LYS A/S Compliance with EU Ecodesign Directive: Replaceable Light Sources and Circular Economy
Date: November 27, 2024
Executive Summary
LYS A/S has proactively designed its lighting products for full compliance with the EU Ecodesign Directive (Regulation 2019/2020), with particular focus on replaceable light sources, LED drivers, and circular economy. Through modular product design, non-destructive disassembly, and long-term operation, LYS not only meets legal requirements but establishes new standards for sustainable lighting in the commercial sector.
LYS' approach to the Ecodesign Directive is not merely compliance, but a core value that permeates all product development – from selection of components and partners to end users' ability to maintain and upgrade systems over time.
EU Ecodesign Directive: Background and Requirements
The EU Ecodesign Directive (Regulation 2019/2020) represents a fundamental change in how lighting products are designed, manufactured, and marketed in the EU. The directive is part of the EU's broader strategy for circular economy and aims to reduce environmental impact throughout the product's lifecycle.
Central Requirements in Regulation 2019/2020
The directive introduces comprehensive requirements across multiple dimensions:
Energy Efficiency
Stricter minimum requirements for energy efficiency for both LED light sources and drivers (control gear). Products must document their efficiency in lumens per watt and meet specific thresholds based on product type and application.
Performance and Quality
Requirements for starting time (under 0.5 seconds), standby power, power factor, and reduced flicker. These requirements address not only energy consumption but also user experience and health, as flicker can cause eye strain and headaches.
Durability
Defined L70B50 lifetime requirements, where L70 means the light source must maintain at least 70% of its original luminous flux, and B50 means this must apply to at least 50% of products. This ensures long-term performance and reduces the need for frequent replacement.
Design for Circular Economy
This is the directive's most transformative element and includes:
•Non-destructive disassembly: Light sources and control gear must be removable from luminaires without damage to components or luminaire
•Separation: Ability to separate light sources and control gear from the containing product
•Repair and upgrade: Design must enable maintenance and component replacement
Energy Labelling
New A-G scale with mandatory registration in the EPREL database (European Product Registry for Energy Labelling) for all light sources. This provides consumers and professional buyers with transparent information about products' energy efficiency.
Phase-Out of Inefficient Products
Older, less efficient lamps (compact fluorescent, certain fluorescent and halogen lamps) are being phased out gradually, accelerating the transition to LED technology.
Special Requirements for LED Drivers
For the first time, Ecodesign regulation includes specific requirements for LED drivers (control gear):
•Efficiency requirements for drivers as separate components
•Standby power limitations
•Starting time requirements
•System approach ensuring light sources and drivers work efficiently together
This recognizes that drivers are critical to the system's overall performance and lifespan, and that poor drivers can undermine even the best LED light sources.
LYS A/S' Compliance Strategy
LYS A/S has developed a comprehensive strategy to not only meet but exceed the requirements of the EU Ecodesign Directive. This strategy is integrated into all aspects of product development and business operations.
Modular Product Design
The core of LYS' compliance approach is modular product design, where all critical components can be replaced independently without special tools or destructive disassembly.
LED Modules
LYS' LED modules are designed as independent units that can be removed from luminaires through simple mechanical connections. The modules use standardized Zhaga-compatible interfaces, ensuring compatibility and future-proofing. When an LED module reaches its end of life, it can be replaced in minutes without affecting the luminaire's other components.
This modular design means that a LYS luminaire is not a "use-and-dispose" unit but a platform that can be upgraded and maintained over decades. When new LED technology becomes available, existing luminaires can be upgraded with new modules, extending the investment's lifespan and dramatically reducing electronic waste.
Replaceable LED Drivers
LYS places special emphasis on replaceable LED drivers, as these components have historically been a primary cause of luminaire failure. Many manufacturers permanently integrate drivers into luminaires, meaning the entire luminaire must be discarded when the driver fails – even if the LED module still functions perfectly.
LYS' drivers are:
•Physically separated from LED modules and luminaire housing
•Accessible without disassembly of the luminaire's optical components
•Standardized with common electrical connections
•Labeled with clear technical information for easy identification during replacement
This approach ensures that a driver failure does not result in disposal of the entire luminaire. Instead, the driver can be replaced in 5-10 minutes by an electrician, reducing both costs and environmental impact.
Optical Components
Even optical components such as reflectors, lenses, and diffusers are designed for replacement. This is particularly valuable in environments where optics can become dirty or damaged over time. Instead of discarding the entire luminaire, the optical component can be cleaned or replaced, restoring full performance.
