In this month’s Face to Face we speak to Nigel Harvey, Chief Executive at Recolight, to hear his views on a more sustainable lighting industry and the implementation of the circular economy.

Q. Why should electrical wholesalers offer a free lamp and WEEE recycling service to customers?

There are many good reasons. First and foremost, because it is a legal requirement:  Any wholesaler selling electrical products that could be used by a consumer, must provide a free of charge take back on a one-for-one basis. So if, for example, an electrical contractor buys 50 GU10 LED lamps, they have the right to return around 50 similar lamps to the point of purchase, for recycling.

In addition, providing a WEEE take back service is a vital way in which wholesalers can act more sustainably. That also provides an additional service to their customers, and can increase footfall.

Q. What are Recolight and how can they help with this?

Recolight was set up by the lighting industry as a not-for-profit to provide collection and recycling of waste lighting to meet obligations under the WEEE regulations. That means Recolight offer wholesalers, and others, free collection and recycling of waste lamps, subject to minimum quantities. The company also provide low cost collection of waste luminaires and batteries.

Q. Why is the circular economy so important and what difference will the release of the Government’s ‘Circular Economy Growth Plan’ make?

The circular economy is a vital way in which sustainability can be embedded into commercial operations, and is an essential part of the effort to tackle climate change. A circular economy seeks to keep existing products in use for longer, to repair or upgrade them where possible, and to only replace and recycle them where that is not an option. The government set up a taskforce to make recommendations on how to implement a circular economy, and we expect to see a consultation on the proposals this Spring.

Q. How can wholesalers engage better with the circular economy?

The circular economy is about reuse, repair, remanufacture, and upgrade.  There is a material opportunity for any wholesalers that can start to provide such services, either themselves, or in partnership with other organisations.

Q. Can you tell us a bit about what Recolight does?

Beyond providing collection and recycling of lighting, Recolight is extremely active in supporting the transition to a circular economy.  So Recolight organise Circular Lighting Live, the UK’s only conference dedicated to the circular economy and the lighting industry. Recolight also sponsor Circular Lighting Report on LinkedIn, a news service celebrating all the sustainability achievements of the lighting industry. And the company also helps to ensure that unsold remaindered stock can be used in charities or other social enterprises rather than being recycled.

Q. What are EPDs and what EPD related services does Recolight offer to manufacturers?

Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) and Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) provide tangible ways in which manufacturers can accurately evidence the full sustainability of the products they sell.  They therefore allow specifiers and end-users to choose products based on an independent third party verified statement of the environmental impacts of products.

Recolight provide a “one-off EPD” service that helps manufacturers prepare an EPD. That includes support in gathering the data required, entering it into the OneClick LCA platform, preparing a draft EPD, finalising it, and then submitting it to EPD Hub for independent verification. The service is subject to a flat all-inclusive fee.

Q. What can we expect to see from Recolight and the wider lighting industry in 2026?

Circular Lighting Live will be back again on 8^th October 2026 in London, showcasing the latest developments and regulatory changes taking place in the circular economy.  Prior to that, the Government will have consulted on possible changes to implement its circular economy growth plan, and the outcome of that consultation should be available.  That will make Circular Lighting Live in 2026 the perfect opportunity to understand the planned changes, and consequences.

Find out more about Recolight here

Catch up on previous ‘Face to Face’ articles here

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The Lighting Industry Association (LIA) and Recolight has announced a new Strategic Partnership designed to accelerate sustainability and compliance across the sector.

Key elements of the partnership include:

• Reciprocal online resources linking members to relevant services and support
• Newsletter features to members of both organisations providing up‑to‑date guidance on WEEE, quality and compliance in the lighting sector
• Cross‑promotion of relevant training courses and webinars, aimed at encouraging greater action on the circular economy and decarbonisation in lighting, and closing skills gaps

Ayça Donaghy, CEO of The LIA, said: “As The LIA, by formalising this Strategic Partnership with Recolight we can draw on their circular‑economy leadership, cross‑promote high‑quality training, and collectively speed the industry’s progress towards net zero.”

