Research for sustainable solutions

How sustainable is an LED luminaire really? At TRILUX, we ask ourselves this question every day. Designing environmentally friendly lighting solutions means looking at the entire life cycle – from the choice of materials to use and recycling. To turn good intentions into real progress, robust research and practical projects are essential. The TRILUX Sustainability Report 2023/2024 outlines what we have achieved so far and the goals we are working towards. 

SUMATRA - a research project with an impact

One example is the BMWK-funded project SUMATRA (SUstainable MATerials in future luminaire designs - from Recycling back to Application). Together with Fraunhofer IZM, Interzero and Inventronics, we have spent two years exploring how LED lighting can be made more sustainable.

The results show where the greatest leverage lies:

• Reducing CO₂ emissions: A single luminaire generates around 1,000 kg of CO₂ equivalents over its life cycle, over 95% of which occurs during use. Therefore, luminaire efficiency and lighting management are crucial for reducing energy-related emissions.
• Cutting resource consumption: Electronic components such as LED modules and ballasts have the biggest impact on the Abiotic Depletion Potential (ADP). Potential savings can be made by using fewer ballasts, for example by having several luminaires share one device.
• Improving recyclability: The recycling industry has so far focussed on the reuse of metals, but there is considerable potential in recovering other materials and feeding them back into the cycle.

Based on the findings, TRILUX has developed design guidelines that will be used in future product development. These cover seven fields of action – including life cycle assessment, materials and the circular economy – and set out clear criteria, goals and design principles.

New projects and collaborations

In 2023 and 2024, we completed more than 30 pre-development and research projects, including "Analysis and optimisation of the repairability of lights". 

Alongside this, we are continuously developing products and processes in new partnerships to make luminaires even more efficient, resource-saving and sustainable. Some examples:

• Cooperation with OTTO FUCHS: Since early 2024, we have been working with OTTO FUCHS to recycle aluminium louvres from old luminaires to a high standard. The aim is to develop new luminaire profiles from the recycled material. Initial results are promising, a prototype has already been produced from recycled aluminium chips using a specially adapted extrusion process.
• Collaboration with Eco4Light: Since 2023, TRILUX has been part of the Eco4Light innovation network, developing optics and systems for efficient light management. The goal is to match lighting precisely to demand, reducing electricity consumption and CO₂ emissions while conserving resources.

Our commitment does not end with our products. We actively share our knowledge with the wider industry through lectures, publications and events, helping to establish sustainable standards and best practices. The next opportunity for exchange will be at LICHTERLEBNISTAGE KÖLN on 9 October 2025, organised by the German Society for LightTechnology & LightDesign (LiTG).