Fagerhult explores circular process in aluminium recycling pilot project
In a pilot project, Fagerhult and Hydro Extrusion Sweden have explored circular processes for the reuse of aluminium – focusing on efficiency and preserved material properties.
With the goal of reusing high-quality, extruded aluminium from end-of-life luminaires in the future, Fagerhult, together with Hydro, has explored the possibility of circular models in a pilot project.
“Many of our luminaires have an aluminium body, and we want to ensure that they can be optimally recycled without losing the quality or properties of the material. In collaboration with Hydro Extrusion Sweden, we are now exploring how we can close the loop,” says Niclas Thulin, Head of Sustainability at Fagerhult.
Recycling in a new light
The pilot project was initiated in connection with Norwegian Property's ambition to achieve more efficient energy use at Snarøyveien 30 in Oslo. Fagerhult then saw an opportunity to reclaim a large number of Notor luminaires, and the possibilities of recycling and circular processes were explored.
“Reuse was not possible, but since there were a larger number of luminaires, we wanted to make the best use of the material,” explains Niclas Thulin. “When extruded aluminium luminaires are recycled, it is common for the material’s properties to undergo downgrading, and then be used in die casting, for example. In this project, we wanted to close the loop and ensure the qualities of the material by allowing the original producer to process the material again. The pilot project resulted in the aluminium being melted down and reshaped, Niclas Thulin continues. Throughout the pilot project, the focus has been on circular processes and sustainable innovations. The goal has been to take new steps beyond the norm and the expected – and to overcome the major challenge of recycling used extruded aluminium – while preserving material properties.
“Aluminium is a uniquely durable metal that can be recycled almost endlessly, but like all materials, it needs to be handled responsibly,” says Kristian Frisk, Account Manager at Hydro Extrusion Sweden. “Together, we were now able to recycle the equivalent of 1,300 kg of aluminium in the pilot project, but the big gain is the insights we will take to future projects.”
Long-term solutions
With a long-term perspective and an aspiration to contribute to sustainable development, Fagerhult has pushed the boundaries of what was previously possible and taken a major step towards meeting the demand for new circular solutions.
“Together with Hydro Extrusion Sweden, we have closed the chain and demonstrated that it is possible to create new circular processes where all our aluminium luminaires can be handled circularly in the future,” concludes Thulin.
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Fagerhult uses recycled aluminium for high-volume products — ensuring circular use of resources
With a focus on reducing its long-term greenhouse gas emissions, Fagerhult now choose extruded aluminium profiles containing 75% recycled material from end users. The material is used for product families manufactured and sold in larger volumes — and where the material can make a real difference. The initiative reduces Fagerhult’s climate footprint by approximately 225 tons of CO2e per year.Aluminium is a lightweight and durable material that can be reused multiple times if recycled properly. Its environmental impact depends on several factors, including whether it is made from virgin aluminium, how it is produced, whether fossil fuels or renewable energy sources were used in its production, and if it is derived from recycled materials.Niclas Thulin is Sustainability Manager at Fagerhult:“We are taking a significant step forward by moving from renewably sourced aluminium to recycled aluminium (post consumer). The Notor family – together with several other product families – is now made of extruded aluminium that is 75% recycled. This results in around 70% lower climate impact than the average impact from European primary aluminium and 88% lower than the global average for primary aluminium*.”The change affects products sold in larger volumes. The products Notor 65, Notor Recessed, Notor 36, Fjord, Vil, Multilume Hydro, and Sentra are now made of recycled aluminium.“We intentionally upgrade the materials for our larger product series because it significantly impacts Fagerhult's greenhouse gas emissions. For the Notor family alone, we used approximately 65 kilometres of aluminium profiles in 2024, and nearly all of this volume has now been replaced with recycled material,” says Niclas Thulin.The change is part of Fagerhult's systematic sustainability work and a considerable step in reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Scope 3: the company's indirect emissions from purchased materials. The Science Based Targets validate Fagerhult's climate targets, and the ambition is to achieve net zero emissions from the entire value chain by 2045.“This is our most important decision regarding materials, at least with reduced climate impact as the fundamental incentive. The majority of our emissions come from Scope 3, and through this change, we are making a difference where it has the greatest impact. Based on last year's volumes, the switch to recycled aluminium can reduce emissions by approximately 225 tons of carbon dioxide equivalents annually.”*Climate impact excluding the extrusion process. EPD compared to the European average for primary aluminium (European Aluminium) and the global average for primary aluminium (International Aluminium).Fagerhult announces its official market entry in Germany.
As the Scandinavian market leader for innovative and sustainable lighting solutions, Fagerhult now offers its comprehensive range of products for office applications in Germany. It focuses on lighting solutions that enhance human well-being and help more property owners minimise their climate impact and achieve sustainability targets.“We have planned, prepared, and worked hard for a long time – and collectively strived to move towards taking this step. Now I am pleased to announce that we are finally here,” says Frank Augustsson, MD, Fagerhult. “Germany is Europe’s largest market within the office sector, and we strongly believe our knowledge of smart, sustainable and human-centred lighting can make a difference for both people and the environment, along with sharing our vision of creating Light for better living.”The ongoing phase-out of fluorescent tubes, regulated by EU directives, positions Fagerhult as a key player to help its customers reduce energy consumption and minimise climate impact in offices around Germany."Energy efficiency is high on the agenda in Germany, as it is across Europe. Our ambition is therefore to offer Organic Response with all our lighting solutions. This enables a wireless lighting management system based on integrated sensors to automatically detect and share presence and daylight data. As a result, the light follows people – it is only used when and where it is needed, saving up to 70 % energy from day one."Also, in 2024, the European Parliament voted to revise the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) to reduce the average energy consumption of buildings. This revision mandates the collection of energy performance data, including lighting, in public and commercial buildings. To optimise your facility, smart lighting with Organic Response offers valuable insights that inform strategic decisions about facility management, from energy consumption to space utilisation.A key driver of sustainability is energy efficiency. A life cycle analysis by Fagerhult shows that, depending on the energy mix, the majority of a luminaire’s greenhouse gas emissions occur during the use phase, reaching up to 95% in the German energy mix. In addition to reducing energy consumption, Fagerhult attaches great importance to exploring and using innovative and sustainable materials. By 2030, all newly developed luminaires are to be made from at least 80% renewable or recycled materials.“We hope to find many new and forward-looking collaborations as we introduce Fagerhult and the Swedish Light to Germany,” says Frank Augustsson.