Nigel Harvey, CEO of Recolight, added: “Recolight has had a pivotal role in supporting and encouraging action on the circular economy in the lighting sector. The new strategic partnership with The LIA will help both organisations to better support their members, and the supply chain, to act more sustainably and to continue to decarbonise. A partnership with these objectives is the right approach, for the environment, and for our members.”

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It’s been a busy few months in the electrical industry, with new appointments and shake-ups across different sectors. Keep up to date with the latest movements here, as we details who has gone where…

Nick Atkinson

FIREANGEL

FireAngel has strengthened its wholesaler focus through National Account Manager Nick Atkinson, who has joined the business to drive engagement with national and independent wholesalers across the UK. Nick brings a wealth of trade experience in the electrical wholesale and distribution sector, having held senior roles at several major industry brands. With an extensive background in national account development, sales leadership and contractor engagement, he has built a strong reputation for helping trade wholesalers grow market share while supporting installers with the tools, training and products required to deliver compliant, professional installations.

Cameron Wilson

RECOLIGHT

Recolight has announced the appointment of a new director, Cameron Wilson, who will represent Signify on the Recolight board. Cameron has been with Signify for over 25 years and is the Customer Resolution Manager for UK and Ireland. Cameron joins as a non-Executive Director representing Recolight’s founding members along with board chair Andreas Adam, Senior Director at LEDVANCE, Andrew Clark, Financial Controller at Feilo Sylvania UK, and Steven Reed, Commercial Manager at Trilux.

Paul White

IBA

The IBA Buying Group has appointed Paul White as Chief Membership Officer. Paul brings more than two decades of experience in the electrical wholesale industry, having held senior roles at Edmundson Electrical, CEF, and Rexel since joining the sector in 2001. In this newly enhanced leadership role, Paul will focus on ensuring the IBA continues to strengthen its position as the natural home for independent electrical wholesalers. His remit includes driving member value, deepening supplier partnerships, and shaping the next phase of the Group’s commercial evolution.

Lewis Wassell

TRIDONIC UK

Tridonic UK has welcomed Lewis Wassell to the team as Controls and Solutions Sales Engineer, joining the Projects and Solutions division to support customers across the UK with advanced lighting controls and building optimisation strategies.

With a career spanning 17 years in the electrical and controls industry, Lewis brings extensive experience from his time at WAGO and Schneider Electric. His broad technical background and hands-on project experience position him strongly to support Tridonic’s mission of delivering smarter, data-driven building solutions.

Peter Lawson

OVERLAND SHOES

Overland Shoes has appointed Peter Lawson as Brand Manager to lead the launch of Bobcat Safety Footwear – backed by a specialist sales force. With over two decades of commercial leadership across global footwear markets, Peter brings extensive expertise from senior roles at Reebok, FILA, Radley and Hi-Tec Sports International, where he served as Managing Director of its Magnum and Hi-Tec international businesses. Most recently, he strengthened his PPE market expertise through senior positions at Blackrock workplace PPE and Toffeln.

Now at Overland Shoes, Peter is responsible for leading the strategy and market roll-out of Bobcat Safety Footwear, fusing global innovation with British expertise for real-world performance.

Catch up on previous months ‘Movers and shakers’ articles here

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Recolight has unveiled its 2026 webinar series. The free to attend session are open to all, covering a range of topics to support the lighting industry’s move towards greater sustainability.

The webinars bring together experts, thought leaders, and innovators to share insights, discuss challenges, and explore the latest trends shaping sustainability and circular economy action in the sector.

On 19th March, the spotlight will be on “Solving Cat A Waste,” exploring sustainable alternatives to conventional Category A lighting installation. With mounting pressure to reduce environmental impacts, the webinar will examine innovative approaches and real-world solutions to combat unnecessary waste in commercial fit-outs.

The lighting industry is facing a complex set of EU sustainability and circularity regulations that will significantly reshape how luminaires are designed, manufactured and specified. On 29th March a panel will offer strategic guidance on how to get ahead of it and UK rules that may be expected in the coming years.

Direct current networks are gaining ground in data and industrial centres, as they can cut energy use significantly by eliminating conversion losses. They also integrate efficiently with renewable energy, motor drives and power electronics. So, is this an idea whose time has come? On 17^th  September Recolight will explore DC grids and networks with Ulrich Boeke, senior scientist, Signify and Hartwig Stammberger, manager strategic associations direct current, Eaton and chair of board of Open DC Alliance at ZVEI.

The series, chaired by Ray Molony of Circular Lighting Report, all start at 11:00 and last for 90 minutes. Every webinar is free to attend, open to all, and includes a dedicated Q&A segment. Attendees who register will receive a link to the recording and the complete slide pack, providing a valuable resource for ongoing reference. Registration for all sessions is open now. For further details and to secure your place, visit the Recolight website – www.recolight.co.uk

Find more industry news here

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Recolight has announced the publication of its first One-Off Environmental Product Declaration (EPD), developed for Raytec’s SPARTAN Linear Range. This marks a major milestone in Recolight’s expanding EPD service offering and reflects the growing demand for verified environmental data across the lighting sector.

Raytec, based in Ashington, manufactures all products in-house and provides specialist LED lighting solutions for hazardous, industrial, transport, and security applications. By obtaining an EPD through Recolight’s One-Off EPD service, Raytec now has verified environmental metrics for its flagship products; supporting transparent communication and reinforcing its commitment to sustainable lighting.

This milestone highlights the flexibility of Recolight’s One-Off EPD service, which is designed for generating a small number of EPDs or for ad-hoc product-level declarations. The service is delivered using the One Click LCA platform and independently verified for publication by EPD Hub. Raytec’s declaration is now publicly available on the EPD Hub platform. From data submission to Recolight to publication of the finished EPD took less than four months.

Max Robson, Environmental Metrics Manager at Recolight, commented: “We’re proud to have delivered our first One-Off EPD for Raytec’s SPARTAN Linear range. This is the first step in our commitment to helping lighting manufacturers navigate the complexities of product-level environmental reporting. This new service opens the door for more companies to showcase their sustainability credentials in a meaningful way.”

Recolight’s EPD services are delivered in partnership with One Click LCA and are part of a broader mission to support sustainability in the lighting industry. By offering One-Off EPDs for product families, Recolight provides manufacturers with the tools they need to meet growing market expectations for sustainability data, and contribute to a more transparent, environmentally responsible future.

Find more industry news here

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New regulations that will require online marketplaces to finance recycling of electrical waste have been published. The new Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Regulations laid before parliament close a crucial loophole that has allowed non-compliant product to be sold via online marketplaces.

Commenting on the news, Recolight CEO Nigel Harvey said: “For over a decade, online marketplaces have facilitated the sale of WEEE non-compliant products on an industrial scale. The consequences have been very damaging for legitimate UK businesses. The sellers of non-compliant products have gained an unfair advantage because they do not pay their share of recycling costs. But to add insult to injury, that has in turn meant that WEEE costs to compliant businesses have been higher than needed.”

The new regulations mean that online marketplaces must report all household electricals within the scope of the existing WEEE regulations from non-UK suppliers. As a consequence, online marketplaces will incur some additional WEEE costs in 2026, with full costs being allocated from 2027.

The lighting industry has been particularly impacted by the scale of freeriding on online marketplaces. A survey by the UK WEEE Scheme Forum showed that 76% of LED lamps offered for sale on a major marketplace were not registered for WEEE.

Nigel Harvey added: “This is a great day for many companies in the UK lighting industry. At last, the end is in sight for this unfair competition. Recolight has pushed long and hard for this change, on behalf of our 220 members.

“The mechanism that the government has chosen to implement the change is particularly efficient: rather than requiring many tens of thousands of non-UK companies to register for WEEE, they have instead placed that obligation on the small number of online marketplaces. That makes enforcement by the UK environment agencies much more straightforward.”

