Steinhauer lighting and sustainability: conscious packaging according to PPWR
Sustainability is playing an increasingly important role in the lighting industry. At Steinhauer, we therefore look not only at energy-efficient lighting, but also at the way our products are packaged, transported and delivered. Good packaging protects the luminaire during transport, while avoiding the unnecessary use of materials.
With the new European PPWR legislation, clear requirements are being introduced for packaging and packaging waste. That is why Steinhauer has prepared a Declaration of Conformity for Packaging according to PPWR. This shows how we consciously deal with packaging materials, recyclability and responsible packaging.
Sustainability goes beyond the luminaire itself
When people talk about sustainable lighting, they often first think of LED technology, lower energy consumption and a long service life. These are important aspects, but sustainability goes beyond the luminaire itself.
Packaging also plays an important role. Lighting products often consist of delicate parts such as glass, metal, reflectors, shades or electronic components. These parts must be well protected during storage, transport and delivery. A damaged product leads to returns, additional transport and the use of new packaging material. In the end, that is not sustainable.
That is why Steinhauer always looks for the right balance: sufficient protection for the product, combined with the most efficient possible use of packaging material.
What is PPWR?
PPWR stands for Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation. This is European legislation relating to packaging and packaging waste. Its aim is to make packaging more sustainable, more recyclable and more efficient.
In simple terms, this means that companies need to look more consciously at the packaging they use. This includes, for example:
- avoiding unnecessarily large packaging;
- reducing excess materials;
- improving recyclability;
- clearly recording the materials used;
- limiting empty space in boxes;
- making packaging components easier to separate.
For Steinhauer, this means that we carefully assess our packaging. Not only in terms of strength, but also in terms of material use, protection, recycling and transport efficiency.
The Declaration of Conformity for Packaging according to PPWR
To clearly show how Steinhauer deals with this European legislation, a Declaration of Conformity for Packaging according to PPWR has been prepared.
With this declaration, we state that our packaging is assessed on the basis of the relevant PPWR requirements. The declaration applies to packaging used for our luminaires, lamps, spare parts and accessories.
This includes, among other things, sales packaging, transport packaging, cardboard boxes, inner packaging, protective materials, tape, labels, films and other logistical packaging materials.
For consumers, this provides additional confidence. It shows that Steinhauer pays attention not only to the product itself, but also to the way in which the product is delivered.
For dealers and agents, the declaration is especially practical. They are increasingly receiving questions about sustainability, packaging and European legislation. With this declaration, a clear document is available that can be referred to.
Less packaging where possible
An important part of sustainable packaging is avoiding unnecessary material use. Nobody wants oversized boxes, excessive filling material or packaging that is difficult to separate.
That is why Steinhauer looks at, among other things, the dimensions of the packaging, the materials used and the level of protection that is truly necessary. Where possible, we choose practical materials such as paper and cardboard. Plastic components, films, foam, tape and labels are also critically assessed.
The goal is not simply to use as little packaging as possible. The goal is to package more intelligently: less material where possible, and sufficient protection where necessary.
Good protection remains essential
In lighting, protection always remains important. A pendant light, floor lamp or table lamp must arrive undamaged at the dealer or consumer. Especially for products with glass, delicate finishes or heavier parts, sturdy packaging is sometimes essential.
Packaging that is too light or too tight can actually lead to transport damage. This causes additional transport, extra costs and renewed use of materials. From a sustainability point of view, that is not the right solution.
That is why Steinhauer assesses what is needed for each type of packaging. Some products can be packaged more simply, while others require additional protection. In this way, we ensure that the packaging is suitable for the product.
Recyclability and conscious material choices
In addition to protection, recyclability also plays an important role. Where possible, packaging materials should fit within existing waste and recycling streams.
Steinhauer therefore looks at the materials used and how they can be processed after use. Can the individual components be easily separated? Is the material recyclable? Is the combination of materials logical? Can less material be used without reducing product protection?
These questions are becoming increasingly important. For us, sustainable packaging does not only mean using less material, but above all making conscious choices.
More efficient transport through less empty space
Transport is also part of sustainable packaging. A box with a lot of empty space takes up unnecessary room during storage and transport. This is less efficient and can lead to additional transport movements.
Within the PPWR legislation, this topic receives extra attention. Steinhauer therefore continues to assess box sizes, inner packaging and transport packaging. Where possible, we aim to limit empty space and make packaging more efficient.
Here too, the principle remains the same: compact where possible, protective where necessary.
What does this mean for customers, dealers and agents?
For customers, this means that Steinhauer handles packaging consciously. When developing and assessing packaging, we look not only at protection, but also at sustainability, material use and recyclability.
For dealers and agents, the Declaration of Conformity for Packaging according to PPWR provides clear support. When questions arise about packaging, sustainability or European legislation, an official declaration is available.
In this way, we support our partners not only with a broad lighting collection, but also with clear information and documentation.
Steinhauer lighting and sustainability
Steinhauer has been active in the lighting industry for more than 90 years. During that time, the industry has changed significantly. Lighting has become more energy-efficient, smarter and more technically advanced. Sustainability has also become an increasingly important part of the industry.
That is why we continue to develop our processes. Not only in the field of lighting technology and luminaires, but also in the areas of packaging, transport and documentation.
The Declaration of Conformity for Packaging according to PPWR fits within this broader sustainability approach. It is a step towards greater transparency and more conscious choices within the supply chain.
For us, sustainability does not end with the luminaire. It also concerns the way a product is packaged, transported and ultimately delivered to the customer.
Download the Declaration of Conformity for Packaging
The Declaration of Conformity for Packaging – EU Declaration of Conformity – Packaging, in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2025/40 – Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), can be downloaded via our FAQ page under Technical questions.
Download the Declaration of Conformity for Packaging PPWR here.
Are you a dealer, agent or customer and do you have questions about this declaration? Please feel free to contact us.
