Phasing out compact & circular fluorescent tubes

As of 24 August 2023, compact and circular fluorescent lamps may no longer be sold. It is part of the EU’s environmental work to remove inefficient fluorescent tubes with mercury from the European market. WLK shows you how to change old luminaires to a long-term and more sustainable solutiong.

What is the background to the phasing out of fluorescent light sources?

In 2021, EU decided to phase out fluorescent light sources that contain toxic mercury that can cause great damage to soil, water and living bodies. It is part of the EU’s environmental strategy to reduce climate impact and protect human health. All straight fluorescent tubes (T5 and T8), compact fluorescent tubes and circular fluorescent tubes for general lighting has thus disappeared from the market since 2023.

In addition to its harmful impact on the environment, there are today much better and more energy efficient fluorescent light source alternatives. Therefore, the EU has decided on a canceled exception for mercury in light sources in the RoHS directive (Restriction of the use of certain Hazardous Substances in electrical and electronic equipment’s) in electrical and electronic equipment). 

By replacing fluorescent tubes with e.g. LED lamps, we can reduce the amount of mercury that is released into nature. In addition, we save energy and reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

What alternatives can I use instead of circular fluorescent lights?

The best thing is to replace your old fluorescent tubes with LED lighting. These are much more energy efficient, last longer and provide flicker-free, high-quality light. Advantages of LED drivers:

WLK helps schools, authorities and companies with the conversion to LED alternatives. We have extensive experience with LED drivers for luminaire manufacturers, electrical installers and facility owners. Traditional lighting can be easily upgraded to energy-efficient LED solutions with our LED drivers, modules and conversion kits. We offer, among other things:

OEM service with custom-built lighting solutions

Do you want complete OEM service where we custom build an LED solution for your business? Over the years, we have delivered tailored Welight LEDline solutions for indoor and outdoor environments.  We got e.g. commissioned to provide the entrance and cloakroom at the Grand Hôtel in Stockholm with profiles. Also the fixed bench fixture and desk lighting in the Plenihall in Riksdagshuset.

We assemble profiles in the lengths requested by using parts from our product groups with:

Example of a complete LED profile:

Phasing out of fluorescent lamps – for a more sustainable future

WLK takes its responsibility to create a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future. The phasing out of compact fluorescent light sources makes an important difference in the work to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, while at the same time protecting the environment from dangerous mercury.
By informing about and applying the EU’s phase-out of circular fluorescent lamps, we can all protect the environment. In this way, we can reduce energy consumption and lower electricity costs, while making a difference for the planet.