Rediscover Discovery

Fagerhult has made it even easier to make a sustainable choice for your lighting solution, without even having to choose. Our former luminaire Discovery Evo re-emerges in a new, more sustainable outfit, as we have reduced the amount of fossil raw materials by using plastic from renewable sources. In addition, the new Discovery has the light control option of the plug-and-play system Organic Response, which further reduce energy consumption and thus also the climate impact.

– We are very proud to present a luminaire that so clearly represents our vision of a more sustainable future, says Niclas Thulin, Sustainability Manager, Fagerhult. We are constantly researching alternative materials for several of our products, and it felt completely natural to make this shift.

Fagerhult has reduced the fossil raw material in the production of polycarbonate plastic. Instead, an ISCC-certified material based on biologically renewable oil (tall oil and frying oil) is used, both of which are residual products from the forest industry and the restaurant industry, respectively. As Discovery consists of 73% polycarbonate plastic, the replacement of plastic materials means that we can reduce our yearly CO2 footprint by about 246 tonnes.

– The plastic replacement takes place through a so-called mass balance solution, explains Christer Liljegren, Product and Application Manager, Fagerhult. This means that we have required our supplier to replace a certain amount of fossil-based oil with fossil-free in the overall production of plastic, which is then distributed over a certain period of time. As a result, the luminaires may contain different amounts of renewable plastic. But, with a mass balance solution, we ensure that a large amount of fossil oil is not used in plastic production but is replaced by a renewable raw material instead.

Life cycle analyses show that the new ISCC-certified plastic has 40% lower climate impact compared to fossil plastics. Despite such a major change, the new plastic has exactly the same properties as the old one and nothing in the luminaire's appearance reveals that there would be anything different about it. The fast installation, energy efficiency and light quality are just as good as with the previous classic version. Fagerhult never releases anything that does not meet up to our standards, in terms of quality, and this is no exception.

Fagerhult’s medical supply units approved under the Medical Device Regulation

Fagerhult’s medical supply units are now approved under the new Medical Device Regulation (MDR). ”We see the benefit of offering our customers products that are already tailored to meet future requirements,” says Lars Handberg, Technical Product Manager for medical supply units. The former Medical Device Directive (MDD) has been replaced by the new Medical Device Regulation (MDR). Suppliers must complete the transition by 31 December 2028 at the latest. Fagerhult is already delivering its medical supply units in full compliance with MDR. ”Fagerhult began early to ensure our documentation and processes were aligned with the new regulation MDR. As a result, Fagerhult’s units already meet the requirements of MDR 2017/745, Article 22,” says Lars Handberg. Img As a consequence of this, the classic CE marking is removed. The reason is that according to the regulation, if you choose to follow Article 22, modular products - the ward panels should not be provided with an additional CE mark, (Article 22, Section 5) beacuse the included components are already CE marked. ”This doesn’t impact the functionality or safety of our products. It is simply a result of the legal framework. Our medical supply units comply with product standards and remain just as safe as before. However, it’s worth noting this in case anyone wonders why the CE marking is no longer present on the new products being delivered”, Lars Handberg explains.

Closing the loop – and extending the lifecycle of luminaires

The concept of rebuilding old luminaires to save material and energy is growing. Sometimes, all an outdated luminaire needs to shine bright again is some tender love and engineering skills. We met Emma Hallman, Mathilda Holl and Andreas Ekslätt, the team behind ReLight at Fagerhult, to discuss the challenges of finding solutions that will take old luminaires into the future. At Fagerhult, a deeply rooted innovation culture influences all aspects of work. Possibly, it springs from the founder Bertil Svensson's mindset of solving problems with sometimes small means – and curiosity and dedication. Unlike today, sustainability may not have been a buzzword back then. However, using our resources consciously and striving for high quality have always been cornerstones for Fagerhult. Today, a new focus on circularity has urged us to challenge our thinking and makes us conscious of finding long-lasting solutions. Fagerhult's Bespoke Lighting Solutions (BLS) department has developed unique luminaires and adapted solutions for many years. So, refurbishing and updating old luminaires is something familiar to us. However, the ambition to reuse and rebuild old luminaires to lower climate impact has increased over time. In this process, yesterday's design and technology are brought up to speed by today's advances to meet the requirements of tomorrow. Quote ReLight your old luminaires To the ReLight team at Fagerhult, there are no unusual questions or impossible solutions. Daily, they manage inquiries regarding specially developed lighting solutions for projects from Fagerhult's markets. It's a complex process, but over time, they have learnt that some projects are ideal for reusing old luminaires instead of investing in new ones. "To us, the luminaire's qualities in lighting comfort, safety and aesthetics are at the core of every ReLight project. When requested, we also calculate if – and how much – we can reduce the luminaire's total climate impact through its lifecycle." says Emma Hallman. Within ReLight, there is an outspoken will to save materials and energy – and make an environmental effort by updating the luminaires. However, not all old luminaires can live forever; some are outdated and better recycled than refurbished. Img "If the circumstances don't meet our requirements and it doesn't work to rebuild the luminaire, we will not take the project further. We would never compromise on light comfort, quality, safety or the expression of the luminaire if it does not result in a first-class end solution", says Emma Hallman. At Fagerhult, safety and quality are the red threads that combine all products. And ReLight is no exception. Throughout the process, CE-marking and testing are crucial factors. "To ensure the overall quality, the updated luminaire is CE-marked in full before delivery. We also want to make the installation on site both smooth and quick, and the new kit is as close to a complete luminaire as possible," says Andreas Ekslätt, Design Engineer.

