Panasonic has announced plans to stop producing fluorescent lamps by the end of 2027. This decision was taken after an international agreement banning fluorescent lamps containing mercury. In this context, it said that it will switch to LED production instead of fluorescent lamps.
Panasonic switches to LED lighting instead of fluorescent lamps
Fluorescent lamps, also known as tube lamps, have been part of Panasonic’s product range for over 73 years. The company began manufacturing and selling fluorescent lighting in 1951 while rebuilding Japan after the Second World War.
Fluorescent lamps were used in homes and offices throughout the period of economic growth. However, according to an agreement reached at an international conference in Switzerland last year, the plug will be pulled on fluorescent lamps by the end of 2027 due to their mercury content. Accordingly, their production, import and export will be banned worldwide.
For those who don’t know, mercury is a toxic element that requires special treatment during the disposal of lamps. Panasonic announced that it will continue to sell fluorescent lamps for a while, but will stop production by 2027.
The company also announced on its website that it will switch to LED lamps. Panasonic said that LED lighting will replace fluorescent lamps before its deadline of 2027. Accordingly, it plans to accelerate the production of LED lighting.
The move is in line with the Japanese government’s goal of converting all lighting to more environmentally friendly LED alternatives by 2030. However, recent data shows that Japan has so far converted only 60 percent of lighting to LED.