How lighting technologies evolve and where the world is heading

The evolution of lighting technology has never been random or linear — it has been shaped by economic interests, technological breakthroughs and environmental requirements. Today we talk about LEDs, smart lighting and energy efficiency, but a century ago lighting was driven by completely different forces. The development of lighting shows how technology and industry have changed over time and where lighting innovation is heading in the coming decades.

The Phoebus cartel: a hidden chapter in lighting history

In 1924, the Phoebus cartel was formed by General Electric, Osram, Philips and Compagnie des Lampes. Its goal was to control the production and sale of incandescent lamps.

Artificially shortened lifespan

Although technology allowed bulbs to last tens of thousands of hours, the cartel limited them to 1000 hours. Shorter lifespan = more sales.

Economic motives and criticism

The cartel was exposed in the late 1920s and heavily criticised for anti‑competitive behaviour. By the late 1930s it collapsed, and World War II ended it completely.

New technologies and shifts in the lighting industry

After the war, lighting technology advanced rapidly. Fluorescent lamps appeared, followed by halogens and compact fluorescent lamps. The Phoebus cartel became a historical example of how corporations can slow down technological progress for profit.

Today such practices are prohibited by competition and antitrust laws.

The gradual phase‑out of incandescent lamps in Europe

The European Union began phasing out traditional incandescent lamps in 2009:

  • 100 W — 2009

  • 75 W — 2010

  • 60 W — 2011

  • 40 W — 2012

This marked the first major step toward more energy‑efficient lighting.

New regulations: what is disappearing from the market and why?

The EU Ecodesign Regulation 2019/2020 and the updated ROHS Directive 2011/65/EU restrict the use of mercury in light sources.

2023 changes

From 2023, the following products can no longer be placed on the EU market:

  • circular T5 fluorescent lamps

  • compact fluorescent lamps (CFLni) — from 25 February

  • linear T5 and T8 lamps — from 25 August

  • halogen lamps G4, GY6.35, G9 — from 1 September

This is the biggest restructuring of the lighting market in the last 20 years.

Environmental impact and future challenges

The evolution of lighting technology is closely tied to climate policy and global energy goals.

Will these measures change the world?

Will phasing out fluorescent and halogen lamps help save polar bears and penguins? These questions are being discussed by delegates from nearly 200 countries at the COP28 climate conference in Dubai.

The aim is to accelerate the transition to clean energy and reduce the environmental footprint of lighting technologies.

Where is lighting technology heading next?

Lighting is moving in a direction where:

  • LED is the universal standard

  • smart lighting becomes mainstream

  • luminaires communicate with sensors and automation

  • energy efficiency and sustainability are top priorities

  • design and technology merge into a seamless whole

Lighting is no longer just a bulb — it is part of a building’s intelligent ecosystem.