Find more of the latest industry news here

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The circular economy is growing in importance – that is widely recognised. But how can electrical wholesalers get involved? Nigel Harvey, Chief Executive of Recolight, examines the practical steps that can be taken beyond featuring or highlighting low energy or sustainable products.

Probably the fastest growing area in lighting, albeit from a low base, is the remanufacture, or upgrading, of lighting. This typically happens when a customer wants to move from fluorescent fittings to LEDs. Rather than simply remove the fluorescent fittings (to be trashed or recycled) with brand new LED fittings supplied, an increasing number of customers ask for the existing fittings to be upgraded instead.

There are many good reasons for doing this. Firstly, reinstating the same fittings means no further work is needed on the ceiling, with fixing points unchanged. Secondly, there may be cost savings. And thirdly, perhaps most vitally, the embodied carbon emissions are far lower.

For an increasing number of customers, that last point will be the most important. More and more companies are setting Net Zero and carbon emissions reduction targets. And reducing the embodied carbon (the carbon emissions involved in making and distributing a product) is an important part of that meeting that target.

And an increasing number of luminaire manufacturers are now able to provide LED upgrade modules that make the job very straightforward.

Remanufacture code of practice

This growing sector received a significant boost at the very end of last year, when a new specification was published by BSI. BS8887:221 2024 is the newly released code of practice for luminaire remanufacture.

It gives confidence to customers that remanufacture and upgrades are undertaken in a consistent and compliant manner. It has been developed over the last two years by a dozen or so individuals drawn from across the lighting industry.

New environmental metrics

Alongside the growth in remanufacturing, there has also been an explosion in the range of environmental and sustainability certifications. It is helpful for wholesalers to understand what they mean – and their limitations.

TM66

The TM66 specification is a way in which lighting manufacturers can rapidly assess the extent to which they have adopted circular economy principles in new products. It was developed by a Society of Light and Lighting (SLL) team and produces an aggregate, weighted score on a 0-4 scale to indicate the extent of circularity of a product.

The TM66 specification has undoubtedly encouraged companies to change what they make, and how they make them, to improve their scores, which has resulted in more products incorporating sustainability and circularity.

But it has significant limitations. It is very largely restricted to the UK. And although there is a third third-party certification scheme run by the LIA, it can be self-certified.

What’s more, a single digit is limited, given that strengths and weaknesses in a product are averaged out. So, TM66 is probably best seen as an entry level approach to sustainability. It gets the issue on the drawing board, and helps manufacturers demonstrate product circularity. But on its own, it is not enough to provide informed customers with the information they need. It is also unlikely to ever be a legal requirement.

TM65.2

The TM65.2 specification provides lighting manufacturers with a quick way of determining the embodied carbon content of a new product. We can expect to see an increasing number of customers that will choose products, in part, based on embodied carbon. So, access to a simple assessment methodology helps suppliers respond to such requests. But as with TM66, there are some limitations. In particular, it is largely a UK-centred specification, can be self-certified, and is unlikely to ever be written into UK law.

LCAs

A Life Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a much more detailed analysis of the total environmental impact of a product. It extends beyond embodied carbon to include whole whole-life carbon (including the carbon emissions when a product is used), and also includes a number of other impacts, including water use, pollution and land use.

An LCA uses data to calculate the footprint of a product based on its intended life cycle. Unlike TM65, this includes a more comprehensive appraisal of end-of-life processes and their impacts. And vitally, the LCA methodology is internationally recognised.

EPDs

An Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) is a way to communicate the results of an LCA in a single document. EPDs are already very widely used internationally – not just in the built environment, but in many other sectors as well. They allow customers to compare the environmental performance of otherwise similar products. Vitally, they also present data in a standardised format allowing incorporation into a whole building LCA or whole project LCA.  It seems likely that EPDs will, at some stage, become a mandatory requirement for certain product groups: for the medium term, and in the short term for companies looking to future proof their ranges, EPDs are likely to be the preferred option.

Summary

Sustainability is here to stay and will become an increasingly important consideration when customers choose products. For wholesalers, keeping abreast of these developments – and vitally working with suppliers that do so as well, is a very tangible way to contribute to the circular economy.

