In the era of sustainability and technological innovation, the industrial lighting sector underwent a true revolution, marking the end of an era for fluorescent lamps, once ubiquitous in our lives. The European Union's Ecodesign Directive, with its constant updates, aimed to reduce the environmental impact of products, including those for lighting, leading to the gradual elimination of fluorescent lamps in favor of more efficient and sustainable alternatives.
Types of Fluorescent Tubes
Fluorescent lamps, widely used for commercial and industrial lighting, came in various types based on size, shape, and technical specifications. Among the most common were T8, T5, and T12 fluorescent tubes, each with distinct characteristics that affected luminous efficiency, energy consumption, and application.
T8 Tubes:
T8 fluorescent tubes, with a diameter of 25 mm (about 1 inch), were among the most widespread in commercial and industrial lighting applications. They offered a good balance between energy efficiency and light quality, making them a popular choice for offices, schools, and commercial environments. Their technology allowed for better color rendering and lower energy consumption compared to the older T12 tubes.
T5 Tubes:
T5 tubes, with a diameter of 16 mm (about 5/8 inch), represented a newer technology compared to T8 and T12. They were known for their high luminous efficiency and low energy consumption. Thanks to their reduced size, T5s were particularly suitable for compact lighting fixtures and were often used in applications that required intense brightness in limited spaces, such as in precision work environments.
T12 Tubes:
T12 tubes, with a diameter of 38 mm (about 1.5 inches), were among the oldest and least efficient on the market. Despite their declining popularity in favor of more efficient alternatives like T8 and T5, T12s could still be found in some existing applications. They had a higher energy consumption compared to newer tubes and were progressively being phased out due to energy efficiency regulations and technological evolution towards more sustainable solutions.
What Changed from September 1, 2023?
Starting from September 1, 2023, the sale of fluorescent lamps, particularly T8 fluorescent tubes and other similar types, was no longer allowed in European Union countries. This decision, dictated by the Ecodesign Directive, was based on the need to promote lighting solutions that not only consumed less energy but were also free of harmful substances like mercury, present in fluorescent lamps.
Why Is It Important?
This transition represented not only a step forward in reducing energy consumption and protecting the environment but also a significant opportunity for industries and businesses to upgrade their infrastructure with advanced lighting technologies, such as LEDs. Compared to fluorescent lamps, LED lighting offered incomparable advantages in terms of energy efficiency, lifespan, light quality, and environmental impact.
Improper Disposal of Fluorescent Tubes
Improper disposal of fluorescent tubes is a serious environmental concern, as they contain mercury and argon, both harmful if released into the environment. Mercury is particularly toxic to human health and ecosystems, while argon, though less toxic, contributes to electronic waste issues and necessitates proper management to prevent environmental impact.
Towards a Sustainable
Future The end of the sale of fluorescent lamps is a clear signal of the path taken towards a more sustainable future. For us, it is an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to research and development of innovative solutions, capable of meeting market needs and contributing to environmental protection. We invite all our customers and partners to join us in this transition towards more efficient, sustainable, and high-performance lighting. Together, we can illuminate the future responsibly.