The linear “take-make-dispose” model is being challenged by circular economy principles within the lighting industry. Manufacturers are now designing products with disassembly and material recovery in mind. This involves using fewer material types, avoiding permanent adhesives, and marking plastic components for easy sorting. Companies are establishing take-back programs to collect end-of-life products, where components like drivers, metals, and some plastics can be refurbished or recycled. The Lighting-as-a-Service (LaaS) model is a key enabler of this shift, as it keeps ownership with the manufacturer, incentivizing them to create durable, upgradeable, and recyclable products. Furthermore, there is growing use of recycled content in new luminaires, such as post-consumer recycled aluminum and plastics. This holistic approach aims to minimize waste, conserve resources, and create a closed-loop system that adds value while reducing environmental impact.
