(UK) – The UK lighting industry is increasingly exploring ways to extend the life of existing luminaires. That was a key theme emerging from Circular Lighting Live 2026, held in the City of London on

On 8 October, Circular Lighting Live 2026, held in the City of London and organised by Recolight, brought together manufacturers, designers, consultants and sustainability specialists to discuss how circular principles are being applied across lighting projects.

For many years, lighting projects have largely followed a linear model in which existing fittings are removed and replaced during refurbishments or when technologies become obsolete. Speakers at the conference suggested that this approach is increasingly being challenged by projects that retain, upgrade and repurpose existing luminaires.

Discussions focused on how circular economy principles are beginning to influence specification decisions, procurement strategies and business models throughout the sector. Among the circular approaches presented, remanufacturing was highlighted as one of the most established. With the continued phase-out of fluorescent light sources and growing pressure to reduce embodied carbon, many organisations are reassessing whether to upgrade existing luminaire housings rather than replace them.

Examples ranged from large-scale projects, including the remanufacture of 8,000 luminaires presented by DRK Lighting, to heritage applications such as Leadenhall Market, where Light Projects Evolve refurbished historic fittings and developed bespoke LED solutions designed to preserve the site’s character.

These projects were cited as evidence that remanufacturing can be applied across a variety of building types and project scales. While remanufacturing appears to be gaining traction, several speakers noted that large-scale luminaire reuse presents additional challenges.

Hattie Emerson of the Finishes and Interiors Sector discussed efforts to redistribute lighting products removed during Cat A fit-outs, highlighting logistical and commercial barriers that continue to limit the development of a robust secondary market for luminaires.

A recurring theme throughout the conference was the role of commercial models in enabling circularity. Speakers argued that reuse, remanufacturing, and leasing approaches retain value in products longer, creating opportunities for manufacturers and service providers to generate revenue beyond the sale of new equipment.

In his keynote address, John McRae, director at architectural practice Orms, encouraged delegates to consider alternatives to conventional consumption models. Designer Sabine De Schutter similarly suggested that reuse and upcycling can provide creative opportunities rather than design limitations.

John McRae, Director, Orms  says: “This year’s conference was a step change towards a more circular approach where speakers shared their innovation and lessons learned. The industry has been guilty of an addiction to selling new, but this year disassembly and take-back schemes were amongst the examples shared. The future of lighting is not brighter. It is wiser.”

Alongside discussions on reuse and remanufacture, the programme explored Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), updates to the TM66 circularity framework and emerging regulations expected to place greater emphasis on repairability and upgradeability.

Several sessions suggested that embodied carbon considerations are becoming increasingly important within lighting specifications, alongside the long-established focus on operational energy performance.

Materials innovation also featured prominently, with presentations examining bio-based plastics and additive manufacturing processes that utilise recycled materials.

The event highlighted several trends that may influence future projects:

• Existing luminaires are increasingly being assessed as assets with residual value rather than waste.
• Remanufactured products are becoming a viable option for a growing number of commercial projects.
• Clients are showing greater interest in end-of-life strategies, embodied carbon data and circularity metrics.
• New service-based business models, including leasing and take-back schemes, are beginning to emerge within the sector.

Together, the presentations pointed to a shift in how the industry designs, procures and manages lighting. The direction is clear: preserve the value of what is already installed, extend its useful life, and build the commercial models that make circularity pay.