First electronic lighting component Cradle to Cradle Certified® in Bronze

LED modules in the LLE, QLE and CLE product groups have been designed in all respects so they comply with the sustainability criteria of the Cradle to Cradle® (C2C) concept. The purpose of this concept is to encourage the development of products that can be responsibly manufactured and recycled. Potential negative impacts should be minimised from the outset and the products should leave a positive ecological footprint.
 

The concept of C2C is based on the role model of nature which, as is well known, does not produce any waste. Resources are to be used to promote this circularity – from the birth of a product to its re-use at the end of its first intended purpose, hence cradle to cradle. Waste should not simply be reduced, it should be completely avoided to preserve materials in the material cycle. The choice of initial materials is therefore a key feature of this approach. The materials must neither be toxic nor have a negative impact on people or nature. In addition to ecological aspects (material selection, renewable energies and water use), this sustainability concept also takes social challenges into account.

Tridonic’s first C2C Certified® project started with a feasibility study by C2C consultants EPEA Switzerland (Environmental Protection Encouragement Agency). The results led to a pilot project in which the material health of an LED module and a number of LED drivers was investigated with the cooperation of two Tridonic customers. Within eight months Tridonic was then able to take the first C2C Certified® project to successful realisation. The first C2C Certified® LED modules are now about to be launched. Later Tridonic will also market the first C2C Certified® drivers.

“Cradle to Cradle® certification gives companies a means of providing credible and traceable evidence of their success and progress in designing ideal ecological products. On the other hand, certification helps customers to request and acquire products that meet an exceptional, broad-based quality standard,” says Christina Krebs, EPEA Switzerland. The certificate therefore serves as a useful guide for the various players on the market.

The road to sustainable lighting

C2C certification is a complex project in every case. There are major technical challenges especially for the electronics industry – for example in the selection of materials. The use of C2CCertified® components, such as LED modules, make the sustainable production of luminaires much easier and shortens the implementation time for C2C certification projects on the customer’s side.

“C2C is a comprehensive concept and therefore very challenging, but it is also an expedient way to implement sustainability in the company. At Tridonic, we believe that C2C will take the lighting industry further down the road to sustainability,” says Hugo Rohner, Tridonic CEO. By introducing C2C, the company aims to support its customers in making their products sustainable as well.

Sustainable Tridonic

The company has therefore set up the “Sustainable Tridonic” programme which focuses on the development of components that can be recycled and re-used. The programme is part of the company’s target of achieving climate neutrality by 2025. Other aspects of the programme include the introduction of fully recyclable packaging materials by 2024 and certification according to the C2C Certified® Product Standard for all premium products by 2030 at the latest.
 

Cradle to Cradle Certified® is a registered trademark of the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute.