“In concrete terms: if Osram were to replace more than half a million plastic reels with paper reels each year, 108 tons of plastic and 436 tons of CO2 emissions could be saved,” said Osram. “At the same time, the transport weight would be reduced by 38.5 tons per year.”
The paper reel weighs 140g, compared with 217g for the plastic version – a ~35% reduction.
The CO2 equivalent calculation is more complex, as it covers a reel’s life-cycle from extraction of raw materials via production to end-of-life recycling.
Osram makes the figures 1,075g for the plastic reel and 203g for the paper reel – an ~80% decrease.
“The value is based on the best available data and estimation methods at the time of analysis,” the company explained. “It may be subject to change depending on updates to datasets, assumptions and modeling approaches.”
So far, the paper reel project is still a pilot project, but one that has “already undergone positive customer qualification”, said Osram. Physically, it has met stability, handling and cleanliness requirements for LED manufacturing and product safety and “the paper solution performed well on the industry-standard SMT line”. Particle safety met clean room requirements.
Where did the idea come from?
“This initiative is an example of successful project collaboration with our partners,” Osram told Electronics Weekly. “Zumtobel initiated the development of a more sustainable reel by approaching Osram. The development of the reel itself was done by Osram – it is therefore our product.”
How much does it cost?
There is no significant additional costs, according to Osram – material and production costs are comparable.
If you want to see it, and can wait until March next year, the reel is due to make a public appearance at Light + Building in Frankfurt.