Find out more here

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Recolight has announced the first date for a new LCA and EPD training workshop.

The one day, in-person session will run on 27th November in London. It will provide hands-on guidance for lighting manufacturers on Life Cycle Assessments and Environmental Product Declarations. The workshops will feature a roundtable environment with a maximum of 12 delegates, giving the opportunity for full interaction, feedback and questions for each topic.

They are intended to equip participants with the knowledge and tools needed to understand LCAs and EPDs for lighting products, the timescales, data requirements and how best to use product families to minimise costs. The importance of product specific rules and the role of the luminaire specific PSR-0014 will be covered in detail. There will be opportunities to see online LCA preparation in action, and will include case studies of luminaire LCA data, and use of a luminaire specific EPD creation tool.

Lighting designers, specifiers and end users are increasingly demanding credible third party certified environmental metrics. LCAs and EPDs are widely seen as the best way of meeting those needs. With an increasing number of lighting producers announcing that they have made LCAs and EPDs available, those that don’t act risk being left behind.

The workshop will be led by LCA expert and Recolight Environmental Metrics and Training Manager Dr Max Robson. Representatives of One Click LCA will also attend the event and will be able to answer questions regarding the operation of the automated One Click LCA system and the EPD Hub.

Commenting on the news, Recolight CEO Nigel Harvey said: “This workshop is intended to help lighting companies quickly get up to speed with LCAs and EPDs – to understand how to get started, what data they need to collect and how to simplify and speed up the process.”

For further information and to book a place contact training@Recolight.co.uk

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The lighting sector is embracing verified data on its sustainability claims, including Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs). That was a key lesson from Circular Lighting Live 2024 in London. The conference and exhibition, held on 9^th October in London was packed with new information, initiatives and updates on all issues related to sustainability and lighting.

A theme throughout the day was the growing need for lighting manufacturers to provide credible third party certified environmental metrics such as Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) and EPDs. Recolight used the event to unveil its partnership with One Click LCA, which provides lighting manufacturers with a luminaire specific online tool to generate LCAs and EPDs.

The impact of AI on lighting product design and manufacture also featured strongly, as did the benefits of using additive manufacturing (3D printing) and newer, non-fossil fuel based bioplastics.  The importance of establishing an organisational baseline carbon footprint and setting carbon reduction targets was also covered in detail, supported by the availability of a new Recolight/Auditel carbon assessment service.

300 attendees, sponsors, and speakers hailed the event as a resounding success. The unanimous feedback from delegates confirmed that Circular Lighting Live, now in its third year, provides essential information and clarity in what is a both a vital, but also a rapidly changing landscape.

Greg Bristol of ASD lighting said: “CLL2024 was a fantastic event. I came away awed by the challenge but inspired by the amazing people and companies working towards a more sustainable industry.”

And Martin Wherry of Glamox added: “Circular Lighting Live 2024 was an inspiring and essential gathering. It showcased how the industry is coming together to innovate around circularity, pushing the boundaries of sustainable lighting design while embracing AI and digitalisation. The focus on reuse and refurbishment is exactly the kind of forward-thinking approach our sector needs to achieve net-zero goals”

The event was organised by Recolight, and the conference was hosted and curated by Ray Molony, editor of the Circular Lighting Report. The organisers have already confirmed that Circular Lighting Live 2025 will be held on 25 September 2025, at a newer and larger venue in central London.

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Nigel Harvey, CEO of Recolight, explains why the circular economy for lighting is both a moral imperative and a commercial opportunity.

Much has been written about the transition to a circular economy – it is a vital response to the climate crisis, which reduces embodied carbon emissions, reduces waste and improves material efficiency.

And for those companies willing to act quickly and early, and to fully embrace a circular economy, there is also commercial opportunity. An increasing number of specifiers, lighting designers and even some public sector organisations are prioritising circular economy principles such as upgrade and remanufacture, over the purchase and installation of new product.

There is now a wealth of resources to find out how to capitalise on those opportunities, for all in the lighting supply chain – manufacturers, distributors and wholesalers, lighting designers and end users.

