The great switch off! Research from Philips Lighting uncovers those left in the dark ahead of halogen spot ban

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August 30, 2016

The great switch off! Research from Philips Lighting uncovers those left in the dark ahead of halogen spot ban

• Three-quarters of Europeans are unware that main voltage halogen spot lights are being banned across EU from September 1, 2016
• Philips Lighting launches Philips LED spot classic WarmGlow, a high-quality LED replacement for halogen spots that  provides the same effects as halogen but is 90% more energy-efficient

             
Amsterdam, The Netherlands - Philips Lighting (Euronext Amsterdam ticker: LIGHT), a global leader in lighting, has today released findings that reveal the lack of awareness about the European Union's ban on GU10 halogen spot lights, effective from September 1, 2016. The research found that three quarters (75%) of consumers do not know about the forthcoming ban, despite the fact that two in five (40%) are currently using halogen spot lights at home. The EU legislation was driven by the need for increased energy efficiency in order to reduce electricity consumption and cut CO2 emissions. Focus now turns to LEDs, such as the Philips LED spot classic WarmGlow, as a high-quality, alternative that looks, feels and behaves like a halogen, but is up to 90% more energy-efficient.

The study of over 5,000 adults across five European countries - Germany, UK, France, Sweden and Belgium - found that the Swedish were the most in the dark with four in five (84%) of respondents unaware of the new legislation - particularly surprising considering Swedish households experience significantly reduced hours of daylight in the winter, and depend heavily on lighting to go about their daily lives. While the French were the most aware of the ban with over two thirds (62%) declaring knowledge of it. However, it is the French, who felt that more information about the ban was needed with nearly half (44%) claiming they would have liked to have known sooner about it.

"Philips Lighting was keen to investigate consumer understanding of the EU ban and we've certainly uncovered some fascinating insights, as well as learning about wider consumer behavior when it comes to energy efficiency. Our research shows a common lack of knowledge, which highlights the need for education and discussion around the potential of LED light. Many people still have outdated perceptions of LEDs and don't understand that LED technology has moved on exponentially in terms of quality during this decade. For example, the WarmGlow technology we use in our new LED spotlight mimics the warm color you get when you dim a halogen. This technology is unique," comments Mahesh Iyer, leader of Philips Lighting LED business group.