New technology and intelligent control pave the way for tomorrow's outdoor lighting

All electric light is produced by - and for - humans. Research is now focusing on some important questions: Is our lighting of outdoor environments at the expense of other species? And how can we create a safe environment in balance with the ecosystem and with minimal light pollution? Outdoor lighting prolongs the day and is needed to provide a sense of safety and security, and to create attractive environments even when it is dark. However, light that is improperly directed, used at the wrong time of day, or lacks purpose can be considered light pollution. In addition, it is a waste of energy, and can negatively affect human well-being and animal habitats. “We are in the midst of a rapid development, where biodiversity is threatened,” says Henrik Sandqvist, Product and Application Manager Outdoor Lighting, at Fagerhult. “This happens largely because of humans, and lighting is a contributing factor. Some animals are attracted to the light and others avoid it, which can create an imbalance in the ecosystem.” HENRIK SANDQVIST, PRODUCT AND APPLICATION MANAGER OUTDOOR LIGHTING AT FAGERHULT Today, however, there are limited standards stipulating which lighting should be used where and when. Bioinclusive Lighting involves providing light that is good for people’s well-being and urban development – with as little impact on biodiversity as possible. “As a luminaire manufacturer, we are aware that we contribute to the increase in the amount of light. That is why we can also be part of the solution. We follow the research and guiding standards, and we listen to those who know more than we do. We want to stay ahead, and we always have Bioinclusive Lighting in mind in our product development. Our luminaire Evolume 1 has also been used in a joint study run by the University of Gävle and RISE, and we are happy to collaborate with others to find tomorrow’s solutions.” A darker light environment Around 80 percent of the world’s population cannot see a starry night sky. The reason is ‘skyglow’, which is caused by artificial light shining into the sky. The phenomenon is difficult to measure, but like other light pollution, it can have negative effects on humans, animals, and the environment. “Just as we turn off the lights when we leave a room, outdoor lighting should also be turned off or dimmed when people are no longer in the vicinity. Here it becomes very clear that the right light, in the right place, and at the right time plays an important role.” Henrik Sandqvist quote Since lighting can affect species’ habitats, the ecosystem needs greater consideration in lighting design. When replacing or installing new lighting, it is important to ask: What is the purpose of the lighting? How does it affect the environment, people, animals and nature? “Our basic idea is that all lighting must have a purpose, and the right character and strength. The amount of light must be commensurate, and it must only directed where it is needed. Since the nature of light is governed by its spectral distribution, we want to avoid light in the lower wavelengths. The general recommendation is therefore to use as warm a light as possible. ANNIKA JÄGERBRAND (UNIVERSITY OF GÄVLE), MARIA NILSSON TENGELIN (RISE) AND HENRIK SANDQVIST (FAGERHULT). Adaptive lighting can also adjust the light intensity and spectral distribution, and time control and presence control enable lighting precisely when needed. “This is nothing new, and nothing we will solve today. But a good place to start is to use a lighting designer with good knowledge of outdoor lighting and who considers the whole when devising a solution. We will continue to focus on finding an inclusive approach to create light for people that is in balance with the ecosystem,” concludes Henrik Sandqvist. Product in focus: Evolume The Evolume luminaire series has good light comfort, and is now available with more options and colour temperatures: 2700K, 2200K and PC Amber as well as adaptive light. This allows the intensity, wavelength distribution, and light distribution to be adapted based on need, time, and presence, and with more consideration for animals and nature.

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Fagerhult’s medical supply units approved under the Medical Device Regulation

Closing the loop – and extending the lifecycle of luminaires

New technology and intelligent control pave the way for tomorrow's outdoor lighting