lightbulbs at around 1,000 hours, despite the fact that longer-lasting lightbulbs were technologically feasible.
Legacy and Impact:
The concept of planned obsolescence remains a topic of debate today, not just in the context of lightbulbs but across various industries, from electronics to automobiles. Critics argue that it leads to unnecessary waste and environmental harm, while some companies claim it drives innovation and keeps markets dynamic.
The lightbulb conspiracy is a classic example often cited when discussing the ethics of product design and corporate responsibility.