Introducing LEDVANCE LOOP – from line to loop

Who better to interview about sustainability and the transformation of our company than Gareth Jackson, our COO? Let’s hear how he plans to shape not only our product portfolio, but perhaps the lighting industry as a whole.
Could you please describe in your own words, what “LEDVANCE LOOP” stands for?
The term “LEDVANCE LOOP” perfectly captures our drive for constant transformation combined with our commitment to sustainability – from the traditional light bulb to halogen and energy-saving lamps to LED luminaires and renewable energies. The desire to make our products more sustainable has found its way into many areas. In the past we have always been good at leveraging our skills, our business models, our experience and turning it into something more sustainable. So, sustainability is not new to us! With the term LEDVANCE LOOP, we now have a great way to bring these things together under one roof – our ongoing drive for transformation while at the same time contributing to a more sustainable planet.
How does the LEDVANCE LOOP sub-brand change our product portfolio?
Let me give you two examples that are obviously related to LEDVANCE LOOP – EVERLOOP and NATURELOOP. With our EVERLOOP concept we developed a luminaire for which light sources and drivers are replaceable. This way our LED luminaires not only bring a lot of energy savings, but also reduce waste at the same time, as 70 percent of the components of a luminaire are often still useable when a light source or driver has reached the end of its service life. And with NATURELOOP, we are even thinking about how to reuse resources, such as plastic.

So, the term “loop” symbolizes a conscious use of resources?
EVERLOOP and NATURELOOP show how we want to close the resource loop by not just taking resources from Mother Nature and throwing them back at her, but by finding innovative solutions how to reduce, recycle or reuse resources. The circular economy is an important development that will once again transform the whole lighting industry.
What does it take to succeed in this transformation?
I am convinced that we have developed two great product portfolios that are innovative and simple in their usage. But our success, first and foremost, depends on our competitors and customers. Using recycled plastic in our NATURELOOP products is great, but it is also more expensive in the production – same for EVERLOOP. This is reflected in the price of the products. Our customers must actively vote with their dollars for a more sustainable product. And unfortunately, they still have the choice of a cheaper, less sustainable product. So only if other lighting providers also switch to more sustainable products, we will have a competitive pricing and the chance to become more sustainable in the lighting industry as a whole.
What influence do we have on the industry to make this goal happen?
This is the point that really excites me and where we can bring in all our strengths as a company. We want to create a push-pull-effect. We are pushing a new concept to the market. We are willing to invest in a more sustainable future and show the industry what is possible. By doing so, we hope to pull our customers, partners, and competitors on our side. We need our competitors to get on board with our concepts to build new industry standards together. In the end, we will have the biggest impact on sustainability if we can inspire the entire industry.
That sounds like a huge task. How can a single employee contribute?
We need everyone in the company to reflect on their work and their contribution to sustainability. It is not only “Power through Light”, but also “Power through People”. I really want to challenge every employee to show how they think about sustainability in their area of responsibility. And not just think about it, but I want them to share their experiences, insights and results in improving sustainability in their area of work – so that we keep challenging and inspiring each other.
To sum it up – what is your overall vision for “LEDVANCE LOOP”?
I am convinced that we are moving in the right direction, but we need everyone on board, or should I say in the loop. By taking responsibility, we can provide our customers with more sustainable products and ultimately contribute to a better future.
Thank you, Gareth, for your time!