NatureLED - Development and evaluation of natural fiber materials as substitutes for metallic materials in housings and mounting systems for technical lighting

Recent years—marked by climate change, volatile markets, disrupted supply chains, and, not least, an energy crisis—show that we must very quickly explore new approaches in all areas to conserve resources and make Europe less dependent on third-party markets. This research project aims to contribute to addressing the climate crisis by reducing primary environmental impacts and energy consumption. This will be achieved by replacing aluminum and steel materials—which are currently used primarily in the manufacture of support profiles and housings for technical lighting fixtures—with natural-fiber composites. Natural-fiber-reinforced plastics are characterized by their environmental friendliness, low cost, light weight, and good mechanical properties. In combination with a biodegradable polymer matrix, biodegradable composites can be produced using natural fibers. The goal of this project is to identify and develop these natural fibers and integrate them into the mass production of technical lighting fixtures.