Signify launches Europe’s first LED tube made using recycled plastic

• Philips MASTER LEDtube T8 EM/mains contains an average of 40% post-consumer-recycled plastic.

• Sources of recycled plastics used include fishing nets, water jugs and car headlights.

Eindhoven, the Netherlands – Signify (Euronext: LIGHT) today announced that it has strengthened its circular lighting portfolio with the launch of Europe’s first LED tube made with recycled plastic. On average, 40% of the plastic content of the new Philips MASTER LEDtube T8 EM/mains is made of post-consumer-recycled (PCR) plastic. ¹ Furthermore, as part of the Signify Sustainable Packaging requirements, the packaging is made from 80% recycled paper. Available for the first time on the mainstream market in Europe, the full range of MASTER T8 EM/mains will be upgraded to using PCR plastics and will also be available in ASEAN, Indonesia and Greater China markets.

Using PCR plastics optimizes the use of resources by reducing the need for virgin plastic production and minimizing waste sent to landfills. The plastics are typically made of materials that have been recovered and processed after being used by consumers. The Philips MASTER LEDtube T8 uses PCR from sources including fishing nets, water jugs and car headlights. In practical terms, an installation of 1,000 LED tubes uses the amount of recycled plastic equivalent to the weight of 2,500 0.5l PET bottles.²

With a luminous efficacy of up to 185 lm/W, the MASTER LEDtube T8 has a B-class energy efficiency label. Its lifespan of 75,000 hours reduces the frequency of replacement, but when that time comes, this can be done without changing existing luminaire fixtures, which avoids further waste. At the end of its life, the tube can be easily dismantled and re-enter the recycling process. 

The solution is suited to many different applications, including offices, schools, and warehouses, and can be installed anywhere, working with EM ballasts or rewired directly to the mains. It also has a robust build quality and shatterproof plastic design, tested according to IEC 61549