SABIC Innovative Plastics is playing a critical role in the conversion of incandescent bulbs to compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) as global requirements for energy-efficient alternatives continue to tighten. The most recent example is the company's high-tech Lexan* FXD polycarbonate (PC) resin, a technology chosen by OSRAM, a leading global lighting manufacturer, to mold its new line of high-end, retrofit CFL candle bulbs, called the Duluxstar Mini Candle.
OSRAM selected Lexan FXD PC resin for the new bulbs - which offer a much longer life and up to 80 percent lower energy consumption than conventional incandescent versions - for its outstanding performance, aesthetics and safety.
OSRAM also benefited from SABIC Innovative Plastics' full spectrum of value-added services, including custom color-matching and local distribution. By solving tough technical design challenges with innovative materials, SABIC Innovative Plastics is helping progressive customers like OSRAM deliver more energy-efficient and sustainable technologies.
"We identified an opportunity in the growing CFL market to supply high-quality retrofit bulbs in elegant, classic shapes," said Martin Bachler, head of product marketing, OSRAM GmbH. "As a longstanding SABIC Innovative Plastics customer, we knew the company offered the best and broadest portfolio of resins for lighting applications. Not only did SABIC Innovative Plastics develop a specialized grade of Lexan resin that met all our requirements for aesthetics and performance, but they also provided 10 custom color choices. What's more, they supplied local samples to our Chinese and European manufacturers for trials, enabling us to wrap up the process in just two months."
Innovative Solutions for Today's Environmental Initiatives
SABIC Innovative Plastics constantly adds to its large portfolio of specialty resins to help customers solve design problems, including finding materials that enable new energy-efficient technologies.
"OSRAM came to us for answers and we delivered a unique resin technology from our broad PC portfolio, clearly helping them record a success in this expanding market sector," said Hans-Otto Schlothauer, LED industry manager, SABIC Innovative Plastics. "OSRAM's CFL lighting retains the benefits of incandescents but eliminates their drawbacks, and will no doubt further encourage consumers to adopt energy-saving products. SABIC Innovative Plastics is proud to have played a role with this valued customer in the drive toward environmentally responsible practices around the world."
The CFL sector is expanding rapidly as incandescent bulbs are phased out over the next two years in Europe, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States to reduce energy usage. A 20-watt CFL delivers the same light output as a 100-watt incandescent and lasts 10 times as long, on average.
Creating Beautiful Lighting Designs with Visualfx* Technology
For the OSRAM CFL candle bulbs, Lexan FXD resin - part of SABIC Innovative Plastics' Visualfx* special effects portfolio - provides white color with a medium level of transparency and a high level of diffusion needed to achieve an inviting ambiance. The design flexibility provided by the resin enabled OSRAM to create an elegant, classical design.
With a new color formulation, Lexan FXD resin met OSRAM's requirements for the candle bulb:
- High impact resistance to avoid breakage.
- Excellent light transmission for optimal brightness.
- Translucence to hide internal components and provide a soft, flattering effect.
- Maximum light scattering capability.
- Compliance with Glow Wire Ignition and ball pressure tests.
- UL94 V2 rating up to 1.2 mm.
OSRAM Duluxstar Mini Candle energy saving lamps in the classic candle shape are currently available all over Europe, have a 10 year life and three year guarantee, and come in power ratings from five to 10 W.
SABIC Innovative Plastics will be showcasing its expanding portfolio of high performance materials for the LED industry at K' 2010. OSRAM CFL candle bulbs, along with other new applications will be highlighted, demonstrating SABIC Innovative Plastics' commitment to the LED industry.