Industry news: Lighting and personal well-being linked

Philips Lighting SA general manager Luc Escoute explains that the quantity and quality of light entering your eyes partly controls the production of hormones such as melatonin. “Consequently, light patterns affect many of the body's rhythmic process such as alertness, mood, fatigue and performance. With people today spending more time working behind a computer indoors, improved lighting will not only improve their health and well-being, but it can also lead to better work performance, fewer errors and lower absenteeism.”

Escoute says that creating the ideal lighting environment for the new office environment demands a flexible and dynamic solution as it must accommodate a wide range of different working interiors and tasks: from offices and small workshops to huge factory halls; and from reading, writing and PC working tasks to fine precision work or heavy industrial tasks.

Philips invests in new technology

While in the past, lighting was generally based on its visual effects to facilitate the efficient and safe carrying out of work, now that the biological effects of good lighting is known, it is essential that lighting also improves the health and well-being of the people exposed. Philips Lighting, with its globally recognised expertise in the development, manufacturing and application of lighting solutions, is currently carrying out real-life productivity investigations to further improve its lighting solutions. It is also investing in the production of state-of-the-art lighting solutions. For example, the company invested EUR 35 million last year to expand its production facility in Turnhout, Belgium where lamps are manufactured which allow shop owners to show off their products under bright, true-to-life colours, and outdoors, where their cosy, warm white light and natural colours enhance people's feeling of safety and comfort at night.

Philips' ambition to improve the total effects of lighting is consistent with the company's “sense and simplicity” brand promise to thoroughly understand people's needs, desires and aspirations and to apply its leading-edge technological capabilities to create advanced, user-friendly lighting solutions. Philips aims to be at the forefront when it comes to creating productive and enjoyable working spaces for the benefit of all.

For futher information contact:
Chris Liebenberg
Marketing Manager
Philips Lighting Southern Africa
a division of Philips South Africa (Pty) Ltd
P.O. Box 58088 Newville 2114, Johannesburg