Reused printing plates in Fagerhult's new cardboard luminaires

Used printing plates from the printing industry are given a second life in Wrapped luminaires, demonstrating how industrial symbiosis can transform waste into valuable resources.

From printing plate to luminaire: industrial symbiosis in action

What happens when a residual product from the printing industry finds a new purpose in lighting? In Fagerhult’s Wrapped corner and surface-mounted luminaires, used printing plates are reused as a functional part of the luminaire structure. Materials that once helped produce newspapers, magazines and packaging are now given a second life in an innovative lighting solution.

This is a powerful example of industrial symbiosis, where a by-product from one industry becomes a valuable resource for another. The printing plates are incorporated into the luminaire and contribute to structural stability, cable management and electrical safety. Their consistent dimensions, quality and availability also create a stable and scalable material flow for production.

The idea emerged from a search for new opportunities to reuse existing materials. Rather than designing a component first and then searching for recycled materials, the development process started with the material itself. This approach demonstrates how circular design can unlock innovative solutions and highlights the value of looking beyond traditional industry boundaries.

With this initiative, Fagerhult demonstrates how collaboration, creativity and openness can lead to practical circular innovations. It is an inspiring example of how waste from one industry can create value and functionality in another.