New Zealand update on the incandescent lamp ban - Shedding light on climate change

New Zealand along with Australia is leading the global charge to phase out the incandescent light bulb

Source: OSRAM

New Zealand is set to become one of the first countries, after Australia, to ban the incandescent light bulb in late 2009.

The New Zealand Government announced that the standard incandescent light globe will no longer be available to purchase from late 2009.

In May 2008, Canada became the second nation to set a date for the ban agreeing to phase out incandescent light bulbs completely by 2012.  Similar announcements are expected by other nations after the Shanghai Conference held in late May that attracted international delegates to address the need for the global phase-out of inefficient lighting.

As incandescent light bulbs are not produced in New Zealand; retailers and ultimately consumers will soon be forced to look for greener alternatives such as the new OSRAM Halogen Energy Saver Range which is now released into the New Zealand market.

At the moment the alternatives are limited to Compact Fluorescent Energy Saving lamps (CFLi) which raise consumer concern over the lack of choice for a direct replacement.

OSRAM is the only lighting manufacturer that has an Energy Saver range that saves 30% energy, and consumers do not have to worry about the appearance of the shape, colour and the suitability in every lighting fitting in the home. It is dimmable and 100% mercury free.

The new OSRAM Halogen Energy Saver Range uses on average 30 per cent less energy than the regular incandescent light bulbs and unlike current fluorescent light alternatives on the market, is truly a direct replacement for the incandescent light bulb. They have the same shape and are the same size as the regular light bulbs.  It is the only range of its kind currently available world-wide.

Walter Wendel, Managing Director for OSRAM Australia and New Zealand said “This change to energy efficient lighting is a major benefit to New Zealand and will have an instant benefit for reducing CO2 emissions and saving on energy costs”.

“OSRAM invests heavily in the research and development of energy efficient and environmentally friendly lighting options. We are proud to be the first company internationally to launch the halogen technology available in our new Energy Saver Range to give consumers and retailers a direct replacement for the inefficient incandescent light bulb,” he said.

The Halogen Energy Saver lasts on average twice as long as the incandescent light bulb and unlike the compact fluorescent light bulb can be used effectively with all dimmers and gives off a light that is the same in colour to that of the incandescent light bulb.

Produced with recyclable materials, the HALOGEN Energy Saver (ES) range is available in the classic bulb, candle, reflector and other shapes. You can find the new HALOGEN ENERGY SAVERS at your nearest New World, Pak’n Save, 4 Square Retail stores and Electrical Wholesale stores.

Find out the alternative HALOGEN Energy Saver product for your home

More information on the HALOGEN Energy Saver range

FAQ's on the HALOGEN Energy Saver range

For more help you can email our representative distributor Impel New Zealand at osram@impel.co.nz

More information can be found at the government website: http://www.eeca.govt.nz/news/media-releases/lights-out-on-incandesant-bulbs.html

Press contact:

Enquiries for Press and Marketing Communications