Circular Lighting Live – 9th October, London

An instant success on its debut in 2022, Circular Lighting Live has become the defining gathering of the lighting supply chain to identify how companies are changing and adapting their services to embrace circular economy principles.

A visit to Circular Lighting Live gives delegates the opportunity to hear from leading manufacturers and lighting specifiers/end users, as they reveal the transformation that is taking place at the heart of the industry. The one-day conference and exhibition is organised by Recolight, and chaired by Ray Molony.

Aimed at the full supply chain, including manufacturers, suppliers and specifiers, it takes place on Wednesday 9th October 2024 at the Royal College of Physicians in London.

The event brings together over 300 of the lighting industry’s top executives to show how leading organisations in our sector are becoming part of the circular economy.

On the agenda for 2024 is the legislative and regulatory landscape, new circular economy standards that will drive the industry, the role AI can play in assisting firms with data, the opportunities and challenges of the emerging lighting remanufacturing ‘ecosystem’, 3D printing, circular design and sustainable materials including bioplastics.

Speakers include Signify Chief Design Officer Ton Borsboom, who will explore if AI and digitalisation represents the next revolution in sustainable design, and Orms architect Rachel Hoolahan, who will explain how each luminaire is set to get its own materials ‘passport’.

For 2024, the organisers have a more expansive exhibition floor and included a dedicated track for lighting designers. In the Designer’s Track, lighting designer Paul Beale, founder of 18 Degrees, will share how a decision to salvage hundreds of office lights ignited a journey to forge connections throughout the industry. Exhibitors include ASD Lighting, BELL Lighting, Glamox, Holophane, Llumarlite, Regen Initiative, Signify and Stoane Lighting.

Recolight Reuse Hub

The Recolight Reuse Hub is a new lighting digital marketplace. It is an online platform to facilitate the donation of new and used lighting products and equipment. It is the first of its kind for the donation, reuse and remanufacture of lighting products.

Currently, there are considerable volumes of new and used lighting products that are needlessly recycled when they could be reused. The Recolight Reuse Hub allows donors of such products to link up with potential recipients: companies that could use the donated products.

Access to the Reuse Hub is open to any type of organisation, including manufacturers, remanufacturers, wholesalers and distributors, specifiers, end users, charities and more. Lighting producers that are not yet Members of the Recolight compliance scheme may also participate. Companies can register as Donors, Recipients, and Remanufacturers.

Donors can offer both unused, unsold lighting stock, and used but reusable lighting equipment that may be suitable for remanufacturing, including those from Cat A and fit-outs.

The Reuse Hub is currently free of charge for Donors, Recipients, and Remanufacturers. It includes a template agreement between both parties, that clearly limits the liability of donors, to de-risk the process.

Remanufacturing Lighting Equipment – one-day training workshop, 27th June, London

Businesses are increasingly asking for existing lighting products to be upgraded or remanufactured, rather than specifying new products. This trend is driven in part by the need to reduce the embodied carbon footprint of a building. Keeping the original luminaire, rather than replacing it, typically results in an embodied carbon saving of at least 50%. And with an increasing number of building owners and users now looking for net zero buildings, that saving has big impact.

As more organisations seek to put in place tangible plans to address their contribution to the climate crisis, reducing embodied carbon will become an ever more important element in purchasing criteria.

Remanufacture is also a great example of how to put circular economy principles into practice. Reusing the housing keeps those materials in use for a second life. It also avoids unnecessary recycling, which is itself an energy intensive process.

Remanufacturing Lighting Products is an in depth, face-to-face one day workshop. The first event took place in London on 27th June, presented by lighting product designer Simon Fisher, who also sits on the BSI lighting remanufacture committee. The workshop guided attendees through all aspects of setting up a remanufacturing service, including key design principles for the LED light source, compliance testing, and the use of the new BS8887:221 lighting remanufacture standard. The course may also be booked as an in-house, single company event.

FURTHER DETAILS ARE AVAILABLE AT HERE

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