Signify pilot recycles light shades
Signify has fully recycled its 3D-printed lamp shades into post-consumer recycled filament in a pilot project with specialist firm Polymaker.
These filaments – which has been reformulated to compensate for the material degradation during use and recycling – were in turn used to create new shades.
‘Despite encountering unexpected colour contamination and particle-size issues, we were able to create a filament that produced high quality products with no printing artifacts’ said the firm. ‘We found them to be of good quality compared to those printed with virgin materials’.
The proof-on-concept project shows, says Signify, that it can ‘close the loop’ when lamp shades reach the end of their life.
The project was in collaboration with the Dutch collection and recycling organisation Stichting OPEN.
Signify says it has an ambition to become truly circular and its goal is to establish ‘an authentically sustainable approach’ to its product lifecycles.
‘Following a long and fruitful lifespan, we strive to ensure that our 3D printed lighting products are not wasted, but reused, repaired, refurbished, or recycled in an environmentally responsible manner.
‘As part of our design principles, we adhere to a set of rules that promote sustainable assembly practices.’
Instead of using glue, potting and excessive use of screws, Signify says it prioritises the use of turn-and-click components.
‘This not only simplifies the assembly process and improves repairability but also ensures that our products can be easily disassembled.
‘In line with our commitment to End-of-Life recycling, we provide clear disassembly instructions for each product series. This empowers recyclers to effortlessly separate the various components and direct them to the appropriate waste streams, facilitating efficient recycling processes.’
In North America, Signify has forged a partnership with a recycling company which its says demonstrates its dedication to preventing end-of-life products from ending up in landfills as much as it can.
• Diary date: Circular Lighting Live 2024, Recolight’s flagship conference and exhibition, which takes place on Wednesday 9 October 2024 at the Royal College of Physicians in London. Free to specifiers, Circular Lighting Live 2024 will feature leading experts, specifiers and policy makers who will share their insights into forthcoming standards and legislation, emerging technologies and new business models. More info: www.circularlighting.live
