Products + Technology

  On June 30, 2022, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed SB 54 into law to address the impacts of single-use packaging and plastic food service ware. This law requires that by 2032, single use plastics (packaging & food ware) in CA be reduced by 25%, 65% be recycled, and 100% be recyclable or compostable. The law [...]

  I researched for hours trying to get a complete picture of the origins, drivers, products, and claims around “less than 2% blue light.” As long as 6 years ago, Circadian Zirclight claimed their office products switched from conventional blue pump white LEDs during the day, to violet pump white LEDs in the evening for [...]

    Companies are beginning to produce fiber textiles, also known as biofabric, from fungus mycelium and plant roots. The following are two interesting examples. My Glo produces luminaires (light shades) and other home décor items from fungus mycelium. See the image above and directly below. The mycelium light shades are flame resistant, help clean [...]

48 volt direct current (48VDC) lighting has been slowly and quietly growing as a trend, over the past 5-10 years. Here are some important things to know. ORIGINS 48VDC power systems originated in the telecommunications industry. Telecom needed efficiency, resiliency during grid outages, and increased safety from shock. The telecom industry invested in the first [...]

The U.S. DOE Lighting R&D Program has two open funding opportunities: The SBIR Program is looking to fund development of Advanced Lighting Fixtures, horticultural lighting, and germicidal UV solutions. Letters of intent for the SBIR are due Jan. 3. The DOE also has the BENEFIT FOA with concept papers due 12/18/23. SBIR link. The BENEFIT FOA [...]

  Clothing retailer, Banana Republic, expanded into the home textiles market in March of 2023 with its new brand, BR Home. The home textile brand features patterns and richly textured fabrics, such as intricately hand-knotted rugs and luxurious bedding in linen, sateen, and a cotton-cashmere-silk blend. In September 2023, BR Home expanded their collection to [...]

  Optique Lighting has announced the release of their Orbita Collection of Nano Linear Architectural Luminaires, including two sconces and a wall mount luminaire. The modular designs allow customization of lengths and configurations to meet specific project specifications. The luminaires allow adjustable 360-degree rotation for fine-tuning of the light distribution onsite. The Nano Linear Light [...]

  Li-Fi utilizes light (typically infrared), instead of WiFi radio waves, to provide blazing fast, secure, wireless connectivity. There has been some Li-Fi adoption by military organizations around the world, but generally, overall adoption has been very slow. That may be about to change. The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) has been writing about a new [...]

  Industville, a UK-based artisanal lighting manufacturer, recently expanded their table lamp collection, which now includes Ornate, Pillar Geometric, Wooden Geometric, and Marble Table Lamps. The lamps are ideal for commercial spaces, including hotels, restaurants, and retail spaces. The expanded collection offers a diverse selection of styles, materials, and finishes. Customers can choose from a range of [...]