The revised Ecodesign regulations entered into force at the end of September and are now applicable in all EU member states.

The new regulations include hard-fought exemptions for certain stage and studio lights which are: high-output and point-source (discharge) lights; high-power LEDs with high-colour rendering; high-power LEDs with adaptive colour temperature; specific scenic tungsten sources; high-power LEDs with gate (typically used in moving lights with white light source); colour-tuneable light sources (as used in RGB+ LED spotlights), plus an exemption from the standby power requirements for specialist entertainment lighting fixtures.

The revised regulations have been welcomed by the European Entertainment Ecodesign Coalition, the European-wide group of associations representing the entertainment, lighting design, live performance and film/TV sectors, which includes PLASA, Pearle, IALD, VPLT, ALD, DTHG, OETHG, SLF, and STEPP.

The Coalition recognises the notable achievements made by the regulatory committee and the European Commission to find workable solutions for the entertainment technology industry. Most of the concerns regarding stage and studio lighting were addressed, with targeted exemptions allowing the continued use of the vast majority of light sources needed on stage and in film studios. The main reason for the exemptions is the lack of replacement available on the market for technical equipment being used today, namely for certain special purpose lights used on stage.

The Coalition’s aim is to secure sustainable stage and studio lighting for the years to come to guarantee a professional, high-level entertainment lighting and provide the best quality and experiences for lighting design customers, audiences of live events as well as film spectators. Furthermore, the Coalition is committed to further work with the European Commission and the expert group on energy labelling and Ecodesign to provide input on sustainable solutions in stage lighting.

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