Non-Destructive Disassembly
LYS' products fully comply with the Ecodesign Directive's requirements for non-destructive disassembly. This means all components can be removed and reinstalled without permanent damage.
Tool Requirements
LYS luminaires can be disassembled with common hand tools – primarily screwdrivers and wrenches. No special tools, heat, or destructive methods such as drilling or sawing are required. This ensures disassembly can be performed by ordinary electricians without specialized training or equipment.
Fastening Methods
Components are fastened with:
•Screws instead of glue or welding
•Click connections that can be opened and closed repeatedly
•Plugs and connectors for electrical connections instead of soldering
This approach ensures luminaires can be disassembled and reassembled many times throughout their lifespan without degradation of mechanical integrity.
Documentation
Each LYS product is delivered with detailed disassembly instructions showing:
•Step-by-step instructions for component replacement
•Identification of components and their specifications
•Tool requirements
•Safety warnings
This documentation ensures that even users without prior experience with LYS products can perform maintenance correctly and safely.
Operation and Component Replaceability: LYS' Core Value
For LYS A/S, replaceability and long-term operation are not merely compliance requirements but a core value that differentiates the company in the market.
Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) Perspective
LYS' focus on replaceability is driven by understanding of Total Cost of Ownership for professional lighting installations. The purchase price of a luminaire is only a fraction of total costs over its lifespan. Maintenance, replacement, and downtime often constitute the majority of TCO.
By designing products where components can be replaced quickly and inexpensively, LYS dramatically reduces TCO for end users:
•Reduced labor hours: Component replacement takes minutes instead of hours
•Lower component costs: Replacing a driver or LED module costs a fraction of a complete new luminaire
•Minimized downtime: Quick replacement means less disruption to business operations
•Extended investment lifespan: Luminaires can be upgraded instead of replaced
For retail chains with hundreds or thousands of luminaires, this represents significant savings. A typical LYS installation can have 50-70% lower TCO over 15 years compared to non-modular systems.
Inventory Optimization
LYS' standardized, modular approach also enables efficient inventory optimization for end users. Instead of having to stock spare parts for many different luminaire types, a retail chain can stock a limited number of standardized LED modules and drivers that fit their entire installation.
This reduces:
•Inventory costs: Fewer unique components to stock
•Capital tied up in inventory: Lower value of necessary spare parts inventory
•Risk of obsolescence: Standardized components remain compatible across product generations
The LYS software platform can even automatically order spare components based on predictive maintenance, ensuring the right parts are always available when needed.
Future-Proofing
Modular design also provides future-proofing. When new LED technology becomes available – for example with even higher efficiency or improved color rendering – existing LYS luminaires can be upgraded with new modules.
This means an investment in LYS lighting is not locked to current technology. Luminaires installed today can receive technology upgrades in 5 or 10 years, extending their useful life and ensuring the installation remains competitive.
Compliance with Specific Ecodesign Requirements
LYS A/S' products meet or exceed all specific requirements in Regulation 2019/2020.
Energy Efficiency
LYS' Gen 4 LED technology delivers over 170 lumens per watt, placing products in the highest efficiency class. This significantly exceeds minimum requirements in the Ecodesign Directive and ensures maximum energy savings for end users.
Efficiency is achieved through:
•Premium LED chips from leading manufacturers with documented performance
•Optimized thermal management ensuring LEDs operate at optimal temperature
•High-efficiency drivers from BOKE Drivers Co., Ltd with >95% efficiency
Performance Requirements
Starting time: LYS products have instant ignition (<0.1 seconds), exceeding the 0.5-second requirement. This ensures lighting is fully functional instantly when activated.
Standby power: LYS systems with sensors and software control have extremely low standby power (<0.5W), minimizing energy consumption when lighting is in standby mode.
Power factor: LYS' drivers deliver power factor >0.95, ensuring efficient utilization of the electrical grid and reducing losses in electrical distribution.
Flicker: LYS' products are flicker-free (<1% flicker), eliminating risk of eye strain and headaches. This is achieved through high-frequency PWM dimming and stable power supplies.
Durability (L70B50)
LYS' LED modules are certified for L70B50 lifetime of minimum 50,000 hours, with many products achieving 70,000+ hours. This ensures long-term performance and reduces replacement frequency.
Lifetime is documented through:
•LM-80 test data from LED chip manufacturers
•TM-21 projections for long-term lumen maintenance
•Accelerated aging tests of complete systems
LYS' focus on thermal management is critical to achieving these lifetimes. By keeping LED junction temperatures low through efficient heat sinks and thermal interface materials, maximum lifespan is ensured.
