The global lighting landscape is continuing to undergo one of its most significant shifts in decades. With the Minamata Convention on Mercury moving into its next phase, the world is preparing for the complete ban of fluorescent lighting and the rise of safer, smarter, more sustainable lighting.
Named after Minamata Bay in Japan, where mercury poisoning caused catastrophic environmental and human harm in the mid-20th century, the Convention sets strict controls on mercury across its lifecycle. At COP5 in November 2023, representatives from 147 countries voted to phase out the manufacture, import, and export of linear fluorescent lamps (LFLs), the familiar tubes that have illuminated commercial and industrial spaces for generations. The timelines differ by lamp type, but for most markets, production will wind down between 2026 and 2027.
While New Zealand has not introduced its own ban, our country represents a very small share of global lamp demand. In practice, this means fluorescent tubes will steadily disappear from the market from mid-2026 onward, not by regulation but by global supply change. The era of fluorescent lighting is closing, and it’s time businesses embraced newer solutions.
This global shift is accelerating the transition to LED technology, a move that carries benefits far beyond compliance. Fluorescent lamps contain mercury, a potent neurotoxin, and their disposal poses significant environmental challenges, especially in regions with limited recycling infrastructure.
LEDs eliminate this risk entirely, while also delivering major energy and carbon savings.
Introducing the New Philips CorePro LED Tubes: The Clear Path Forward
The phase-out of fluorescents makes upgrading to LED a matter of urgency, and Philips CorePro LED tubes offer an ideal pathway for the significant install base of tube-based infrastructure. Mercury-free and Minamata-aligned, they immediately reduce environmental risk while providing compelling operational and cost advantages.
CorePro LED tubes deliver over 67 percent energy savings, directly lowering electricity costs and reducing carbon footprints. Their long 50,000-hour lifetime, often twice that of fluorescents, cuts maintenance needs dramatically. With 5CCT selectable T8 options and
high-quality T5 models, the portfolio provides modern flexibility for virtually any retrofit scenario.
Installation is seamless because CorePro tubes are designed as direct replacements for existing fluorescent fittings, often requiring nothing more than swapping the tube and starter.
As fluorescents fade out globally, Philips CorePro LED tubes stand as the smarter, safer and future-proof choice, offering reliability, sustainability and long-term value.
Discover the next generation of lighting with Philips CorePro LED tubes.
Are you ready for the upcoming fluorescent ban?
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