Light ways to less waste

A reusable packaging initiative designed by Thorn Lighting has saved £25 000 on a 23 225 m2 office and retail scheme in London.

The challenge on developer Stanhope’s W8 Project on Regent Street, London was to reduce the amount of packaging waste generated by the fluorescent luminaires while cutting installation times. The 600 mm2 recessed modular luminaires were supplied complete with ready-to-fit flying leads.

Thorn considered various recyclable and reusable options based on factors including materials costs, the degree of protection needed and the methods for separating the packaging material for recycling. The solution used moulded polypropylene trays with profiled high density foam inserts for product separation. These could hold eight luminaires per pair of trays. Each luminaire was individually bagged to prevent dust ingress, put into the tray and the complete unit stretch wrapped. Trays and pallets were collected for reuse when the next batch of luminaires were delivered. The bags and stretch wrap were the only waste products.

Stanhope estimated savings of £25-30 000 despite the initial premium for the packaging materials. Savings were due to the lack of procurement/cost of cartons; no labour cost packing each fitting, unpacking on site and moving to skips; and reduced landfill charges. Phoenix Electrical was m&e contractor on the installation.