EPREL Registration
All LYS products are registered in the EPREL database (European Product Registry for Energy Labelling) with complete technical specifications and energy labeling. This ensures transparency and enables buyers to compare products objectively.
EPREL registration includes:
•Energy efficiency (lm/W)
•Power consumption (W)
•Luminous flux (lm)
•Color temperature (K)
•Color rendering (CRI)
•Lifetime (hours)
•Disassemblability (yes/no for components)
Partnership with BOKE Drivers: Key to Compliance
LYS' long-standing partnership with BOKE Drivers Co., Ltd (since 2010) is fundamental to the company's ability to meet Ecodesign requirements, particularly regarding LED drivers.
Driver Specifications
BOKE drivers used in LYS systems meet all Ecodesign requirements:
•Efficiency >95%: Minimizes losses in power conversion
•Inrush current 0.2-0.3mA: Eliminates stress on electrical grid during ignition
•Power factor >0.95: Ensures efficient utilization of electrical grid
•Standby power <0.5W: Minimizes consumption in standby
•Flicker-free operation: High-frequency PWM with >20kHz
•Thermal protection: Automatic shutdown during overheating
•Overvoltage protection: Protects against mains voltage variations
Standardization and Availability
BOKE drivers are standardized across LYS' product line, meaning a limited number of driver models can be used in many different luminaires. This simplifies spare parts management and ensures long-term availability.
LYS guarantees minimum 10-year availability for all driver models, ensuring luminaires can be maintained far beyond their original lifespan. Even if a specific driver model is discontinued, LYS ensures backward compatibility so newer drivers can replace older models.
Quality Assurance
All BOKE drivers undergo comprehensive quality assurance before integration into LYS products:
•100% functional testing of all drivers before shipment
•Burn-in testing (48 hours at full load) to identify early failures
•Thermal cycling to verify reliability under temperature variations
•EMC testing to ensure electromagnetic compatibility
•Safety certification (CE, ENEC, UL where relevant)
Circular Economy in Practice
LYS' compliance with the Ecodesign Directive is not merely theoretical – it is practiced throughout the product's lifecycle.
Design Phase
In the design phase, priorities include:
•Material selection: Preference for recyclable materials (aluminum, steel, glass)
•Component standardization: Use of standardized components where possible
•Disassemblability: All components must be removable non-destructively
•Documentation: Detailed disassembly instructions developed in parallel with product design
Production Phase
In production, the following is ensured:
•Traceability: All components labeled with production date and batch number
•Quality control: Verification of disassemblability as part of production testing
•Documentation: Technical specifications and disassembly instructions included with each product
Use Phase
During use, circular economy is supported through:
•LYS Software: Proactive monitoring and predictive maintenance
•Automatic ordering: Spare components ordered before failures occur
•Remote support: LYS' technical team can diagnose problems remotely and guide local technicians
•Training: LYS offers training in component replacement for customers' maintenance personnel
End-of-Life
At the product's end of life, LYS facilitates:
•Component recovery: Guidance in separating components for optimal recycling
•Upgrading: Possibility to upgrade luminaires with new components instead of disposal
•Buyback: LYS offers buyback programs for certain components
•Recycling partners: Collaboration with certified e-waste recycling companies
Business Benefits of Ecodesign Compliance
LYS' proactive approach to the Ecodesign Directive delivers concrete business benefits.
Market Access
Full compliance ensures unhindered access to the EU market without risk of product recalls or fines. This is particularly valuable as enforcement of Ecodesign regulation intensifies.
Competitive Advantage
LYS' modular design and focus on replaceability differentiate the company from competitors offering "use-and-dispose" solutions. Professional buyers increasingly value TCO and sustainability, making LYS' approach attractive.
Customer Loyalty
Customers who invest in LYS systems experience lower operating costs and longer investment lifespan. This creates strong customer loyalty and leads to repeat purchases and recommendations.
Future-Proofing
By exceeding current requirements, LYS positions itself well for future tightening of Ecodesign regulation. The company does not need to redesign products when requirements are tightened, reducing development costs and market risk.
Case Study: Retrofit with Replaceable Components
A concrete example of the value of LYS' approach is retrofit projects where existing LYS installations are upgraded with new components.
Scenario
A retail chain installed LYS Gen 3 lighting in 2018. In 2024, they want to upgrade to Gen 4 technology to achieve additional energy savings and improved light quality.
