New packaging with 100% paper and cardboard from certified forests, only 8.9% plastic.

Reduced package volume. 20% reduction in single-use plastics.

Introduction of interlocking elements for easy repair and disassembly. 

Implement solutions to reduce the impact of products and packaging on the planet. That is the objective behind the collaboration between iGuzzini, an international group founded in 1959 dedicated to the research and production of innovative lighting solutions, and Ecolight Servizi, the operating arm of Sistema Ecolight, a hub dedicated to waste management, to identify solutions in line with the renewed needs of the business world and ensure constant environmental protection.

The Italian Marche area-based company has decided to rely on the twenty years of experience of the Ecolight System to investigate its end-of-life product, i.e. how a lighting fixture is managed as waste by treatment plants. The study – in particular – considered three phases: product analysis, manual disassembly methods and mass balance, i.e. the list of materials obtained and to be sent for recovery. Some areas for improvement were highlighted, including over-packaging, excessive product packaging; difficulty in separating some materials, such as aluminium and plastic, and in disassembling some components due to the use of adhesives, and absence of marking on some plastics, elements that did not allow correct identification, therefore correct recycling. Starting from the results obtained and the evidence found, iGuzzini has implemented some of its good practices as part of a broader green reorganization process to implement the requirements included in the European Ecodesign Regulation, which establishes the requirements for the design of products based on sustainability.

“Sustainability is increasingly becoming a strategic lever for companies. Environmental protection, pollution reduction and proper waste management and disposal are essential prerogatives for manufacturing companies and end consumers. The project carried out by iGuzzini is clear testimony to this,” commented Fabio Bianchi, CEO of Ecolight Servizi. “As a hub of consortia, with the support of our service company, we are committed to promoting good practices in the collection and recycling of goods and supporting companies in this virtuous path that aims at a more sustainable future for all.”

Specifically, new packaging has been introduced, made solely with paper and cardboard from certified forests, replacing polyethene. Thanks to this modification, plastic in packaging now accounts for only 8.9% of the total. Thus, 100% recycled plastic use is limited to LED circuit protection bags or if the item’s weight requires protection not insurable by alternative solutions. The company has achieved a 20% reduction in the use of single-use plastic. Package volumes reduced and – on request – multiple packaging to decrease the amount of materials, weights and volumes in transport.

In terms of design, the use of surface finishes that made it impossible to recycle particular plastics has decreased significantly thanks to the development of innovative optical solutions, which reduce the number of components and bring the share of recyclable materials up to 100%”. Other intelligent technical solutions now make it possible to replace accessories with a simple push-and-go without the need for tools, facilitating maintenance, durability, repairability and disassembly at the end of life. To conclude, the insertion of related symbols on the used plastic in the new design guidelines, in order to facilitate its recovery. This mark is always placed in parts that are not visible so that lighting performance and design are not compromised.

Sauro Stacchiotti, Costing & Sustainability Senior Manager at iGuzzini, said: “A lighting system, if advanced and intelligent, reduces its environmental impact and helps improve people’s well-being. It is from this conviction that our journey as a company was born and continues. The investments in Research and Development made over the years have led to the creation of lighting solutions with high technological innovation in terms of energy efficiency, durability, technologies, materials and industrial processes. The collaboration with Ecolight Servizi seemed to be the right continuation. The project we have carried out together has allowed us to get even closer to our 360-degree sustainability goals“.