Guidehouse Insights Explores Opportunities for Lighting Manufacturers to Capitalize on Mercury-Containing Light Source Bans

A new report from Guidehouse Insights explores opportunities for lighting manufacturers to capitalize on bans on mercury-containing light sources, the challenges the lighting industry will encounter as new restrictions are implemented, and ways in which regulations concerning the sustainability of materials used in lighting products are likely to eventually affect LEDs.

Energy efficient lighting technologies have historically been exempted from many restrictions on hazardous substances, but bans on light sources containing mercury that are soon going into effect in some regions are likely to become widespread. According to a new report from Guidehouse Insights, though prohibitions on mercury-containing light sources will effectively ban multiple lighting technologies, users of the large global installed base of linear fluorescent lamps will be most affected, increasing demand for linear retrofit LED products.

Though current policy developments primarily target light sources that contain mercury, increased scrutiny of facets of sustainability beyond energy efficiency are likely to affect LED products in the future, according to the report.

Guidehouse Insights recommends lighting manufacturers and energy services companies offer a variety of inexpensive replacement options for the linear fluorescent installed base, governments prepare for mass disposal of fluorescent lamps, and the lighting industry proactively assess the sustainability of materials used in all products.

The report, Lighting Bans Will Predominantly Affect the Linear Lamp Market, analyzes opportunities for lighting manufacturers to capitalize on bans on mercury-containing light sources while easing the transition for reluctant customers. It describes the challenges the lighting industry and local communities are likely encounter as new restrictions are implemented, and considers the future trajectory of regulations concerning the sustainability of material used in lighting products. An executive summary of the report is available for free download on the Guidehouse Insights website.