Sustainable vehicle lighting: pioneering lamp concept from HELLA

Yves Andres, a member of FORVIA HELLA’s Management Board, highlights here our ambition to shape the mobility of the future by means of innovative and sustainable product solutions. "We want to develop products that benefit customers, consumers and the environment in equal measure. As a technology leader, we also want to play a pioneering role in the field of vehicle lighting and we plan to take a significant step towards the furthering of a circular economy."

The core concept of sustainable lamps is based on the three fundamental principles of "use less, use better, use longer". Significantly fewer components are used here, with purely decorative elements being omitted and replaced by structurally necessary components. Furthermore, primarily materials such as bio-based plastics or recycled materials are used so as to reduce the environmental impact. One key element in particular is the SSL 48 light module, which requires less installation space thanks to its highly efficient optical lens and which then in turn enables fully software-controlled light functions. In addition, unlike conventional lamps, it should also be possible to replace and repair individual parts in order to extend the service life of the lamp and to increase the recycling rate.

The overall concept of sustainable vehicle lighting aims to achieve cost neutrality as compared with conventional LED lamps on the market and this without causing additional financial outlay. The use of reused components, the reduction in component requirements and the lower overall weight also offset the cost of higher-quality materials.

Yves Andres emphasises the importance of this concept: "Sustainability, performance and functionality do not create a contradiction in terms!" In future, FORVIA HELLA would like to further develop its sustainable vehicle lighting together with customers and, in the medium term, integrate this kind of lighting into potential series products.