Traditional Approach
With traditional, non-modular luminaires, this would require:
•Complete replacement of all luminaires
•Significant labor hours for disassembly and installation
•Disposal of thousands of functional luminaires
•Investment equivalent to 80-90% of a new installation
LYS Modular Approach
With LYS' modular system:
•Only LED modules are replaced (luminaires, drivers, and mounting retained)
•Replacement takes 5 minutes per luminaire
•Existing luminaires and drivers are reused
•Investment equals 25-30% of a new installation
Results
The retail chain achieves:
•70% cost savings compared to full replacement
•90% reduction in labor hours
•95% reduction in electronic waste
•Additional 15% energy savings from Gen 4 technology
This demonstrates the concrete value of LYS' Ecodesign compliance in practice.
Future Developments
LYS A/S continues to innovate in circular economy and Ecodesign compliance.
Digital Product Passport
LYS is developing digital product passports for all luminaires containing:
•Complete technical specifications
•Disassembly instructions
•Component history (replacements, upgrades)
•Environmental impact data
•End-of-life instructions
These passports will be accessible via QR codes on products and integrated into the LYS software platform.
Extended Producer Responsibility
LYS is implementing extended producer responsibility programs where the company takes responsibility for products throughout their lifecycle, including:
•Buyback of used components
•Refurbishment and resale of functional components
•Ensuring correct recycling of end-of-life products
Material Optimization
LYS is working to reduce the use of rare earth elements and critical materials in LED chips and drivers, as well as increase the proportion of recycled materials in luminaire production.
Industry Collaboration
LYS actively participates in industry working groups and standardization organizations to promote best practices for circular economy in the lighting industry and influence future regulations.
Conclusion
LYS A/S' approach to the EU Ecodesign Directive (Regulation 2019/2020) demonstrates how regulation can be driven by innovation rather than mere compliance. By integrating replaceability, modularity, and circular economy as core values, LYS has created products that not only meet legal requirements but deliver superior value to end users through reduced TCO, extended lifespan, and minimal environmental impact.
LYS' focus on replaceable light sources and LED drivers is not merely a technical detail but a fundamental design philosophy that transforms lighting from consumables to long-term investments. Through partnerships with leading component manufacturers such as BOKE Drivers, standardization of modules and interfaces, and comprehensive documentation, LYS ensures their products can be maintained, upgraded, and recycled efficiently for decades.
For professional buyers in retail, hospitality, and commercial sectors, LYS' Ecodesign compliance represents not only environmental responsibility but a concrete business advantage through lower operating costs, reduced downtime, and future-proofed investments.
LYS A/S proves that the path to sustainable lighting does not require compromises on performance or economics – it requires intelligent design and commitment to circular economy.
LYS A/S Ecodesign Compliance: Key Metrics
|
Parameter
|
LYS Performance
|
Ecodesign Requirement
|
Status
|
|
Energy efficiency
|
170+ lm/W
|
Varies by type
|
✅ Exceeds
|
|
Starting time
|
<0.1 seconds
|
<0.5 seconds
|
✅ Exceeds
|
|
Standby power
|
<0.5W
|
Specified per type
|
✅ Meets
|
|
Power factor
|
>0.95
|
>0.90
|
✅ Exceeds
|
|
Flicker
|
<1%
|
Reduced flicker required
|
✅ Exceeds
|
|
L70B50 lifetime
|
50,000-70,000 hours
|
Specified per type
|
✅ Exceeds
|
|
Non-destructive disassembly
|
Yes, all components
|
Yes, sources & drivers
|
✅ Exceeds
|
|
Replaceable light sources
|
Yes, modular
|
Yes
|
✅ Meets
|
|
Replaceable drivers
|
Yes, standardized
|
Yes
|
✅ Meets
|
|
EPREL registration
|
All products
|
All light sources
|
✅ Meets
|
|
Driver efficiency
|
>95%
|
Specified per type
|
✅ Exceeds
|
|
Inrush current
|
0.2-0.3mA
|
Not specified
|
✅ Industry-leading
|
|
Spare parts availability
|
10+ years guaranteed
|
Not specified
|
✅ Exceeds
|
About LYS A/S and Ecodesign
LYS A/S has prioritized sustainability and circular economy since the company's founding. The company's proactive approach to the EU Ecodesign Directive is a natural extension of this philosophy and demonstrates how environmental responsibility and business success can be united.
Through modular product design, strategic partnerships with component manufacturers such as BOKE Drivers Co., Ltd, and comprehensive focus on operation and maintenance, LYS delivers lighting solutions that set new standards for both performance and sustainability in the commercial sector.
For more information about LYS' Ecodesign compliance, modular products, or technical specifications, contact our technical team.