What is light industry?

Here are some examples of types of light manufacturing industries:

• Consumer durables. Nearly all goods that are sold to consumers are considered light industry. This includes relatively large products and small products.

• Automobiles. Even though the production of cars requires building and combining heavy parts, this industry is still considered light because these items are sold to mass consumers.

  While the manufacturing of larger vehicles, such as buses, airplanes, tanks, and trains, is considered heavy industry because these products are for other businesses or government entities.

• Energy. New forms of green energy, such as solar panel manufacturing, are considered light industry. While older forms of non-green energy, like oil and coal, are considered heavy industry.

• Electronics. The manufacturing of consumer electronics is considered light industry. Most of these items are on the smaller side, and the fact that they are made for consumer consumption makes them an element of light industry.

• Business products. While many items manufactured and targeted for businesses and government purposes are considered heavy industry, certain products in this area are a part of light industry.

  For example, companies manufacturing business furniture for outfitting office spaces are considered part of the light industry sector.